Until the release of "Waiting for a Train" in 1983 they had been a one-hit wonder in the UK, which was a coincidence as the expression 'a flash in the pan' denotes something that is only briefly popular. The duo gained further exposure through the track from their debut album, "Walking in the Rain", which was later covered by Grace Jones.
Where Were You
Flash & The Pan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been a hell of an evening and I've had a good time
And now that it's over, well let's get it straight
Don't think that I'm stupid, that I took the bait
I know you're in trouble and you're on the mat
So before you get busy, well here's where it's at
[Chorus]
Where were you at the fall
Where were you when the light went out
You were nowhere at all
Danny's a junkie and Susie's on bail
And Jimmy's still there in that Mexican jail
And while you've been sitting with your face in your food
Lucy's out there in that Norwegian wood
You think you've got troubles, well what do you know
And as for the favour you know where to go
[Chorus]
You were the hero, you were the best
I was the fool that got left with the mess
And while you were living it up on the coast
Yours truly was stuck here with a room full of ghosts
So hear what I tell you, you miserable clown
We're all gonna help you, on your way down
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics to Flash & The Pan's song "Where Were You" tells the story of a person who had been used by someone they thought was their friend. The singer thanks this person for a lovely evening of dinner and wine but makes it clear to them that they're not naive enough to fall for their tricks. The person they're speaking to is in trouble and needs help, but the singer knows that they were nowhere to be found when they needed help. They call out this person for not being there when they were going through difficult times but now, when they need help, they are coming around looking for assistance. The chorus repeatedly asks the person where they were when the singer needed them the most.
The song continues to talk about how different people around them are dealing with current issues. Danny is struggling with drug addiction, Susie is on bail, Jimmy is in a Mexican jail, and Lucy is lost in some Norwegian wood. The singer says that the person they're speaking to thinks they've got problems, but they don't know what's really going on in other people's lives. They point out that they were left with a mess while the other person was living it up on the coast. The singer then calls out this person as a miserable clown and says that everyone is going to help them on their way down.
The song is about betrayal and the frustration of being used. It's a wakeup call to those who only come around when they need something from others. The chorus is simple but memorable and highlights the central theme of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Thanks for the dinner, thanks for the wine
I appreciate your hospitality and the food and drinks were great
It's been a hell of an evening and I've had a good time
I enjoyed myself tonight and had a great time
And now that it's over, well let's get it straight
Now that the night is done, let's be honest with each other
Don't think that I'm stupid, that I took the bait
I'm not naive, I know what you're trying to do
I know you're in trouble and you're on the mat
I can tell that you're in a bad situation and need help
So before you get busy, well here's where it's at
Before you start dealing with your problems, listen to me
Where were you when I needed you
You weren't there for me when I needed you most
Where were you at the fall
You weren't around during my tough times
Where were you when the light went out
You weren't there when things went wrong
You were nowhere at all
You were completely absent and not there for me
Danny's a junkie and Susie's on bail
My friends Danny and Susie are struggling with addiction and legal issues
And Jimmy's still there in that Mexican jail
My friend Jimmy is still imprisoned in Mexico
And while you've been sitting with your face in your food
While you were enjoying your meal
Lucy's out there in that Norwegian wood
My friend Lucy is overseas, far away from her problems
You think you've got troubles, well what do you know
You think you have problems, but you have no idea
And as for the favour you know where to go
If you need a favor, don't bother asking me for it
You were the hero, you were the best
You were once considered a hero and the best around
I was the fool that got left with the mess
I was foolish to trust and rely on you, and now I'm stuck with the consequences
And while you were living it up on the coast
While you were living a luxurious life on the coast
Yours truly was stuck here with a room full of ghosts
I was left behind to deal with my own troubles and past mistakes
So hear what I tell you, you miserable clown
Listen to what I'm saying, you pathetic person
We're all gonna help you, on your way down
We will support and assist you as you inevitably face your own problems and downfall
Where were you when I needed you
Once again, I ask where you were when I needed you the most
Where were you at the fall
Again, you were not around during my difficult times
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JACKSON BROWNE, JEFF YOUNG, KEVIN JAMES MC CORMICK, MARK GOLDENBERG, MAURICIO FRITZ LEWAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Swedefunkygirl
I love this album <3 !
HEREISMÜLLER
Ok, its time to spit it out, i was in the carpark with Jenny from the fruit shop in the back of the Sandman. I don't regret it, it was just an unfortunate thing , sorry :(
Anthony Molina
WTF! lol
Jadwiga Halota
AT last - I've been waiting for this track on YT since I joined 3 years ago or so. Thanks for uploading:)
mikeMCSG
A bit reminiscent of "Love Is In The Air" which of course was written by the same guys.
Alfons Wunderlich
Das beste Album.
sydeston
@imaginosable I remember seeing the video on Sounds in about 83 a lot of smoke machine use
Tisselwood
@jadzia7911 I'ts my pleasure ;o)
Tisselwood
@countrysweat I don't know?