The Flying Pickets was a British a cappella vocal group, known for a surpri… Read Full Bio ↴The Flying Pickets was a British a cappella vocal group, known for a surprise number one hit in 1983 on the U.K. singles chart with their cover of the Yazoo's track "Only You". Their version, having peaked around Christmastime, is remembered fondly by many radio stations during the season. The name 'Flying Pickets' refers to mobile strikers who travel in order to join a picket. The group of six was founded by Brian Hibbard in 1982 based off of a group of actors called the "7:84 Theatre group", a fringe theatre group who had sung a capella in their production of 'One Big Blow.

Said production was based on a previous U.K. miners' strike. "Only You", their debut single, was the British Christmas number one in 1983, spending a total of five weeks at the top, and it also did well around Europe. Ironically enough, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, fighting an acrimonious political battle with unions at the time, said that the single was one of her favorite songs. A second single, a cover of the soul classic "When You're Young and in Love" by Van McCoy, reached number seven, but their third, a cover of the Eurythmics' track "Who's That Girl?", barely charted at all.

Joining Hibbard in the Flying Pickets were Rick Lloyd, Gareth Williams, David Brett, Ken Gregson, and Red Stripe (real name David Gittins). They were internationally renowned for their appearances: Hibbard's huge sideburns, Stripes thick eyeliner, and four others showing off flamboyant suits and large hats. A group like the Pickets were very lucky to get into the charts at all, let alone a Christmas number one and a pleasing number seven afterwards.

Hibbard and Gittins tried desperately to stay in the music business, and they formed their own act called 'Brian and Stripe'. Unfortunately, their first and only single failed, and they returned to their separate acting careers. Other group members drifted into various careers.

Since the original Flying Pickets split, a new team of five ambitious men have tried to follow in the original's footsteps. Yet they have had no chart success. Still, they've toured around Europe in lots of small venues all year round, trying to at least touch the giddy heights of their predecessors.

Road To Nowhere
Flying Pickets Lyrics

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Well we know where we're goin'
But we don't know where we've been
And we know what we're knowin'
But we can't say what we've seen
And we're not little children
And we know what we want
And the future is certain
Give us time to work it out

We're on a road to nowhere
Come on inside
Takin' that ride to nowhere
We'll take that ride

I'm feelin' okay this mornin'
And you know,
We're on the road to paradise
Here we go, here we go

We're on a road to nowhere
We're on a road to nowhere
We're on a road to nowhere

Maybe you wonder where you are
I don't care
Here is where time is on our side
Take you there, take you there

We're on a road to nowhere
We're on a road to nowhere
We're on a road to nowhere

There's a city in my mind
Come along and take that ride
And it's all right, baby, it's all right

And it's very far away
But it's growing day by day
And it's all right, baby, it's all right

They can tell you what to do
But they'll make a fool of you
And it's all right, baby, it's all right

We're on a road to nowhere

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Flying Pickets' song "Road to Nowhere" seem to reflect a sense of uncertainty and purposelessness in life. The opening lines suggest that the individuals have a destination in mind, but they are unaware of the path they have taken to get there. They have knowledge and understanding, but their experiences remain unexpressed or unidentified. Despite being mature adults, they still have a sense of longing and desire for something, and they believe that the future holds certainty if given enough time.

The chorus repeats the phrase "We're on a road to nowhere" several times, emphasizing the theme of aimlessness and uncertainty. The invitation to "come on inside" and take the "ride to nowhere" suggests a willingness to embrace this lack of direction and make the most of it. The singer states that they feel okay in the morning, implying a temporary contentment in the present moment. They believe that they are on a journey towards paradise or a better place, reinforcing their optimism in the face of uncertainty.

The lyrics also touch upon the concept of time. The singer suggests that it doesn't matter where they are or what others might wonder about their location. They believe that time is on their side, and they can create their own sense of fulfillment and purpose. The city mentioned symbolizes a metaphorical landscape within the mind, representing the dreams, aspirations, and possibilities that lie ahead. Despite being far away, this city is growing day by day, implying a sense of progress and potential.

Overall, "Road to Nowhere" by Flying Pickets highlights the human tendency to seek meaning and purpose in life, even when faced with uncertainty and a lack of direction. It encourages embracing the journey, finding contentment in the present, and believing in the unlimited possibilities that the future holds.

Line by Line Meaning

Well we know where we're goin'
We have a sense of direction and purpose in our lives

But we don't know where we've been
However, we are uncertain about our past experiences and how they have shaped us

And we know what we're knowin'
We have knowledge and understanding of certain things

But we can't say what we've seen
Yet, we struggle to express or articulate our firsthand experiences

And we're not little children
We are mature and capable individuals

And we know what we want
We have clear desires and aspirations

And the future is certain
We are confident that our future holds opportunities and fulfillment

Give us time to work it out
We simply require time to figure things out and make progress

We're on a road to nowhere
We are pursuing a path that leads to an unknown destination

Come on inside
Join us on this journey

Takin' that ride to nowhere
Engaging in an aimless adventure

We'll take that ride
We are willingly embracing this journey

I'm feelin' okay this mornin'
Currently, I am experiencing a positive state of mind

And you know,
It is evident

We're on the road to paradise
We are on the path to a blissful and ideal destination

Here we go, here we go
We are excited and ready to embark on this journey

Maybe you wonder where you are
You might be curious about your current situation

I don't care
But I am indifferent to it

Here is where time is on our side
This is a place where we have ample time and opportunity

Take you there, take you there
Let me guide you to this place

There's a city in my mind
Within my thoughts, there exists a vivid and imagined city

Come along and take that ride
Join me and experience that journey in my mind

And it's all right, baby, it's all right
Everything is fine and acceptable

And it's very far away
This imaginary city is distant and remote

But it's growing day by day
However, it continues to develop and expand gradually

And it's all right, baby, it's all right
Regardless, everything remains fine and acceptable

They can tell you what to do
Others may give you instructions

But they'll make a fool of you
However, they will deceive or manipulate you

And it's all right, baby, it's all right
Nevertheless, everything remains fine and acceptable

We're on a road to nowhere
Once again, we are headed towards an unknown destination

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chris Frantz, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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