General Public signed to I.R.S. Records and released All the Rage (1984). However, by the time the album was released, Jones was no longer a member of General Public, although he did play guitar on the majority of the album's tracks. Kevin White (who also played on the album) was now the group's official guitarist and sixth member.
In Britain, General Public had a minor hit with the eponymous track called "General Public", which reached # 60. The band fared better in North America, where their second single "Tenderness" was a top 40 hit in the US and Canada, reaching #27 on the U.S. charts, thanks in part to heavy play from MTV and Los Angeles-based modern rock station KROQ. (Ironically, The Beat never had any top 40 hits in the UK.) [Chart info cited from: The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, Billboard Books (2004).]
For the follow-up album, White and Stoker were replaced by brothers Gianni Minardi and Mario Minardi on guitar and drums, respectively. Unfortunately, despite featuring a track from the soundtrack to Weird Science, Hand to Mouth (1986) was significantly less successful than the debut album, and the band soon split up. They both front two versions of the band, with Roger & Everett Moreton ( as The Beat ) in the UK & Dave in America ( as The English Beat ).
Roger and Wakeling worked on various solo projects for the next few years, before reuniting in 1994 to perform a cover of The Staple Singers hit "I'll Take You There" for the Threesome soundtrack. The song, credited to General Public, was a surprise top 40 hit in the US and Canada, and a minor hit (#73) in the UK.
The duo (now the only members of General Public) stayed together to release the album Rub It Better in 1995, recorded with the aid of producer Jerry Harrison. But sales were dismal, and Roger was tired of the grind of touring, so they soon broke up again.
Beginning in 2000, Dave Wakeling began calling his backing band alternately either General Public or The English Beat. He then toured (mostly in North America) as either "The English Beat featuring Dave Wakeling" or "Dave Wakeling & General Public". Aside from Wakeling, this new backing band featured no original members of The (English) Beat or General Public, although reportedly Ranking Roger and other Beat members turned up as guest performers at a handful of shows.
As A Matter Of Fact
General Public Lyrics
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As a matter of fact
First to get told
Last to get asked
Just mind your ass
When the buck gets passed
Mind over matter
As a matter of fact
The cards are stacked
As a matter of fact
It's a matter of class
What's the matter?
What's the matter?
What's the matter?
What's the matter?
What's the matter?
What's the matter?
As a matter of fact?
Someone's been lying in my bed
And wearing my clothes
Roses to start with
But now nothing in the garden grows
It's all the same yes
But it's not the person I know
Roses to start with
But as a matter of fact
It's no more than an act
What's the matter
What's a matter
As a matter of fact?
Matter of fact?
Hopping mad it's as simple as that
What's the matter
What's a matter
As a matter of fact?
Matter of fact
Ha ha
No more predictions
You'll just have to follow your nose
Stranger than fiction
Well a'int that the way the story goes?
What kind of world is this
Where the blood flows faster than wine?
Roses are red yes
And now I'm seeing red as a sign of the times
Wassamatter
Wassamatter
As a matter of fact?
As a matter of fact
I'm hopping mad 'cause the bland lead the blind
Wassamatter
Wassamatter
As a matter of fact?
As a matter of fact
Someone's been lying in my bed
Roses to start with
But now nothing in the garden grows
It's all the same yes
But it's not the person I know
No no no
Roses to start with
But as a matter of fact
It's no more than an act
What's the matter
What's the matter
As a matter of fact?
Matter of fact
Hopping mad it's as simple as that
What's the matter
What's the matter
As a matter of fact?
Matter of fact?
It's a matter of order
It's a matter of class
First to get told
Are the last to get asked
Just mind your ass
When the buck gets passed
Mind over matter
As a matter of fact
It's a matter of class
As a matter of fact
The cards are stacked
Matter of fact
What's the matter?
What's the matter?
What's the matter of fact
Matter of fact?
Take that
How's that, how's that, how's that, how's that, how's that
The lyrics to General Public's "As a Matter of Fact" talk about the injustice, deception, and class system that exist in society. The song's message is reflective of the social and political climate of the late 80s, with the lines "It's a matter of class, it's a matter of order" highlighting the systemic inequality prevalent in society. The lyrics also touch on the theme of betrayal, with the lines "Someone's been lying in my bed, and wearing my clothes" portraying a feeling of being violated and deceived.
The refrain "What's the matter?" is repeated several times, effectively conveying a sense of confusion and desperation, as if the singer is asking what can be done to address the issues at hand. The song ends on an assertive note, with the singer declaring "mind over matter", suggesting that one must take control of their own destiny and not let external forces dictate their lives.
Overall, the lyrics to "As a Matter of Fact" are a powerful commentary on the injustices and social issues that exist in society, encouraging listeners to take action and challenge the status quo.
Line by Line Meaning
Matter of order
The way things are organized is important
As a matter of fact
In fact, the truth is
First to get told
The first to know are usually those in power or with authority
Last to get asked
Those at the bottom are usually the last to be consulted
Just mind your ass
Be careful and protect yourself
When the buck gets passed
When responsibility is shifted from one person to another
Mind over matter
The power of the mind can overcome physical challenges
The cards are stacked
The odds are against you
It's a matter of class
Social status and inequality are significant factors
What's the matter?
What's the problem?
Someone's been lying in my bed
Someone has betrayed my trust
Roses to start with, but now nothing in the garden grows
Things that seemed beautiful and positive have turned out to be hollow
It's all the same yes, but it's not the person I know
Things may appear the same, but they are not genuine or familiar
It's no more than an act
It's just a show or facade
Hopping mad it's as simple as that
I am extremely angry and frustrated
No more predictions, you'll just have to follow your nose
There is no certainty, you have to rely on your instincts
Stranger than fiction, well ain't that the way the story goes?
Real life can be more bizarre and unpredictable than fiction
What kind of world is this? Where the blood flows faster than wine?
The world is full of violence and chaos
And now I'm seeing red as a sign of the times
I am angry and frustrated with the current state of affairs
Take that, How's that, how's that, how's that, how's that
I am expressing defiance or satisfaction
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group
Written by: DAVID FREDERICK WAKELING, MICKEY BILLINGHAM, S.J. PANTER, ROGER CHARLERY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind