In 1978 Ian Gillan had become dissatisfied with the jazz fusion style of his band called Ian Gillan Band and dissolved it, retaining only keyboard player Colin Towns, and formed a new band entitled Gillan. He added Steve Byrd on guitar, Liam Glenocky on drums and John McCoy (ex-zzebra) on bass, and initially pursued a progressive rock direction, releasing their eponymous debut in 1978, although they could only get a record deal in Japan. This recording has subsequently become more widely available as THE JAPANESE ALBUM.
The album was sufficiently successful to attract more attention and in 1979 the band secured a European deal with Acrobat Records. Before a new album was recorded, Byrd was replaced by Bernie Tormé and Glenocky by Mick Underwood, Ian Gillan's former colleague in Episode Six. Torme's "screaming guitar" sound fundamentally altered the dynamics and Gillan took a heavy metal direction. This lineup's first album was released as MR. UNIVERSE and contained many re-worked songs from The Japanese Album. The band caught the rise of the NWOBHM at just the right time and the group gained popularity in Europe. At Christmas Gillan turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to join Rainbow, but Blackmore did make a "legendary" guest appearance for Gillan at their Christmas show. It was the first time Ian Gillan and Blackmore had performed together since 1973.
In 1980 Gillan reached the peak of their success, releasing the successful GLORY ROAD album with the limited edition "free" LP for gillan fans only. However the band remained unknown in North America and were unable to raise any interest there despite tours.
By 1981 the band members were becoming disgruntled that their European and Japanese success was not translating into increased pay, and after the FUTURE SHOCK album tour, Torme walked out just before the band were due to appear on Top of the Pops. He was replaced by White Spirit guitarist Janick Gers and this line up releaed the live/studio combi double album DOUBLE TROUBLE at the end of the year. In 1982 final album MAGIC followed. By this time, tension over money had reached fever-pitch and Ian Gillan needed time to have nodes removed from his vocal chords. He also received and accepted an offer to replace Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath. After the Magic tour Ian Gillan dissolved the band to the incredulity of the other members, particularly McCoy, and the acrimony remained into the 21st century.
McCoy subsequently released compilations of studio out-takes to which he had the rights, beginning with Gillan Tapes, Vol. 1, and ensured that revenues were distributed fairly amongst the band.
Lucille
Gillan Lyrics
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Baby do your sister's will
Ah Lucille
Baby do your sister's will
Well you went up and married
But I love you still
Ah Lucille
Ah Lucille
Baby satisfy my soul
Well you know I love baby
I'll never let you go
Babe I woke up this morning
Lucille was not inside
I asked her friends about her
But all their lips were tight
Lucille
Please come back where you belong
Well I'm talking to you baby
I'll never put you on
Ah! Wha'!
Well Lucille
Baby do your sister's will
Oh Lucille
Yeah baby do your sister's will
Well you went up and married
But I love you still
The song "Lucille" by Gillan tells a story of a man's love for a woman named Lucille, who he wants to satisfy his soul. The lyrics are representative of a man's plea for his lover's attention while she is married to someone else. The singer asks Lucille to return to him, and he will never let her go. Throughout the song, the singer is attempting to convince Lucille to separate from her husband and return to him, the one who truly loves her.
The song encompasses the themes of love, loss, and regret. The singer is expressing his deep love for Lucille, but is filled with regret for not being able to have her by his side. He desires to fill the void that is missing in his soul, and he thinks that only Lucille can fulfill that. Throughout the song, the singer's desperation is palpable, but he is still holding on to hope that Lucille will return to him.
Interestingly, Gillan's version of the song was not the original rendition of the song. The original version was written and recorded by Richard Penniman, also known as Little Richard. The song was a major hit for Little Richard, reaching number one on the R&B charts and number 21 on the pop charts. Today, "Lucille" is considered a rock and roll classic and Little Richard's signature song.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah Lucille
Addressing the woman named Lucille and showing a sense of familiarity and comfort in the relationship.
Baby do your sister's will
Asking Lucille to do something for her sister, possibly suggesting that Lucille owes her sister a favor.
Well you went up and married
Lucille got married and possibly it was against the singer's wishes.
But I love you still
Despite Lucille getting married, the artist still has feelings for her.
Baby satisfy my soul
Asking Lucille to fulfill his emotional desires and bring him contentment.
Well you know I love baby
Reminding Lucille that he loves her, possibly implying that she should reciprocate his feelings.
I'll never let you go
Promise to retain his affection for Lucille and not abandon her emotionally.
Babe I woke up this morning
Starting a story about the events of the morning.
Lucille was not inside
Lucille was not present in his place of waking up.
I asked her friends about her
Asking people who would know about Lucille's whereabouts.
But all their lips were tight
The people he asked refused to give him any information, possibly because it was confidential.
Lucille
Calling out the woman's name again, expressing a sense of longing to see her again.
Please come back where you belong
Requesting Lucille to return to where she is expected to be, perhaps implying that she is wanted there.
Well I'm talking to you baby
Addressing Lucille directly to emphasize the importance of the message.
I'll never put you on
Ensuring Lucille that he will never deceive her, possibly implying that she has trust issues with him.
Oh Lucille
Calling out the woman's name again, repeating his plea for her return.
Yeah baby do your sister's will
Repeating his request for Lucille to do something for her sister, possibly indicating that it is extremely important.
But I love you still
Reemphasizing that his feelings for Lucille are unwavering despite any external circumstances.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Richard Penniman, Albert Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind