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 lyrics to Gillian's song, Lucille, convey the singer's undying love for a woman named Lucille who he implores to satisfy his soul and return to him. He acknowledges that she has already married someone else but his love for her still persists. The repetition of the phrase, "Baby do your sister's will" and "Well you went up and married but I love you still" point towards some inner conflict and struggle within the singer. It's possible that Lucille's sister may have also had feelings for the singer and he's asking Lucille to choose between him and her sister. Alternatively, Lucille may have left the singer for someone who could provide her with a more stable life, and the singer is struggling to accept this reality.
The reference to the friends of Lucille who refuse to disclose her whereabouts may indicate that Lucille has deliberately left the singer and doesn't want to be found. The line "Please come back to where you belong" perhaps implies that the singer believes Lucille belongs with him, and he won't give up until she's back in his arms.
Overall, the song's lyrics convey a sense of turmoil, passion, and heartbreak. The ambiguous lines leave room for interpretation, making it relevant and relatable to many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah Lucille
The singer addresses Lucille with affection.
Baby do your sister's will
The singer is asking Lucille to comply with her sister's wishes, likely to return to the family.
Well you went up and married
Lucille has gotten married and may be living with her husband.
But I love you still
Despite her being married, the singer still has feelings for Lucille.
Baby satisfy my soul
The singer wants Lucille to provide emotional fulfillment.
Well you know I love baby
The singer is expressing their love and desire for Lucille.
I'll never let you go
The singer is committed to being with Lucille and never letting her go.
Babe I woke up this morning
The singer is reminiscing about a morning where they woke up without Lucille.
Lucille was not inside
Lucille was not present or in the same location as the artist.
I asked her friends about her
The singer inquires with Lucille's friends about her whereabouts.
But all their lips were tight
Lucille's friends are keeping her location a secret and are not willing to share it with the singer.
Lucille, please come back where you belong
The artist is asking Lucille to return to where she is expected to be, possibly referring to her family or her lover.
Well I'm talking to you baby
The singer is directing their comments to Lucille.
I'll never put you on
The singer won't pressure or force Lucille into a decision.
Oh Lucille
The singer shows affection toward Lucille.
Yeah baby do your sister's will
The singer reiterates their request for Lucille to fulfill her sister's wishes.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOE TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind