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.
Nervous
Gillan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You make me so nervous, I'll hurt you so move away
You do what is right for me
Behave so considerately
You make me nervous
You planned out my future, you tell me what I should say
You wouldn't know, would you, you're dragging me down each day
There's no more you and me
It makes me nervous
I really believed you when you said you tried to help
But now I'm looking right through you and you only helped yourself
I'm leaving now can't you see
There's no more you and me
You make me nervous
The lyrics to Gillan's song Nervous are powerful and emotional. It appears to be a ballad about a person who is experiencing a tumultuous relationship with their partner. The opening two lines, "You make me so nervous that you'd better move away, You make me so nervous, I'll hurt you so move away" set the tone of the song. The singer is exasperated and anxious because of their partner's behavior. They are warning their partner to stay away because their own nervousness might end up hurting their partner.
The following lines, "You do what is right for me, Behave so considerately, You make me nervous" juxtaposes the previous lines. The partner is portrayed as someone who is trying to make things better and do the right thing for the singer, but it still makes the singer nervous. It highlights the complexity and chaos of relationships.
The final set of lines, "I'm leaving you can't you see, There's no more you and me, It makes me nervous" signifies the end of the relationship. The singer is leaving because they cannot handle the relationship anymore. Even though the partner is behaving considerately, they are still making the singer nervous. The repeated phrase "It makes me nervous" drives the point across that relationships can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Line by Line Meaning
You make me so nervous that you'd better move away
You're causing me anxiety, so you should leave to avoid getting hurt
You make me so nervous, I'll hurt you so move away
You're making me so anxious that I may harm you, so keep a safe distance
You do what is right for me
You're considerate of my well-being
Behave so considerately
Your actions demonstrate your thoughtfulness towards me
You planned out my future, you tell me what I should say
You're controlling my life and dictating my choices
You wouldn't know, would you, you're dragging me down each day
You don't realize the harm you're causing me by controlling and limiting me
I'm leaving you can't you see
I'm breaking away from your control and influence
There's no more you and me
Our relationship is over
It makes me nervous
The situation is causing me anxiety or unease
I really believed you when you said you tried to help
I trusted you when you claimed to be assisting me
But now I'm looking right through you and you only helped yourself
I see through your facade and realize you were only helping yourself
Contributed by Eliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.