After recording the band's fourth album "How Dare You!" the pair started work on a new instrument they called The Gizmo. In 1977 they created a concept album "Consequences" to showcase it, which also had the voice talents of comedian Peter Cook.
In the late seventies and early eighties they released three albums "L", "Freeze Frame" and "Ismism" (released under the name "Snack Attack" in the USA).
Their greatest successes, however, came in the field of music video production in the early 80s. Working with bands like Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Police, Duran Duran, Herbie Hancock and Sting.
Their last album "Goodbye Blue Sky" was released in 1988 but they fell out during production. To-date (2006) they have not worked together again since then.
Lost Weekend
Godley & Creme Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Were you walking, was I running
Is it here, or is it coming soon
Thanks a lot
Oh, I wish you well
Friends or lovers, who can tell
When the dust finally has settled
Will I be left with roses or with nettles
A lost weekend, no beginning, no end
Are we the rust upon the metal
Or the ghosts of folks who never settled down
Thanks a lot
Lost in heaven, lost in hell
Only time will tell
When the book finally is written
Just our luck, the last page will be missing
Oh, whatever happened on that lost weekend
The Godley & Creme song Lost Weekend is a contemplative track that explores the aftermath of an experience that was either a particularly wild or particularly difficult weekend. The song suggests that this experience was all-consuming and had no defined beginning or end, with the singer questioning whether they were walking towards it or running away from it. They cannot even say for sure if it's already happened or if it's still to come. This uncertainty is echoed in the refrain "Thanks a lot," which could be interpreted as gratitude for whatever happened or as a bitter sarcastic comment.
The song then turns to the question of how this experience will impact the singer's relationships. They wonder if the person they shared this weekend with was a friend or a lover or some other indeterminate relation. They also express concern that when the "dust finally has settled," they may be left with "nettles" rather than "roses," suggesting that this experience may have long-lasting negative effects. The chorus repeats the idea of the lost weekend having no beginning or end, and the second verse adds to the melancholy mood by asking if the singer and their companion were merely "the rust upon the metal" or "ghosts of folks who never settled down." The song concludes with a sense of loss, as the singer worries that the story of this lost weekend may never be fully told and may be lost forever.
Line by Line Meaning
A lost weekend, no beginning, no end
A period of time when we were disconnected from the concept of time and consequences, and we had no idea how it started or ended.
Were you walking, was I running
We were moving at different speeds, and I couldn't keep up with you, or it could be the other way around.
Is it here, or is it coming soon
We are not sure whether the consequences of our actions are already here, or they will show up later on.
Thanks a lot
Sarcastic expression of gratitude towards something or someone that caused negative outcomes.
Oh, I wish you well
I am being polite and I hope you do well, despite the fact that we have had a falling out.
Friends or lovers, who can tell
We had something between us, but it was ambiguous whether it was just friendship or it had romantic connotations.
When the dust finally has settled
When everything has calmed down and the chaos has ended.
Will I be left with roses or with nettles
Will the outcome of our actions be positive or negative, will it be something pleasant or unpleasant.
Oh, whatever happened on that lost weekend
After all this reflection, I am still unsure what really happened or what caused the events during that period.
Are we the rust upon the metal
Are we a sign of decay and neglect in the bigger picture, only temporary features in the cycle of life.
Or the ghosts of folks who never settled down
Are we wandering souls that never had a permanent place, people that couldn't commit or find their calling in life.
Lost in heaven, lost in hell
Feeling euphoric or in despair, as if we were in another realm or trapped in a nightmare.
Only time will tell
The outcomes of our actions and the consequences of our choices will only be revealed with the passing of time.
When the book finally is written
When the story is completed, and we have a clearer view of the narrative and its characters.
Just our luck, the last page will be missing
Despite all the caution and care, there is a chance that some crucial information or event will be lost, leaving us with an incomplete picture.
Contributed by Caroline M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.