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.
When Things Go Wrong
Godley & Creme Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My doctor said I've got to stay in bed
A week at least, a week or three
But that would drive me crazy
My lawyer said my case is weak
The witnesses refuse to speak
And you're up against a hanging judge and jury
The boss is on my back
My youngest boy, not yet thirteen
Said Dad, drop out, this ain't your scene
But my eldest boy just said, Dad, drop dead
Oh, when things go wrong, they really go wrong
And they rarely go right for me
Oh, when things go wrong, they really go wrong
And they rarely go right for me
My mother says she's still alive
Please call us up from time to time
If it's not too much trouble
It's for your father's sake
My yoga class
Said take the time to relax, relax, relax
But we're dining out with the Shultzes tonight
And I hate the Shultzes
I never wake up in the morning
'Cause I never go to sleep at night
I go to bed, I take a powder
Maybe tonight's the night
All the cares of the day
Seem to gather in a corner
Like an army of ants
Who are waiting for the moment when the lights go out
I can't sleep, I can't sleep
Oh, when things go wrong, they really go wrong
And they rarely go right for me
Oh, when things go wrong, they really go wrong
And they rarely go right for me
The song "When Things Go Wrong" by Godley & Creme describes the series of unfortunate events and negative emotions that the singer is experiencing. The lyrics illustrate a person who is unable to sleep due to a combination of physical and emotional reasons. Their doctor has instructed them to rest in bed for at least a week, but the prospect of being stuck at home for that long is making them feel restless and anxious. Simultaneously, the singer is dealing with various external issues. Their legal case is not going well, and their witnesses refuse to testify. Additionally, they are facing criticism and pressure from their boss, while their children have conflicting opinions about their father's wellbeing. In the face of all these challenges, the singer struggles to find a sense of calm and balance.
The song's lyrics also touch on the singer's sense of isolation and disconnection from their loved ones. Although their mother and yoga class urge them to take care of themselves, the singer feels burdened by their family's expectations and the obligations they have to maintain social appearances. There is a sense of bitterness and cynicism in their voice as they describe their interactions with the people around them, such as their disdain for the "Shultzes" or their elder son's harsh words.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't sleep, I can't sleep
I am struggling to fall asleep and stay asleep, experiencing restlessness and insomnia.
My doctor said I've got to stay in bed
My physician has advised me to remain in bed to recuperate.
A week at least, a week or three
The duration of my bed rest is uncertain, ranging from one to three weeks.
But that would drive me crazy
The idea of being confined to bed for an extended length of time is causing me mental distress and anxiety.
My lawyer said my case is weak
My legal representative has informed me that my legal case lacks substantial evidence or support.
The witnesses refuse to speak
The individuals with knowledge of or involvement in the case are unwilling to provide testimony or evidence.
And you're up against a hanging judge and jury
The judge and jury presiding over my legal case are notoriously harsh and predisposed to issuing severe punishments.
The boss is on my back
My supervisor is pressuring me and expressing dissatisfaction with my work performance.
He says he feels there something lacking in the progress of my department
My supervisor has noticed that my department is not meeting the expected goals or benchmarks, and is concerned with my management.
My youngest boy, not yet thirteen
My youngest child, who is still a child in their pre-teens.
Said Dad, drop out, this ain't your scene
My youngest child has suggested that I resign or withdraw from my current profession, claiming that it is not the right fit for me.
But my eldest boy just said, Dad, drop dead
My oldest child has expressed hostility towards me, stating that it would be preferable if I were to pass away or cease to exist.
My mother says she's still alive
My mother has affirmed that she is still living.
Please call us up from time to time
I am requested to make intermittent phone calls to my family members.
If it's not too much trouble
My family is inquiring if such phone calls would be an imposition or inconvenience.
It's for your father's sake
The phone calls are being requested on behalf of my father, possibly relating to his health or well-being.
My yoga class
The exercise program that I attend that emphasizes physical and mental wellness through meditative practices and stretching.
Said take the time to relax, relax, relax
I have been instructed to prioritize and focus on relaxation and stress-relief by my instructor.
But we're dining out with the Shultzes tonight
Despite this advice, I have made social plans with a group of individuals named the Shultzes and will be dining with them.
And I hate the Shultzes
I possess a strong sentiment of dislike or animosity towards the Shultzes and do not look forward to socializing with them.
I never wake up in the morning
Due to my sleeping difficulties, I rarely arise from my bed and initiate my day in the traditional morning hours.
'Cause I never go to sleep at night
I struggle to fall asleep during the customary hours of night, which results in a delayed and erratic sleep schedule.
I go to bed, I take a powder
My attempts to adhere to a consistent bedtime routine are frequently unsuccessful, and I rely on sleep aids or sedatives, such as a powder form of medicine.
Maybe tonight's the night
I hope that the upcoming night may be more restful and satisfying when it comes to my sleep quality.
All the cares of the day
Throughout the course of my day, numerous sources of stress and anxiety accumulate and persist.
Seem to gather in a corner
These negative emotions and experiences become more concentrated and overwhelming, analogous to a tangible pile in one specific location.
Like an army of ants
This accumulation of stresses can be likened to the steady and persistent movement of countless marching ants.
Who are waiting for the moment when the lights go out
These stresses seem to wait until the end of the day when I am attempting to sleep to converge and overwhelm my mind, a time when I am most vulnerable.
Oh, when things go wrong, they really go wrong
When negative events or circumstances arise in my life, they persist and accumulate in a manner that feels overwhelming and unmanageable.
And they rarely go right for me
Positive developments, events, or circumstances are infrequent and difficult to come by, further exacerbating my overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness.
Oh, when things go wrong, they really go wrong
My experiences of poor and unfortunate outcomes persist in a consistent and unsatisfying pattern.
And they rarely go right for me
Positive outcomes or experiences that are desirable and satisfying are infrequently achieved or encountered, leading to a persistent sense of frustration and disillusionment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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