Hard-Fi achieved chart success with their third single, "Hard to Beat" and then followed by other successful singles such as "Cash Machine" and "Living for the Weekend", which all reached top 15 in the UK Singles Chart. Their debut album Stars of CCTV was released on 4 July 2005, and although receiving critical acclaim (NME called it album of the year and was nominated for the Mercury Prize and two BRIT Awards, Best British Group and Best British Rock Act), it didn't reach #1 in the UK albums chart until six months later on 22 January 2006. It originally peaked at number 6. The band's second album, Once Upon a Time in the West, was released on 3 September 2007 and reached number 1 in its first week.
They are generally considered part of the indie rock scene, alongside bands such as Franz Ferdinand and have often been compared to a modern version of The Clash.
Hard-Fi's latest album, 'Killer Sounds' was released on 22 August 2011, and has produced 3 singles, 'Good for Nothing', 'Fire in the House' and the anthemic 'Bring It On' which also featured in the game Football Manager 2012. The band also recorded the track 'Like a Drug' for the hugely popular Twilight - Breaking Dawn film, and following demands from fans finally released it as a single on iTunes on 16 December 2011.
Stars Of CCTV
Hard-Fi Lyrics
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Gets recorded to tape
So somebody up there
Can keep me safe
I'm going out tonight
I've got my hair just right
I'm always looking good
Stick 'em up
Give me the money
A winning smile
Up to the gallery
I'm gonna get my face on the 6 'o' clock news
We're the stars of CCTV
Making movies out on the street
We're the stars of CCTV
Can't you see the camera loves me?
On every corner, every street
Down every underpass you'll see
Somebody's stealing the show
Somebody looking like me
I'll see you out tonight
Just got the pose just right
We're always looking good
For the spotlight
We turn it on
And so we're full of speed
We fill the screen
Can't help but notice me
I'm gonna get my face on the 6 'o' clock news
We're the stars of CCTV
Making movies out on the street
We're the stars of CCTV
Can't you see the camera loves me?
We're the stars of CCTV
Making movies out on the street
Flashing blue lights, camera, action
Watching my life, main attraction
We're the stars of CCTV
Can't you see the camera loves me?
The lyrics to Hard-Fi's song "Stars of CCTV" provide a commentary on the omnipresence of surveillance and the desire for fame in modern society. The singer acknowledges that every move he makes is being recorded and monitored, but instead of feeling violated, he sees it as a way to ensure his safety. The opening lines suggest that there is someone "up there" watching over him, implying a sense of faith or hope in a higher power.
The second verse focuses on the singer's desire for fame, with him getting ready to go out and "looking good for the spotlight." The chorus goes on to describe how they are the "stars of CCTV," turning the cameras that normally monitor them into a tool for self-promotion. The lyrics suggest that the people in the song revel in the attention they receive from the cameras, as if being watched validates their existence. The final lines of the song, "watching my life, main attraction," reinforce this idea that the cameras have become central to their identity.
Line by Line Meaning
And every move that I make
My every action is constantly being recorded
Gets recorded to tape
My actions are being recorded onto videotape
So somebody up there
Someone in authority
Can keep me safe
Can ensure my safety by keeping tabs on me
I'm going out tonight
I am leaving my current location for the evening
I've got my hair just right
I have styled my hair perfectly
I'm always looking good
I ensure my appearance is attractive
For the spotlight
So that I am noticed and attract attention
Stick 'em up
Putting one's hands in the air
Give me the money
Demanding cash
A winning smile
A smile meant to charm and disarm
Up to the gallery
Pointing towards the observers or cameras
I'm gonna get my face on the 6 'o' clock news
I will become the subject of news coverage
We're the stars of CCTV
We are the main subjects of surveillance
Making movies out on the street
Our actions are being recorded and shown for others to watch
Can't you see the camera loves me?
I am confident and thrive on the attention from cameras
On every corner, every street
Cameras are present everywhere, observing everyone
Down every underpass you'll see
Even in hidden areas, there are surveillance cameras recording
Somebody's stealing the show
Someone is trying to gain attention and be the center of attention
Somebody looking like me
Someone with similar characteristics to me
I'll see you out tonight
I will be out tonight
Just got the pose just right
I have perfected my stance or posture
We're always looking good
We ensure our appearance is attractive in any situation
We turn it on
We are always ready to perform or attract attention
And so we're full of speed
We are hyped up and ready to act
We fill the screen
Our actions dominate the footage
Can't help but notice me
I am impossible to ignore
Flashing blue lights, camera, action
The scene is exciting and dramatic with police and cameras involved
Watching my life, main attraction
People are interested in observing and understanding my actions and decisions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHARD ARCHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ross Turcotte
quite emotional actually. just jammed this album in full for the first time since a teenager. brought back a lot of feels circa being a kid in 2005. even though i lived in lonesome rural michigan, these english lads meant a lot to me back then.
Izzy Lamb
love this song! such an underrated band
Scott Howe
So
Scott Howe
Do underated it's unbelievable
Tim Purcell
One of my all time fav songs , what a killer album
Sinister Thoughts
Haunting when you think about the lyrics. These guys are always deeper than the first impression may give.
Richard Gent
If someone remade 1984, this song would be part of the film. It is lyric genius.
booldawg jjikmn
The entire album delivered.
𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟
Those guys always deserved more of this world ❤ rewinde frm 2010 🇩🇿
Daw75
The tune to my life