Despite producing an excellent, melodic, catchy and very Magnum-like self-titled album the band was relatively short-lived with Clarkin announcing it's demise around 1999. The album "Hard Rain" (1997), follows the previous Magnum formula with Catley's superb vocals, Clarkin's guitars and use of backing keyboards in the older "prog rock" tradition; as well as a slightly funkier beat and harmonic backing vocals (Sue McCloskey). A second, more experimental album, "When the Good Times Come" followed in 1999.
In 1981, two tracks were written and produced by Clarkin and were sung by Sue McCloskey, a friend of Magnum. They were entitled "Really Need Your Love" and "Lost Inside Myself". After Catley left Hard Rain, Clarkin continued to write material with McCloskey. Some of these songs were broadcast on radio during an interview with Clarkin. Two of these songs surfaced as Magnum songs, "Still" and "Dream About You" on Magnum's 2002 studio album, Breath of Life.
Often overlooked but if you are a long-standing fan of Magnum then you're very likely to want the album "Hard Rain" in your collection as it rivals the best that the former band had to offer.
Talks Like A Lady
Hard Rain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A small town just ain't nowhere
They all laughed and said she won't dare
Everyone said that girl's no good
She couldn't wait to get away from the neighbourhood
She couldn't buy no fancy clothes
Ain't against the law, she knew what to do
When they all talked and disagreed with her point of view
Now she's ready to do it again
That's what she's waited for
Turns on the light
Turns on a whole lot more
She talks like a lady
She's got the power to drive them crazy
Talks like a lady
Makes them cry like a little baby
Just like a lady, ain't that
Just like a lady, ain't that
Just like a lady
Short skirt and her sun-tanned legs
The IQ of a teacher's pet
That's a fact, she ain't passing through
Now she's going to get them back like she wanted to
Dressed up in her Sunday's best
She's got class and I must confess
Every man's got eyes they can't put back
Started panic in their wives like a heart attack
Well, she's ready to blow up a storm
Just like she did before
Men going to fight
Women are going to get sore
She talks like a lady
She's got the power to drive them crazy
Talks like a lady
Makes them cry like a little baby
Just like a lady, ain't that
Just like a lady, ain't that
Just like a lady
Just like a lady
Just like a lady
Just like
She talks like a lady
She's got the power to drive them crazy
Talks like a lady
Makes them cry like a little baby
Just like a lady, ain't that
Just like a lady, ain't that
Looks like, looks like a lady to me
The song Talks Like A Lady by Hard Rain is an empowered anthem about a girl who refused to conform to the expectations of her small town. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song and describe how the girl was initially dismissed by her community. However, the girl had something inside her that made her different and unique. She refused to let people tell her what to do and how to think. She knew her own mind and had the courage to speak up and stand up for herself in the face of criticism.
The chorus of the song is a repetition of the line "She talks like a lady" which is a play on words. The phrase "talks like a lady" can be interpreted in different ways, but in this context, it means that the girl speaks with confidence, power, and authority. She knows how to use her words to challenge and inspire those around her. The following lines "She's got the power to drive them crazy/ Makes them cry like a little baby" illustrate the impact that her words have on others.
The second verse sees the girl returning to her hometown, dressed up, and looking her best. She is confident, poised, and ready to take on anyone who doubts her capabilities. She is not intimidated by men or women, and her presence causes panic in some people. The chorus repeats, further emphasizing her power and influence.
Overall, Talks Like A Lady is a song about empowerment, self-confidence, and defiance. It speaks to anyone who has ever been told that they couldn't do something, and encourages them to speak up and stand up for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember me?
Do you remember who I am?
A small town just ain't nowhere
Living in a small town can be suffocating.
They all laughed and said she won't dare
People underestimated her abilities and dreams.
Everyone said that girl's no good
People spoke negatively about her character.
She couldn't wait to get away from the neighbourhood
She yearned for a change of scenery and new opportunities.
She couldn't buy no fancy clothes
She couldn't afford expensive clothing.
But she's got something and heaven knows
She possesses innate qualities and talents.
Ain't against the law, she knew what to do
Her actions were not illegal, and she was confident in her choices.
When they all talked and disagreed with her point of view
Others criticized her opinions and disagreed with her.
Now she's ready to do it again
She is excited to chase after her dreams again.
That's what she's waited for
This is what she's been anticipating and working towards.
Turns on the light
She illuminates the situation.
Turns on a whole lot more
She brings more to the table than what people may have previously thought.
She talks like a lady
She speaks respectfully and with class.
She's got the power to drive them crazy
Her words and actions are influential and can evoke strong emotions from others.
Makes them cry like a little baby
She can make others feel vulnerable and emotional.
Just like a lady, ain't that
She embodies proper behavior and grace.
Short skirt and her sun-tanned legs
She dresses provocatively and shows off her tanned legs.
The IQ of a teacher's pet
She is intelligent and excels academically.
That's a fact, she ain't passing through
She is not just passing by; she is here to make an impact.
Now she's going to get them back like she wanted to
She plans to get revenge on those who underestimated her and spoke negatively about her.
Dressed up in her Sunday's best
She is dressed in her best clothing and looks refined.
She's got class and I must confess
She has excellent manners and behavior.
Every man's got eyes they can't put back
Men cannot help but stare at her.
Started panic in their wives like a heart attack
Men's wives become jealous and anxious when they see their husbands looking at her.
Well, she's ready to blow up a storm
She is prepared to create a scene and cause chaos.
Men going to fight
Men will argue with each other over her.
Women are going to get sore
Women will become angry and upset over her behavior.
Looks like, looks like a lady to me
She may look like a lady, but her actions prove otherwise.
Contributed by Nolan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.