The band started when frontman Dury (born in Upminster, Essex, United Kingdom on 12 May 1942 and died 27 March 2000), had a chance encounter in a musical instrument hire shop with guitarist Chaz Jankel. Jankel took Dury's lyrics, fashioned a number of songs, and they began recording with drummer Charley Charles, bassist Norman Watt-Roy and the former Kilburns saxophonist Davey Payne. An album was completed, but major record labels passed on the band. However, next door to Dury's manager's office was the newly formed Stiff Records, a perfect home for Dury's maverick style. The classic single "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll", marked Dury's Stiff debut and this was swiftly followed by an album. titled 'New Boots and Panties', which was to eventually achieve platinum status.
It wasn't until October 1977 that Dury and his band started to go out as Ian Dury and the Blockheads, when the band signed up for the Stiff "Live Stiffs Tour" alongside Elvis Costello And The Attractions, Nick Lowe, Wreckless Eric and Larry Wallis. The tour was a success and Stiff launched a concerted Ian Dury marketing campaign, resulting in the Top Ten hit What a Waste and the classic UK number one Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick. The band toured to great acclaim throughout Europe.
The band's second album Do It Yourself was released in June 1979 in a Barney Bubbles-designed sleeve of which there were over a dozen variations, all based on samples from the Crown wallpaper catalogue. Another top ten single, Reasons to be Cheerful, kept Dury in the public eye.
In 1980 Jankel left The Blockheads to concentrate on a solo career and was replaced by former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, who also contributed to the next album Laughter and its two minor hit singles.
Ian Dury And The Blockheads disbanded in 1981 after Dury secured a new recording deal with Polydor Records through A&R man Frank Neilson, choosing to work with a group of young musicians which he named The Music Students and recorded the album Four Thousand Weeks' Holiday. This album marked a departure from his usual style and was not as well received by fans for its American jazz influence.
The Blockheads reformed several times before Ian Dury's death, most notably to play a series of benefit concerts for Charley Charles.
Don't Ask Me
Ian Dury and the Blockheads Lyrics
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With a doughnut for a brain
On my life, I must see you again
I should think that's made it very plain
Is it his
Is it his or is it ain't?
Don't ask me
Or turn it up
Or pack it in
Don't ask me
Don't ask me
Don't ask
Don't ask me
I'm an ignorant, I'm afraid
On my life, I believe we're tailor made
I should worry if the weather spoils the trade
I'm a crumb
And I'm in your lemonade
Don't ask me
To knock it off
Or cut it short
Or jack it in
Don't ask me
Don't ask me
Don't ask
Let me offer you
My life and all my love
Let me offer you a bargain
What a lovely range
Don't forget the change
Don't ask
Don't ask
Don't ask
Don't ask me to make a sacrifice
On my life, I'm cheap at half the price.
Won't you try a portion or a slice?
Slightly warm
But very, very nice
Don't ask me
To leave it out
Or turn it up
Or pack it in
Don't ask me
Don't ask me
Don't ask
Don't ask...
The lyrics of "Don't Ask Me" by Ian Dury and the Blockheads are slightly cryptic and nonsensical, adding to the whimsicality of the song. The singer states that he has a "doughnut for a brain" but also expresses his desire to see someone again. He then goes on to say that he is ignorant and believes that he and the person he wants to see are "tailor-made" for each other. He reassures the other person that he is not difficult to please and offers his love and life to them, but then warns that he won't make any sacrifices. The chorus repeatedly urges the listener not to ask the singer to do anything in particular.
Overall, the song seems to be a lighthearted and ironic take on unrequited love, with the singer simultaneously affirming his feelings for the other person while acknowledging his own personal quirks, limitations, and inability to change.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I stand
I am currently in this position
With a doughnut for a brain
I am feeling stupid or incapable
On my life, I must see you again
I feel strongly about needing to see you again
I should think that's made it very plain
My previous statement was clear and straightforward
Is it his or is it ain't?
I am questioning whether something belongs to a specific person
Don't ask me
I do not want to be asked
To leave it out
Do not ask me to omit something
Or turn it up
Do not ask me to increase the intensity of something
Or pack it in
Do not ask me to discontinue something
I'm an ignorant, I'm afraid
I lack knowledge or experience, and I am frightened of it
On my life, I believe we're tailor made
I am convinced that we are meant to be together
I should worry if the weather spoils the trade
I would be concerned if outside circumstances harm our business
I'm a crumb
I am insignificant or unimportant
And I'm in your lemonade
I am an unwanted addition to your life
To knock it off
Do not ask me to quit doing something
Or cut it short
Do not ask me to abbreviate something
Or jack it in
Do not ask me to give up on something
Let me offer you
Allow me to present you with something
My life and all my love
I am willing to give everything to you
Let me offer you a bargain
I am proposing a good deal
What a lovely range
This is a great selection
Don't forget the change
Remember to take your money back
Don't ask me to make a sacrifice
I do not want to give anything up
On my life, I'm cheap at half the price.
I am not worth much, and I admit it
Won't you try a portion or a slice?
Wouldn't you like to have a sample?
Slightly warm
It is not hot, but it is not cold either
But very, very nice
It is extremely enjoyable
Lyrics © DELLA BLUE MUSIC LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAS JANKEL, IAN DURY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind