Ian Dury and the Blockheads were one of the most popular groups of the New … Read Full Bio ↴Ian Dury and the Blockheads were one of the most popular groups of the New Wave era in the U.K. in the 70s and early 80s. Their eclectic sound was drawn from their many musical influences; these included funk, jazz, rock and roll, soul, and reggae, not to mention leader Ian Dury's love of music hall. Dury's lyrics were a unique combination of lyrical poetry, word play, acute observation of British everyday life, and scatalogical humour. As the Blockheads, the band continued to play after Dury's untimely death in 2000.

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.

I Believe
Ian Dury and the Blockheads Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I believe in bottle banks
And beauty from within
I believe in saying thanks
And fresh air on the skin

I believe in healthy walks
As tonic for the feet
I believe in serious talks

And just enough to eat

That's what I believe
Although it seems naïve
I believe in Santa Claus
To give is to receive
That's what I believe

I believe in 'bob-a-job'
And life in outer space
I believe an open gob
Does nothing for your face

I believe in being nice
In spite of what you think
I believe in good advice
And not too much to drink

That's what I believe
Surprising as it seems
I believe that happiness
Is well within our dreams

That's what I believe
Although it seems naïve
I believe that peace and love
Are there to be achieved

I believe in being fair
St. Pancras station from the air
I believe in taking care
Moonshine sparkles in your hair

I believe in being true
In everything you try to do
I believe in me and you
I hope you share my point of view

I believe in being kind
Especially when it's hard
I believe an open mind
Can show a fine regard

I believe that manners make
A person good to know
I believe in birthday cake
And going with the flow

That's what I believe
As strange as it may be
I believe this attitude
Is good enough for me

That's what I believe
Although it seems naïve
I believe it simplifies
The tangled web we weave

That's what I believe...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I Believe" by Ian Dury and the Blockheads convey a sense of optimism and positivity, emphasizing the belief in simple yet meaningful values and principles. The song encourages a lighthearted approach to life and reminds us of the importance of being kind, appreciative, and true to oneself.

The opening lyrics express belief in "bottle banks," which refers to recycling and taking care of the environment, as well as finding beauty from within rather than relying solely on appearances. It also highlights the importance of expressing gratitude and enjoying the simple pleasures in life, such as fresh air on the skin and healthy walks. The song goes on to mention beliefs in Santa Claus, giving and receiving, life in outer space, and the notion that talking too much can negatively affect one's face.

The lyrics also touch upon the values of being nice, offering good advice, and moderation in consumption. There is a belief in happiness and peace being achievable through our dreams, and the importance of being fair and taking care of oneself. The song emphasizes the significance of good manners, being open-minded, and going with the flow of life. It concludes with the idea that this positive attitude simplifies the complexities of life and makes it more enjoyable.

Line by Line Meaning

I believe in bottle banks
I believe in recycling and taking care of the environment

And beauty from within
I believe that true beauty comes from one's character and personality

I believe in saying thanks
I believe in expressing gratitude and appreciation

And fresh air on the skin
I believe in the rejuvenating and invigorating power of being outdoors

I believe in healthy walks
I believe that taking regular walks is beneficial for one's well-being

As tonic for the feet
I believe that walking serves as a remedy and refreshment for one's feet

I believe in serious talks
I believe in engaging in meaningful and profound conversations

And just enough to eat
I believe in having a sufficient amount of food to sustain oneself

That's what I believe
This is my personal creed or philosophy

Although it seems naïve
Even though some may view it as simplistic or idealistic

I believe in Santa Claus
I believe in the power of giving and receiving

To give is to receive
Acting selflessly and giving to others brings fulfillment and rewards

I believe in 'bob-a-job'
I believe in the value of doing small tasks or jobs to help others

And life in outer space
I believe that there is existence and possibilities beyond Earth

I believe an open gob
I believe that speaking without thinking can lead to negative consequences

Does nothing for your face
It doesn't contribute positively to one's appearance or reputation

I believe in being nice
I believe in being kind and treating others with respect

In spite of what you think
Even if some people may think otherwise or act differently

I believe in good advice
I believe in the wisdom and guidance offered by others

And not too much to drink
I believe in consuming alcohol in moderation

That's what I believe
This is my personal conviction

Surprising as it seems
Although it may come as a surprise or unconventional

I believe that happiness
I believe that finding joy and contentment

Is well within our dreams
Is achievable through our aspirations and desires

I believe that peace and love
I believe that fostering harmony and affection

Are there to be achieved
Can be attained through our actions and efforts

I believe in being fair
I believe in treating others impartially and justly

St. Pancras station from the air
I believe in appreciating the beauty of landmarks from a different perspective

I believe in taking care
I believe in being cautious and attentive

Moonshine sparkles in your hair
I believe in finding beauty and magic in ordinary moments

I believe in being true
I believe in being honest and genuine

In everything you try to do
In every endeavor or pursuit one takes on

I believe in me and you
I believe in the power and potential of ourselves and others

I hope you share my point of view
I wish for you to have a similar perspective or belief

I believe in being kind
I believe in showing compassion and empathy

Especially when it's hard
Particularly in challenging or difficult situations

I believe an open mind
I believe in having a receptive and unbiased attitude

Can show a fine regard
Can display respect and appreciation

I believe that manners make
I believe that displaying good behavior and etiquette

A person good to know
Makes someone likable and enjoyable to be around

I believe in birthday cake
I believe in celebrating special occasions

And going with the flow
And embracing life's unpredictable nature

That's what I believe
This is my personal conviction

As strange as it may be
Even though it may seem unusual or peculiar

I believe this attitude
I believe that having this mindset or approach

Is good enough for me
Is sufficient and satisfactory for myself

That's what I believe
This is my personal creed or philosophy

Although it seems naïve
Even though some may view it as simplistic or idealistic

I believe it simplifies
I believe that it makes things less complicated

The tangled web we weave
The complex situations or deceit we create

That's what I believe
This is my personal creed or philosophy

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