Errol
James Reyne Lyrics

Convict state
Referring to the state of Tasmania in Australia, which was originally a British penal colony.

It just won't rate
The state is not viewed as highly as other areas in Australia.

He want to get higher
The singer desires to achieve greater success and notoriety.

Apple isle, the inbred smile
Another reference to Tasmania, commonly known as the 'Apple Isle.' The 'inbred smile' refers to the stereotype that the population is inbred and has a distinct look.

He's gonna get by'a
He will find a way to survive and prosper, despite the challenges and limitations of his home state.

His mother's hand
The singer may have felt suffocated or restricted by his mother's influence and support.

He could not stand
He couldn't stay in his home environment any longer and desired to explore and experience new things.

He left for the islands
He left Tasmania for a new adventure, likely in the Pacific Islands.

To fish and hunt
He pursued a life of adventure, seeking to hunt and fish for survival and enjoyment.

To take a punt
The artist is willing to take a risk and gamble on his future.

The new guinea highlands
Referring to the remote and rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea, where the singer likely traveled in search of adventure.

Oh errol I would give Everything, just to be like him
The chorus expresses the desire to emulate Errol, who represents a life of adventure, success, and rebellion.

He had to go
The singer felt compelled to leave his home and explore the world.

The sirocco
A hot, dry wind that blows across the Mediterranean region, possibly referencing the singer's travels to that area.

He's sailin' the high seas
He is traveling the oceans as a sailor or adventurer.

Hollywood, captain blood
Errol Flynn, the inspiration for the song, was an actor who was famous for playing the role of Captain Blood in Hollywood movies.

He's billing the nazi's
Errol was known for his anti-Nazi stance and for supporting the Allied forces in World War II.

Took a rebel stand
He defied convention and authority, embodying the spirit of rebellion.

With the contraband
He may have engaged in illegal or illicit activities, such as smuggling or bootlegging.

Coast of Mexico
Referencing Errol's travels to Mexico, where he may have engaged in more adventurous and rebellious activities.

He want to pounce
He is eager and aggressive in pursuing his desires, particularly when it comes to pursuing women.

Like an animal
The artist's pursuit of pleasure and adventure is likened to the instincts of an animal.

To girls he just can't say no
The singer cannot resist the temptation to engage in romantic or sexual encounters with women.

He had them all
He was successful in pursuing romantic and sexual relationships with many women.

Screamin' for more
The women he was with desired more of him, wanting to experience more adventure and excitement with him.

He play the wild scene
The singer embodies the wild and reckless spirit of adventure and excitement.

Ah scandalize, no comprises
Errol was known for his scandalous behavior and his refusal to compromise his beliefs or desires.

He's down on his knees
The artist is brought to his knees by the temptations and excitement of his wild lifestyle.

Swashbuckling
Referring to Errol's portrayal of swashbuckling heroes in Hollywood movies, such as Captain Blood and Robin Hood.

He was the king
Errol was a revered and admired figure in Hollywood and beyond, known for his charisma, talent, and adventurous spirit.

The toast of tinsel town
Errol was celebrated and admired in the world of Hollywood and entertainment, which is often referred to as 'tinsel town.'

They build him up
Errol was initially celebrated and supported by his fans, the media, and Hollywood studios.

They took it all
Errol's success and fame was taken away from him, as he fell out of favor with Hollywood and faced personal struggles.

And they just cut him down
Errol's downfall and struggles were a result of the same people and institutions that once celebrated and supported him.