Armatrading has mixed eclectic musical styles over decades of recording and performing. She has had several British hit singles, the biggest of which were "Love & Affection", "Me Myself I", and "Drop the Pilot". Her music is generally pop, with forays into rock, folk, jazz, and even reggae. Her popularity is primarily as an album artist.
She gained a new audience following her writing and performing "The Flight of the Wild Geese", which was used during the opening and end titles for the 1978 film The Wild Geese.
Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16 (circa 1966). She only knew her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".[9] She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass and rhythm guitar at local clubs.
Drop The Pilot
Joan Armatrading Lyrics
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So you're in love, I say what of it?
Things can change, there's always changes
I want to try some rearranging, I say
Drop the pilot, try my balloon
Drop the monkey, smell my perfume
Drop the mahout, I'm the Easy Rider
Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
You're kissing cousins, there's no smoke, no flame
If you lose that pilot I can fly your plane
If you want solid ground, come on and try me
Oh I can take you so high that you're never gonna want to come down, I say
I say
Drop the pilot, try my balloon
Drop the monkey, smell my perfume
Drop the mahout, I'm the Easy Rider
Don't use your army to fight a losing battle
Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
I said, animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
I'm the one you need
Drop the pilot, try my balloon
Drop the monkey, smell my perfume
Drop the mahout, I'm an Easy Rider
Don't use your army to fight a losing battle
Drop the pilot, try my balloon
Drop the monkey, smell my perfume
Drop the mahout, I'm the Easy Rider
Don't use your army to fight a losing battle
Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
I say drop the pilot (yeah)
Drop the monkey
Drop the mahout
Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
I'm the one you need
I'm the one you need
"Drop The Pilot" is a catchy and upbeat song by Joan Armatrading. The lyrics seem to be about a woman who is trying to convince a man to leave his current partner and pursue a relationship with her. She believes that the man is not truly in love with his partner and that their relationship is not going to last. She boasts about her own abilities to provide a more fulfilling relationship and urges the man to "try her balloon." She tells him to drop the pilot, i.e. his current partner, and come with her to explore something new.
The lyrics also contain a metaphorical image of "smelling her perfume," which could be interpreted as the woman trying to seduce the man. She also compares herself to an "Easy Rider," which could be a reference to a classic movie of the same name about a carefree and adventurous motorcyclist.
Overall, the lyrics suggest a woman who is confident and self-assured, and who is willing to take risks to pursue what she wants.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm right on target, my aim is straight
I am focused on my goal and know exactly what I want.
So you're in love, I say what of it?
Being in love shouldn't stop you from exploring other possibilities.
Things can change, there's always changes
Life is unpredictable and can throw some curveballs.
I want to try some rearranging, I say
I am willing to shake things up and take risks.
Drop the pilot, try my balloon
Let go of what's holding you back and take a chance on me.
Drop the monkey, smell my perfume
Don't get distracted by the unnecessary, focus on what's important.
Drop the mahout, I'm the Easy Rider
Step away from what's controlling you and try something new.
Don't use your army to fight a losing battle
Don't waste your energy on something that won't work out in the end.
Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I am everything you need, in all aspects of life.
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
I am the answer to your needs, trust me.
You're kissing cousins, there's no smoke, no flame
Your current situation may seem fine, but it lacks passion and excitement.
If you lose that pilot I can fly your plane
If you let go of what's holding you back, I can help you take control.
If you want solid ground, come on and try me
If you need stability and certainty, take a chance on me.
Oh I can take you so high that you're never gonna want to come down, I say
I can offer you a new perspective and an experience that you won't regret.
I said, animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I am everything you need, in all aspects of life.
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
I am the answer to your needs, trust me.
I say drop the pilot (yeah)
Let go of what's holding you back.
Drop the monkey
Don't get distracted by the unnecessary.
Drop the mahout
Step away from what's controlling you.
Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I am everything you need, in all aspects of life.
I'm the one you need, I'm the one you need
I am the answer to your needs, trust me.
I'm the one you need
I am the solution to your problems.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOAN ARMATRADING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind