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.
Tender Trap
Joan Armatrading Lyrics
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And the first thing that you do
Take me into your arms
And you find out how I've been
If the phone rings
Nobody answers
This is time is ours alone
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
La la
I can't begin to prove how much I want you
You've got to know
That you make me feel much stronger
Than anyone has the right to
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
La la
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
La la
When you walk through the door from a hard day's work
And someone's there to make you forget the nine to five
When they throw their arms around you make you feel you're alive
What other heaven is there when that sweet voice says
If the phone rings nobody answers
That's when you know working all the hours that God sends pays the rent
But it don't cover all your needs you need a whole lot of love
La la
And when that love is real and makes you feel complete
Whoo
The world is right
La la
I can't begin to prove how much I want you
You've got to know
That you make me feel much stronger
Than anyone has the right to
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
La la
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
La la
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
La la
The song "Tender Trap" by Joan Armatrading is about the comfort and security of a loving relationship. The song describes a scenario where the couple is alone and free from interruptions while they lay peacefully in each other's arms. The phone rings, but they choose to ignore it, as they enjoy their time together. The lyrics express the intensity of the love and how it makes one feel stronger than they have a right to feel. The song also touches on the idea that love is a necessity that completes a person's life.
The "tender trap" refers to the security and peacefulness that is found in a loving relationship, where two people are caught in a comforting trap of intimacy and love. The song speaks of how the struggles and challenges of everyday life can be forgotten when a person finds solace and love with another. The song is a beautiful testament to the power and beauty of love and how it can help people find peace in the midst of turmoil.
Line by Line Meaning
You come home after work
The subject of the song is depicted coming home after work.
And the first thing that you do
The song describes the first thing the subject does when they arrive home.
Take me into your arms
The subject is embraced by someone.
And you find out how I've been
The person embracing the subject asks about their well-being.
If the phone rings
An if statement is used to show a conditional situation where the phone rings.
Nobody answers
The subject ignores the phone call.
This is time is ours alone
In the absence of distractions or interruptions, the subject and their partner spend quality time together.
We're lying peaceful in the tender trap
The subject and their partner are experiencing a moment of happiness in each other's embrace, safe from the outside world.
La la
A repetition of the phrase 'la la' follows this line.
I can't begin to prove how much I want you
The subject acknowledges their deep love and desire for their partner.
You've got to know
The subject is urging their partner to acknowledge that their feelings are real.
That you make me feel much stronger
The subject feels empowered by their partner's love.
Than anyone has the right to
The subject feels that their partner's love is undeserved but is thankful nevertheless.
When you walk through the door from a hard day's work
The song refers to the subject's partner returning home from a long day's work.
And someone's there to make you forget the nine to five
The partner's presence is a relief and provides respite from the stresses of work.
When they throw their arms around you make you feel you're alive
The subject's partner's embrace makes them feel alive and loved.
What other heaven is there when that sweet voice says
The subject regards their partner's voice as reassuring and heavenly.
That's when you know working all the hours that God sends pays the rent
The subject is aware that hard work pays the bills but is also aware that they need more than just financial security.
But it don't cover all your needs you need a whole lot of love
The subject believes that love is just as important for their well-being as financial stability.
Whoo
An exclamation expressing delight or enthusiasm follows this line.
The world is right
The subject feels that everything is good and right with the world in the presence of their partner's love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOAN ANITA BARBARA ARMATRADING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roy Bell
one completely incredible album, this woman is amazing!
craig
I've been listening to this excellent album for years...a gem, a master songwriter. I was lucky enough to see her on her last world tour at a small municipal hall,no band just herself,guitar & keyboard hoping she'd play some of these tracks but wasn"t to be.
Liz Williams
Great song!
jdolew
very awesome song... a bit sad there's so few views. Feels like a secret only a few of us share.
WMW
yep...they really don't know what they're missing!
John Benn
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 75yo Aussie fan.
Jan Belfiore
Want this