Born on 9th March 1942 in Garnant, Wales, Cale spoke only Welsh until the age of seven, when he began to learn English at school. He went on to study viola at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where he became involved in avant garde music. He traveled to the U.S. to continue his studies, thanks to the help and influence of Aaron Copland, and met and worked with various avant-garde composers, including John Cage, while becoming fascinated with the new Anglo-American art movements.
In 1965, he co-founded the Velvet Underground with Lou Reed. Though best known for his work with the band, Cale has produced a massive body of work that ranges from tastefully arranged strings and piano over Dylan Thomas poetry to barely-suppressed, nigh-psychotic aggression set to high-energy avant-garde rock. Cale's style is almost impossible to pin down, as almost every album contains new experiments and influences. He is also well known as the producer of such works as the debuts of The Stooges, The Modern Lovers, and Patti Smith (the critically acclaimed 'Horses'). He also played a major role in Nico's 'The Marble Index'.
He's released some compilation works such as 'Seducing Down the Door: A Collection 1970-1990' that attempt to show the range and depth of his music. Cale was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of the Velvet Underground in 1996, and he was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2010. As the years have gone by, he's had a wide variety of tours, additionally dealing with his own personal demons.
Andalucia
John Cale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When it is snowing out again
Farmer John wants you
Louder and softer closer and dearer
Then again
Needing you taking you keeping you leaving you
In a year and a day to be sure
That your face doesn't alter
I'll be here waiting later and later
Hoping the night will go away
Andalucia Castles and Christians
Andalucia come to stay
You were lost, once before, on a day much like this
When you'd made up your mind not to come
And I couldn't persuade you
Or wait till tomorrow, or pass the time
The lyrics of John Cale's 'Andalucia' are a heartfelt expression of longing for a loved one, set against the backdrop of the Andalusian region of Spain. The singer is yearning to be reunited with the person he loves, asking when he will be able to see them again. He longs for their closeness, saying he needs them and wants to keep them, even if it means leaving them in a year and a day. The singer expresses a fear that time will change both of them, but ends with a declaration of love, saying that he will be waiting even if it means enduring the night.
The song has a romantic and melodic quality to it, with a wistful longing that seems to capture both the beauty and sadness of love. It captures the sense of yearning and expectation that lovers often feel, and the fear of change and separation that can come with time.
The references to Andalucia, Castles and Christians evoke a sense of history and place, further adding to the emotions of the song. The mention of Farmer John, adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the song. While the meaning of the song remains obscure, it is clear that the singer is deeply in love and is hoping for a reunion with his beloved.
Line by Line Meaning
Andalucia when can I see you
The singer is eager to see Andalucia again.
When it is snowing out again
The singer is reminiscing about a past moment shared with Andalucia during snowfall.
Farmer John wants you
The singer is referencing a third party who also desires Andalucia.
Louder and softer closer and dearer
The artist is experiencing a range of emotions towards Andalucia, with their connection growing deeper.
Then again
The artist shifts the focus back to Andalucia's impact on them.
Needing you taking you keeping you leaving you
The singer is acknowledging the ups and downs that come with relationships, but still desires to be with Andalucia.
In a year and a day to be sure
The singer has a specific timeframe in mind to ensure the relationship will last.
That your face doesn't alter
The artist wants Andalucia to remain true to herself.
Your words never falter, I love you
The artist values honesty and affection in the relationship with Andalucia.
I'll be here waiting later and later
The artist is willing to wait for Andalucia despite the passing of time.
Hoping the night will go away
The singer is looking forward to the day when they can see Andalucia again.
Andalucia Castles and Christians
The artist is referencing the rich history and culture of Andalucia.
Andalucia come to stay
The singer wants Andalucia to stay with them permanently.
You were lost, once before, on a day much like this
The singer is recounting a previous time when Andalucia was hesitant to see them.
When you'd made up your mind not to come
Andalucia previously had doubts about the relationship.
And I couldn't persuade you
The artist was unable to convince Andalucia to see them on that day.
Or wait till tomorrow, or pass the time
The artist was unable to delay the meeting or distract themselves from their desire to see Andalucia.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Davies Cale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patriciathewisher2315
Still trying to get back to Andalucia. My favourite Cale song. I’ll get there somehow. Maybe November. I luv John Cale for being so so talented
@lladsbid
This song's just so pretty in a delicate sort of way, it feels like it could fall apart at any moment and they captured it just in time. Like a butterfly in a jar.
@m.a.5862
👏🏻👍🏻😜💝 !!!! Salu2.
@mikaelaugustsson4301
Perfect description!
@syddavies2530
I love your description of this beautiful tune. I have fond memories of the Andalucia region of Spain when I listen to this.
@daleburford
Wow
Perfect
@patriciathewisher2315
My favourite Cale song❤
@patriciathewisher2315
A truly magnificent song. My favourite of Cale’s. Mystical stuff. X
@geniusmchaggis
bought the album in 73...my fave JC...this song is ingrained in my brain forever.
@briandeck6016
I bought this LP in 1973 also