His first serious band was The Wilde Flowers (1964-1967) with Hugh Hopper, Robert Wyatt and Richard Sinclair. This early hippie group transformed into Soft Machine. While the Softs went on, others split to form Caravan and Gong. Ayers put together his own band Kevin Ayers & The Whole World featuring Lol Coxhill, David Bedford and a very young Mike Oldfield.
Ayers' career was littered with great music and fine collaborations with more fine artists like Danny Thompson, John Cale, Nico, Brian Eno, Ollie Halsall and Wizards of Twiddly. With 18 albums to his credit Kevin Ayers was the Guru Banana
In 2007, Ayers recorded in a Glasgow studio with long-time admirers Teenage Fanclub, contributions came from Euros Childs from Gorkys Zygotic Mynci, Francis Reader from the Trash Can Sinatras, Robert Wyatt provided his eerie Wyattron in the poignant Cold Shoulder. Phil Manzanera contributed to the brooding Brainstorm, Hugh Hopper from Soft Machine played bass on the title track Unfairground and Bridget St. John, a British Folk singer beloved of the late John Peel, duetted with Ayers on Baby Come Home, the first time they had sung together since 1970 on Shooting at the Moon. The resulting album Unfairground was released in September 2007.
Ayers died, apparently in his sleep, at his home in the South of France on the 18th of February 2013. He was 68.
See You Later
Kevin Ayers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you're walking down the street
But it never fails to amaze me
When people that I meet
Say, well I'll see you later...
I just answer how?
How will you see me later
When you can't see me now?
In Kevin Ayers's song "See You Later," the lyrics articulate a sense of disbelief and confusion about the phrase "see you later." While walking down the street, the singer comes across many people who say this phrase to him, which prompts him to wonder how they will see each other later when they can't see each other now. It's a pointed observation that draws attention to the ways in which people use language without necessarily considering the actual meaning of their words. The word "later" implies a future meeting, but it's clear that the singer is skeptical of this possibility.
This skepticism is underscored by the playful use of the word "hulloooo" at the end of the verse. It's as if the singer is acknowledging the absurdity of the situation and trying to lighten the mood with a bit of humor. The whole song has a relaxed and carefree vibe, with the repeated "see you later" refrain serving as a kind of chorus. Overall, the lyrics to "See You Later" are deceptively simple, but they reveal a keen sense of observation and an ability to find humor in everyday situations.
Line by Line Meaning
A lot of things can happen
Many events can unfold in life.
When you're walking down the street
During a casual excursion outside.
But it never fails to amaze me
The singer's experience is always surprising.
When people that I meet
Encountering individuals.
Say, well I'll see you later...
Making a departure with the expectation of future interaction.
I just answer how?
Questioning the possibility.
How will you see me later
Asking for clarification on the statement.
When you can't see me now?
Acknowledging the literal meaning of the statement.
Hulloooo
A playful, dismissive sign-off.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEVIN CAWLEY AYERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rob Turner
This was a great Island debut album after Kevin's initially fantastic Harvest years (temporarily) ended. Here he gathers many of his former band mates to provide a tour de force. Ollie's guitar work on this track was something else. "Confessions ..." is an album of two halves both equally superb. I still listen to this album with awe!
Mike Thorn
Ahhhhh this one of my favourites of Kevin.Just kick a arse song.Thanks for the memory restoration.
gene ferrari
Thanks for this one "sbritt", A Super bit of great Musicians on this track...I can never sit still for this Rocker". The Guitar playing alone is "Hall of Guitar Fame" stuff...."Ollie Halsall" does a Rock Dream piece of Guitar Brilliance Here. Kevin Ayers is "Simply a Genius. The Entire record of "Dr. Dream and other Stories"...is a completely Magnificent work of Art! ps.I first listened to this LP in the early to mid 1970's... I still go ape for this 30+ years after it's release! WOW!
sandgropper6
great album one i play all the time...
Coneman3
That guitar solo is best I've ever heard.
Jamie Bragg
Coneman3, The late Ollie Halsall 😢
chris guy
We know how dear Ollie died, no need to make a point of it though. But as you say he was a wonderfully talented geezer. Even Jeff Beck must've admired his playing. He was just as gifted on vibraphone and piano.
OscarWilde66
Drank 28 shots of El Toro tequila to this (several x's), Seger, Walsh, etc,). 1975 Mayfield Hts, O. Peace & Love to Jeff K.
Mark n Victoria Macham
Dig it!
chris guy
You can find details at olliehalsall.co.uk