MacColl began her career in the late 1970s UK punk rock scene, singing backing vocals for Drug Addix. Her UK hits included the 1981 single "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis", a cover of Billy Bragg's "A New England" in 1985, a duet with Shane MacGowan of The Pogues on "Fairytale of New York" in 1987, and a cover of The Kinks' song "Days" in 1989. She was probably most recognizable in the United States as the writer of "They Don't Know" a hit in 1979.
After a break from the music industry for much of the 1990s, several trips to Cuba and Brazil restored MacColl's creative muse, and the world music-inspired (particularly Cuban and other Latin American forms) Tropical Brainstorm, often described as her finest work, was released in 2000.
On 18 December 2000, while swimming in a restricted diving area with her family on a holiday in Cozumel, she was killed in a collision with a powerboat while managing to drag her son out of its path. The boat was owned by Mexican supermarket millionaire Guillermo González Nova (owner of Comercial Mexicana), who was on board with several members of his family. A boathand, José Cen Yam, claimed to have been driving the boat and was found guilty of culpable homicide and, under Mexican law, allowed to pay a fine of 1034 pesos (about USD 90) in lieu of a prison sentence of that many days. However, eyewitnesses contradict Cen Yam's claim to have been driving and also González Nova's claim that the boat was travelling at a speed of only one knot. MacColl's family are campaigning for a judicial review into the events surrounding her death, including an application to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The BBC has featured on several of its channels a documentary by Olivia Lichtenstein, entitled Who Killed Kirsty MacColl?
In 2001, a bench was placed by the southern entrance to London's Soho Square as a memorial to her, after a lyric from one of her most poignant songs: "One day I'll be waiting there/ No empty bench inSoho Square.
As Long as You Hold Me {From Mad Love}
Kirsty MacColl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As long as you need me I will try not to die
I don't want the shame
I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore
If only they'd tell me, tell me why
If I could believe them and their lies
I don't want their pain
I won't play their games anymore
I always look at the last page of the book
How will it end?
The suspense robs me of lovers and friends
I don't want the shame
I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore
Kirsty MacColl's song "As Long as You Hold Me" showcases themes of love, support, and the desire to escape the damaging aspects of fame. The song begins by putting emphasis on the power of human connection and dependence, with the singer stating that as long as their partner holds them, they will be able to get through anything. This speaks to the idea that sometimes, we all need someone to lean on, and that having that support system can make all the difference in the world.
However, the song quickly turns to the negative aspects of fame, with the singer expressing a desire to distance themselves from it all. They don't want the shame, blame or fame that comes with being a public figure, and would rather just exist without all the noise and expectations that come along with it. The line "I won't play their games anymore" further emphasizes this point, as it suggests that the singer has grown tired of the politics and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that often comes along with the entertainment industry.
The final verse is especially poignant, as it highlights the emotional toll that fame and notoriety can take on an individual. The singer admits to always looking at the last page of the book, suggesting that they might be consumed with thoughts of their own mortality and the inevitability of their life's story coming to an end. They express fears of losing loved ones and friends, which adds a layer of vulnerability to the overall message of the song. Ultimately, "As Long as You Hold Me" is a powerful commentary on the ups and downs of celebrity, and how important it is to have supportive people in our lives to help us navigate the rough waters.
Line by Line Meaning
As long as you hold me I'll get by
I can survive as long as I have your support and affection.
As long as you need me I will try not to die
I will do everything in my power to stay alive and not let you down, because you rely on me.
I don't want the shame
I refuse to be guilty or embarrassed about something I didn't do or something that's not worth it.
I don't want the blame
I won't accept responsibility for something that's not my fault or something that will bring unnecessary problems.
I don't want the fame anymore
I'm tired of being in the public eye and constantly scrutinized or criticized for everything I do or don't do.
If only they'd tell me, tell me why
If only people would be honest with me and explain their motives or intentions, then I could understand and react accordingly.
If I could believe them and their lies
If I could trust people and take their word for it, then I wouldn't be so anxious or doubtful all the time.
But I don't want their name
I don't want to be associated with certain individuals or groups that don't share my values or principles.
I don't want their pain
I don't want to suffer the consequences of other people's mistakes or misfortunes, especially if I had nothing to do with them.
I won't play their games anymore
I won't engage in manipulative or deceitful behaviors or tactics used by others to control or exploit me.
I always look at the last page of the book
I tend to spoil the ending of things by checking the outcome before experiencing the journey or the process.
How will it end?
What's the point of investing time and emotions into something if I already know the conclusion or the result?
The suspense robs me of lovers and friends
My fear of uncertainty or unpredictability prevents me from building meaningful relationships or maintaining them.
Contributed by Abigail V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MuchlisSmith
As Long As You Hold Me Lyrics
As long as you hold me I'll get by
As long as you need me I will try not to die
I don't want the shame
I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore
If only they'd tell me, tell me why
If I could believe them and their lies
But I don't want their name
I don't want their pain
I won't play their games anymore
I always look at the last page of the book
How will it end?
The suspense robs me of lovers and friends
I don't want the shame
I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore
@user-xl7wv1jg5k
as long as you hold me i’ll get by
as long as you need me i will try not to die
i don’t want the shame
i don’t want the blame
i don’t want the fame anymore
if only they’d tell me, tell me why
if i could believe them and their lies
but i don’t want their name
i don’t want their pain
i won’t play their games anymore
i always look at the last page of the book
how will it end?
the suspense robs me of lovers and friends
i don’t want the shame
i don’t want the blame
i don’t want the fame anymore
@buffysummers7276
This song has been underrated over the years; it’s Oct 2020 now and it’s not even on Spotify.
@MarionRosner
Just checked TIDAL and it's not on there either. BB's version is, though.
@NickTion
September 2022 and i'm still waiting for it to be on spotify
@tessasparrow5881
The best singer-songwriter ever. To this day, I still think of her poor mum and children and feel my heart tear. I was working an evening shift at Canary Wharf when I heard that she had died, and I sobbed as though she was my own.
@peterwhitehead4591
Couldn't put it better, I adore Kirsty's pics x words...don't half miss her
@mhmalekos569
Same for me. I knew Kirsty’s Mum who passed last year. Always been haunted by her incredible talent and frequently haunted by her awful passing.
Rip Angel
@jonathanwood412
I have missed her for so many years now
@anthonybrady-lb5ve
Yes anyone who loved Kirsty is still heartbroken that a lovely kind talented genius has been ripped from us by a murderous millionaire maniac steering his luxury boat in an area designated for divers. The sorrow and loss is still palpable. LEST WE FORGET💔💔💔😪😪😪🇬🇧
@anthonybrady-lb5ve
So did i. It was a dreadful time😢
@meezy9022
I'm here for Matt and Casey.
#90$Kid