Their sound is roughly based on the sounds of 90s Britpop mixed in with 60s psychedelic rock, with heavy influences of Indian pop music as well as classic hard rock throughout. Their first album, 'K' was released in the United Kingdom in 1996, and it became the fastest selling debut album since 'Definitely Maybe' by Oasis. Selling 850,000 copies in the U.K. and a further 250,000 in the U.S., the band achieved success with their singles "Hey Dude" and "Tattva" climbing into the top 40. Their second album released in 1999, 'Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts', however, did not have the success of the first, selling only a fraction of 'K' despite a slightly higher marketing budget. Later that year, Mills announced the band would be breaking up due to unwanted pressure loaded upon them by their label and the urge to move on.
On 11th July 2006, Kula Shaker announced that they would be reforming, and the group set about creating an iTunes-exclusive E.P. They started by touring smaller venues in the U.K. Their third album, 'Strange Folk', was released on 20th August 2007, and their fourth, 'Pilgrim's Progress', was released on 28th June 2010. While touring since then, they have also released a Christmas single. Frontman Crispian Mills is also known for his solo work and his role in the band The Jeevas
Barbara Ella
Kula Shaker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you're the street seller
I'm gonna bring you down
upon my choo choo train
in the morning I had a calling
I'm gonna see you again
I'll break you down with a solid reason
catch on a fire with the more I say
to a love that I found today
that's what I say yea
I've been changing my mind
I've been wasting my time yeah
I've been smoking my load yeah
I've been stuck out on the road road yeah
your love like a morning sun into my mind
baby makes me feel so crazy
hey big fella Mr Watermelon
I got a mind to frown
upon your wicked ways
taking money from sister honey
I'm gonna wash you away
I'll break you down with a solid reason
what I know turn a man insane
I'll be the one come unfearing
I'm in love with your Mademoiselle
hell that's what I say yeah
I've been changing my mind
I've been wasting my time yeah
I've been smoking my load
I've been sucking on toads yeah
your love like a morning sun into my mind
baby baby
makes me feel sometimes
I'm going crazy
The lyrics of Kula Shaker's song Barbara Ella are poetic, and they are open to interpretation. However, the overall message seems to be about a man who has fallen in love with Barbara Ella, a street seller. He is determined to break down any barriers that might prevent them from being together, hence the reference to his "choo choo train." He feels a strong connection to her and is willing to risk everything for love, even his sanity. He describes his love for her as a beautiful, crazy feeling that makes him want to change his ways and be a better person.
In the second verse, the mood changes as the singer addresses a character named "Big Fella Mr. Watermelon" and accuses him of taking advantage of women. He vows to take down this malevolent figure and feels a sense of justice and empowerment in doing so. His love for Barbara Ella has instilled him with a newfound courage and determination.
Overall, the song is a love letter to a woman who has inspired the singer to be a better person and stand up for what is right. The lyrics are filled with metaphors and poetics devices, making it an interesting and engaging song to listen to.
Line by Line Meaning
hey Barbara Ella
Addressing a woman named Barbara Ella
you're the street seller
Identifying her as a street vendor
I'm gonna bring you down
Planning to approach her
upon my choo choo train
Metaphorical reference to personal power
in the morning I had a calling
Referring to a sense of destiny
I'm gonna see you again
Desire to meet again
I'll break you down with a solid reason
Confidence in winning her over
catch on a fire with the more I say
Believing his words will ignite her interest
I'll be the one come unfearing
Expressing self-assurance
to a love that I found today
Referring to newfound romantic feelings
that's what I say yea
Affirming his beliefs
I've been changing my mind
Admitting to indecisiveness
I've been wasting my time yeah
Acknowledging past mistakes
I've been smoking my load yeah
Admitting to drug use
I've been stuck out on the road road yeah
Feeling lost or directionless
your love like a morning sun into my mind
Describing how her affection affects him
baby makes me feel so crazy
Emphasizing the intensity of his emotions
hey big fella Mr Watermelon
Addressing a man named Mr. Watermelon
I got a mind to frown
Dispute or oppose his actions
upon your wicked ways
Denouncing his perceived immorality
taking money from sister honey
Criticizing his exploitation of others' affection
I'm gonna wash you away
Metaphorical reference to punishment or retribution
what I know turn a man insane
Suggesting the power of his knowledge
I'm in love with your Mademoiselle
Admitting romantic attraction to another woman
hell that's what I say yeah
Expressing strong feelings
I've been sucking on toads yeah
Admitting to drug use
makes me feel sometimes
Acknowledging the ups and downs of his experiences
I'm going crazy
Expressing his mental state
Contributed by Zoe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.