Siffre released his first six albums of songs between 1970 and 1975, and a further three albums between 1988 and 1998. During this period he had several solo hits, including "It Must Be Love" (No. 14, 1971) (later covered by and a No. 4 hit for Madness, for which Siffre himself appeared in the video); "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (No. 11, 1972); and "Watch Me" (No. 29, 1972). In 1978 two of his songs, "Solid Love" (performed by Siffre) and "We Got It Bad" (co-written and performed by Bob James) reached the UK finals of the BBC's A Song for Europe. His 1987 hit "(Something Inside) So Strong", which reached No. 4, was an anti-Apartheid anthem that won the Ivor Novello Award for "Best Song Musically and Lyrically", and has since been used in Amnesty International campaigns, a television advertisement and Alice Walker's film against female genital mutilation: Warrior Marks.
In 1997, Siffre's play "DeathWrite" was staged at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff and later televised.
His song "I Got The..." was sampled in rapper Eminem's hit single "My Name Is," Siffre, who is openly gay, said in an interview that he turned down the offer to approve the song at first until the original sexist and homophobic lyrics were removed: "Dissing the victims of bigotry – women as bitches, homosexuals as faggots – is lazy writing. Diss the bigots not their victims." Siffre eventually allowed its usage when he was sent a censored "clean" version, not realizing that he was also allowing the riffs use on the alternative "dirty" versions with the original lyrics.
In 1984 Siffre began writing poetry and has since released three books of poetry: "Blood on the Page" 1995 and "Monument" 1997. His poetry addresses a variety of themes, from theology and childhood to sociology, love, hate, language, critical thinking, and communication. In 2006, he released a new album, The Last Songs.
A Little More Line
Labi Siffre Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Should I go or should I wait
I don't know what is going on
I just know that it′s going on
Is it the truth or is it all lies
Can I believe what I see in her eyes
When she says yes, is she saying no
What can I do, I really don't know
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
I look at the sun as it's going down
I think of my head ′cause it′s spinning round
I look at the sun but it turned us back
I need some affection, that's a fact
Will I live or will I leave
And will I leave with my heart unused
But this is the way that it′s gonna be
Well I never can't say that it′s good to me
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
Please,
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
Come on now and give me just a little more line
Maybe I will and maybe I won't
What if I do and what if she don′t
It was never like this when I read the book
Maybe I'd better have another look
It's getting late, it′s getting dark
Was it like this in Noah′s Ark
I'll get my cool and say goodbye
Maybe I oughtta have another try
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
Give me just a little more line
In Labi Siffre's song "A Little More Line," the singer is grappling with uncertainty in a relationship. He has questions about the truthfulness of his partner's words and the authenticity of her emotions. He is torn between leaving or staying and giving the relationship a chance. The lyrics are filled with ambiguity that adds to the overall confused and unsure feeling of the song.
The first verse finds the singer questioning if what he is experiencing is real or if it's all a lie. He asks if he can trust what he sees in his partner's eyes. The chorus responds to his doubts by asking for a "little more line," implying that the singer needs more information or clarity to make a decision about the relationship.
The second verse finds the singer acknowledging that he needs affection, but he's not sure if he will receive it or even survive the heartbreak. He is hesitant and unsure about the relationship, but he can't deny that it is affecting him deeply. The chorus repeats again, asking for more time to make a decision.
The third verse finds the singer reflecting on whether he should leave or not. He wonders if the relationship is worth it and compares his confusion to the story of Noah's Ark. The song ends with the chorus repeating again, emphasizing the singer's need for time and clarity before making a decision.
Overall, the song portrays the confusion and uncertainty that can come with being in a relationship, especially when there are doubts about trust and authenticity. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the need for more information and time to make a decision.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting here and it's getting late
I am currently in a state of inaction, and time is passing quickly
Should I go or should I wait
I am uncertain of what to do next
I don't know what is going on
I am confused about the current situation
I just know that it's going on
Despite my confusion, I am aware that something is happening
Is it the truth or is it all lies
I am questioning the authenticity of the situation
Can I believe what I see in her eyes
I am unsure if I can trust the emotions I perceive from another person
When she says yes, is she saying no
There may be a hidden meaning behind someone's words and actions
What can I do, I really don't know
I am helpless and lack knowledge on what to do next
Give me just a little more line
I need more information on the situation to make a decision
I look at the sun as it's going down
I am observing the passage of time
I think of my head 'cause it's spinning round
I am experiencing confusion and disorientation
I look at the sun but it turned us back
I feel abandoned and alone
I need some affection, that's a fact
I am longing for emotional support
Will I live or will I leave
I am unsure of my future
And will I leave with my heart unused
I fear that I may miss out on opportunities for love and emotional fulfillment
But this is the way that it's gonna be
I am accepting of the situation, even if it is not ideal
Well I never can't say that it's good to me
I cannot say that the situation is good for me
Give me just a little more line
I still need more information to understand the situation
Maybe I will and maybe I won't
I am indecisive about my actions
What if I do and what if she don't
I fear the possibility of rejection or failure
It was never like this when I read the book
My experience does not match my expectations or prior knowledge
Maybe I'd better have another look
I need to revisit my assumptions and gather more information
It's getting late, it's getting dark
Time is running out and the situation is becoming more difficult
Was it like this in Noah's Ark
I am reflecting on a story or myth that may relate to my current situation
I'll get my cool and say goodbye
I will try to remain calm and exit the situation
Maybe I oughtta have another try
I may attempt to approach the situation differently if given another chance
Writer(s): Labi Siffre
Contributed by Adam Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Melanie
on Cannock Chase
So beautiful :)