Although several of their singles are coveted by collectors of British 1960s rock, Les Fleur de Lys never came close to getting a hit. The group did release a number of fine singles in the mod-psychedelic style that has latterly become known as "freakbeat", with more of a soul music influence than most such British acts.
Les Fleur de Lys changed lineups about half a dozen times during their recording career, which roughly spanned 1965-1969. Drummer Keith Guster was the only constant member; some of the musicians passing through went on to commercial success with Journey and Jefferson Starship (keyboardist Pete Sears) and King Crimson (bassist Gordon Haskell). At the outset they recorded a couple of singles for the Immediate label that were produced by Jimmy Page (there remains some controversy about whether he played guitar on these as well). A cover of the Who's "Circles" featured the fluid, slightly distorted guitar lines that would become Les Fleur de Lys's most distinguishing characteristic. The 45s made no commercial impact, however, and Les Fleur de Lys helped sustain themselves in the late '60s by backing relocated South African singer Sharon Tandy.
Continuing to record intermittently on the side, the band managed a few decent slabs of freakbeat with "Hold On", "Mud in Your Eye", and their most psychedelic outing, the memorably titled "Gong with the Luminous Nose". As if the musical chairs of personnel weren't enough, they further confused record buyers with tracks issued under different names like Shyster and Chocolate Frog, as well as playing on singles by Tandy, Waygood Ellis, and John Bromley. One single issued under the moniker Rupert's People, the Procol Harum-like "Reflections of Charlie Brown", became a European hit of sorts; subsequent singles by Rupert's People, however, are not Les Fleur de Lys playing under an assumed name. They finally disbanded in 1969.
Keyboardist Pete Sears went on to play with Sam Gopal Dream then was a founding member of Jefferson Starship and went on to play with Hot Tuna, bassist Gordon Haskell replaced Greg Lake in King Crimson before going on a successful solo career, while guitarist Bryn Haworth recorded solo albums in the 1970s.
A compilation of their work was issued in 1996 under the name Reflections.
Butchers And Bakers
Les Fleur De Lys Lyrics
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Bah bah bah bah bah bah
Bah bah bah bah bah
Bah bah bah bah bah bah
Love is one thing that everyone needs
Like the birds and the bees
We all need love
And given the chance
They will fall in love
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
They all think alike
They like the new, new sensations
And the sweet, sweet vibrations of love
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Children love the way that lovers hold hands
But they'll understand when their old enough
Then they'll wonder what loves all about
And have no doubt they will fall in love
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
They all think alike
They like the new, new sensations
And the sweet, sweet vibrations of love
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
They all think alike,
They like the new, new sensations
And the sweet, sweet vibration of love
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
The opening lines of "Butchers and Bakers" by Les Fleur De Lys consists of an upbeat and catchy tune that continues throughout the song. The lyrics talk about how love is a universal need that we all crave. It draws similarities between humans and nature's creatures, like the birds and bees, that require the necessity of love as well. The lyrics describe how love is a beautiful feeling and how it can take on various forms, including romance. The song emphasizes how everyone loves the idea of love and how we often fall helplessly for it.
The chorus talks about how butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers are not very different from each other when it comes to love. They all crave the same feelings and sensations that come along with it. The song suggests that even children can recognize love, and it's only a matter of time before they understand what this emotion truly means. The lyrics reinforce how we are all the same when it comes to the need for love.
Line by Line Meaning
Bah bah bah bah bah
This line is merely a repetitive filler with no discernible meaning.
Love is one thing that everyone needs
Love is a universal requirement for all human beings to thrive.
Like the birds and the bees
Just as all creatures in nature seek out mates, humans also desire love and companionship.
We all need love
Love is a fundamental human need that everyone requires to fully experience life's joys.
Everyone loves the thought of romance
The idea of romantic love is appealing to all people.
And given the chance
When presented with an opportunity for love, most people will pursue it.
They will fall in love
People have a natural tendency to develop romantic feelings and form relationships.
Butchers and Bakers and Candlestick makers
This line is a reference to people of all backgrounds and professions, indicating that everyone has the same desires and needs when it comes to love.
They all think alike
Regardless of their differences, people across professions share the same fundamental desires and needs.
They like the new, new sensations
People are attracted to novel and exciting experiences, including those related to love and romance.
And the sweet, sweet vibrations of love
The emotional and physical sensations associated with romantic love are highly appealing to people of all backgrounds.
Children love the way that lovers hold hands
Even young children recognize the physical displays of affection associated with romantic love.
But they'll understand when their old enough
As children grow up, they will come to understand the complexities of love and the emotions associated with it.
Then they'll wonder what loves all about
As children mature and experience more of life, they will become curious about romantic love and its effects on people.
And have no doubt they will fall in love
Despite any doubts or reservations, most people will inevitably fall in love at some point in their lives.
Contributed by Bella T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.