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.
I Can See The Light
Les Fleur De Lys Lyrics
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With the light
You can see through the [?ice seeming water?]
Walking at day
Day during May
You can hear people laughing and see
Going back to the love, that I understood
I can see a light
I can see a light
Thinking of spring
When the bells ring
Sitting near [?wood / would?]
[?____________?]
Thinking of lovers
With each other
Sitting on a swing
Loving everything
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
In Les Fleur De Lys's song I Can See The Light, the lyrics describe a person who is walking at night with a light, and through this light they are able to see through ice-seeming water. The imagery of the ice-seeming water suggests a certain level of clarity and transparency, allowing the person to see through it. Similarly, during the daytime in May, the person hears people laughing and is able to see their surroundings. This use of senses, sight and sound, highlights the beauty of the world around us and how it can be appreciated through various means.
The lyrics also describe a sense of nostalgia, as the person reflects on their past experiences through the sounds of a playground and thinking of spring when the bells ring. The mention of love and lovers sitting on a swing further emphasizes the theme of nostalgia, as love and romance are often associated with idealized memories of the past. The lyrics convey a sense of longing to go back to a time when everything was simpler and filled with love.
Overall, the lyrics of I Can See The Light convey the beauty of the world around us and the desire to relive past memories filled with love and simplicity. The use of sensory imagery and nostalgia adds to the emotional depth of the song and makes it relatable to many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking at night
With the light
You can see through the [?ice seeming water?]
When you walk at night with enough light to see, you can see through what may appear to be opaque water.
Walking at day
Day during May
You can hear people laughing and see
During a day in May, you can hear people laughing and see them clearly.
Listening to sounds, in the playground
Going back to the love, that I understood
Listening to the sounds of the playground and reminiscing about the love that was once understood.
I can see a light
I can see a light
I am able to see a path forward or a sense of hope.
Thinking of spring
When the bells ring
Sitting near [?wood / would?]
[?____________?]
Thinking of spring and the hopeful sound of bells ringing, sitting near something that provides peace or comfort.
Thinking of lovers
With each other
Sitting on a swing
Loving everything
Remembering the joy of being in love and feeling content with all aspects of life while sitting on a swing.
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
I can see a light
The repeated phrase indicates a persistent feeling of optimism or hope that the singer is experiencing.
Contributed by Brayden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.