Strongly interested and outspoken about green anarchism issues the band have built up a strong and devoted fanbase, despite being nearly universally ignored by mainstream critics. The band have been spokespeople for a number of issues including campaigning against the Criminal Justice Act (and its measures against rave parties) and various anti-capitalist and environmental issues. They continue to tour extensively around Britain and Europe but maintain a mutual dislike with the music press which stems from their early days.
Fantasy
Levellers Lyrics
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New white skinny rebel was he
Because he knew what mattered
It's all in a clatter of the bands he's seen
His words of wisdom would shock
Whether he meant them or not
He'd save the world
All the boys and the girls
That's sad
That's right
Another night
Of someone else's fantasy
He thought he was cool with his tunes
He practised the knack in his room
And in the evening he'd DJ
With the slider at eight plus
Believing that at his feet we swoom
Now he's always there in the queue
While down on the dance floor it's you
And when he starts playing
He's up there playing
You don't notice that they're not his tunes
He thought he could measure the world
Because he loved the flag when unfurled
First he's a lawyer, excellent debator
You should have heard the mud he hurled
Now you've seen his face on TV
Leading parliamentary
When he makes decisions
That meet your derision
He reminds us all that we're free
The song "Fantasy" by Levellers is a criticism of people who have a grandiose idea of their own importance and capabilities. It is an exploration of the idea that we often create a fantasy version of ourselves, and that this version is often disconnected from reality. The song tells the story of an individual who thinks that he is cool and socially relevant because of the music he listens to and plays. The character in the song craves attention and recognition, but he has limited success in life and love. Despite his supposed wisdom and intelligence, he is unable to make a difference in the world and is reduced to being just another single person living out someone else's fantasy.
The opening lines describe the character's drunken state, which is likely due to his lack of success in life. He has a new "skinny rebel" image that he thinks makes him appear cool and hip. However, the character is delusional about his capability and the impact he has on the world. He thinks that he is wise and that his mere presence is enough to save the world, but in reality, he is just another guy living out someone else's dream.
The middle section of the song portrays the character as a DJ, someone who thinks that he can influence others through his music. He has spent time practicing his craft, and he thinks that he is good at it, but in reality, he is ignored while others enjoy themselves. The character also has political ambitions, thinking that he can change the world through parliament. However, he is met with derision and lacks any real impact.
In summary, the song "Fantasy" takes a critical look at the idea that we often build up grand images of ourselves that do not match reality. The character in the song has a grandiose view of himself, but ultimately he is just another person living out someone else's dream.
Line by Line Meaning
He thought he was as drunk as can be
He believed he was completely inebriated
New white skinny rebel was he
He had just become a young, slim rebel, possibly dressed in white
Because he knew what mattered
He felt as though he understood what was truly important
It's all in a clatter of the bands he's seen
He judged the importance of music based on the number of bands he had observed
His words of wisdom would shock
He believed his advice was wise enough to surprise or shock others
Whether he meant them or not
It was unclear whether he was sincere or not
He'd save the world
He was convinced that he could make the world a better place
All the boys and the girls
He was referring to all genders
But another single's all he'd be
Despite his aspirations, he would only be a single individual with limited influence
That's sad
He felt pity for his situation
That's right
This is a correct assessment
Another night
This is yet another typical evening
Of someone else's fantasy
He was living in the fantasy or dream of another person, rather than creating his own
He thought he was cool with his tunes
He believed that his choice of music made him cool
He practised the knack in his room
He spent time honing his skills in private
And in the evening he'd DJ
In the evenings, he would act as a disc jockey
With the slider at eight plus
He preferred to play music using the fader set to a volume level of eight or above
Believing that at his feet we swoom
He believed that his music would captivate and move people
Now he's always there in the queue
He spends a lot of time waiting in line
While down on the dance floor it's you
On the dance floor below him is the person he is watching
And when he starts playing
When he starts to play music
He's up there playing
He's up there, playing music from high up in the DJ booth
You don't notice that they're not his tunes
People in the audience are unaware that the songs he plays aren't his own creations
He thought he could measure the world
He felt as though he could calculate or assess the entire world
Because he loved the flag when unfurled
He felt a strong attachment to a flag being displayed
First he's a lawyer, excellent debator
He is adept at arguing or debating as a lawyer
You should have heard the mud he hurled
He made negative or disparaging comments about people or events, and they were significant enough to be remembered
Now you've seen his face on TV
His face has appeared on television
Leading parliamentary
He's involved in leading a parliamentary or governmental body
When he makes decisions
When he decides something
That meet your derision
His choices or actions have led to ridicule or contempt from others
He reminds us all that we're free
He feels as though he is providing a reminder that people are free, or reinforcing the concept of freedom
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES KENTON HEATHER, JEREMY CUNNINGHAM, JONATHAN SEVINK, MARK CHADWICK, SIMON FRIEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind