Born in Buxton, Derbyshire, Cole grew up in nearby Chapel en le Frith and went to New Mills Grammar School. After failing in law at University College London, he later attended (but did not graduate from) the University of Glasgow where he studied philosophy and English and met the other members of band that would become The Commotions. Their 1984 debut, Rattlesnakes, contained numerous literary and pop culture references to figures like Norman Mailer, Grace Kelly, Eva Marie Saint, Truman Capote and Joan Didion. The group produced two more albums, Easy Pieces and Mainstream, before disbanding in 1989, when Cole re-located to New York to record with legendary musicians like Fred Maher and Robert Quine (as well as a then largely unknown Matthew Sweet).
This solo setting produced two acclaimed albums, Lloyd Cole in 1990 and 1991's Don't Get Weird on Me Babe. The latter was recorded in two parts: one side continued the New York rock mastered on his first solo album, while the other side featured a session orchestra, much in the style of Burt Bacharach or Scott Walker. Although some reviewers have claimed Don't Get Weird on Me Babe (the title being a quote from the American neo-realism poet Raymond Carver) to be a creative peak, it produced significantly lesser record sales, and the contract with Capitol Records ended.
Subsequently signed by Rykodisc, Cole continued redefining his sound with Bad Vibes (1993), a collaboration with producer/remixer Adam Peters using a harder, grunge and psychedelica inspired sound. Love Story (1995) established stripped-down, largely acoustic sound landscapes with the help of Stephen Street (famous for his work with Blur and The Smiths) and former Commotions Neil Clark and Blair Cowan; the album produced a minor hit with the song "Like Lovers Do".
In 2000, after years without a contract, Cole recorded a disc with the New York band The Negatives, featuring Jill Sobule and Dave Derby of the Dambuilders. He has since released solo albums on smaller independent labels. Sanctuary Records, the company responsible for the revival of Morrissey, released Music in a Foreign Language (2003) in the U.K. Recorded largely by Cole himself (including tracks recorded directly into a Mac), the songs had a stark, folk-inspired singer-songwriter style. One Little Indian, home of Björk, released Music in a Foreign Language in the U.S.; they also collected a number of outtakes (recorded from 1996 to 2000) on 2004's Etc. and released an instrumental ambient electronica album, Plastic Wood, the same year.
Cole continued to tour, playing intimate club venues in a one-man acoustic setting. In 2004, to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of Rattlesnakes, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions reformed to perform a one-off, sell-out tour in the U.K. and Ireland. An avid golfer, he is also known for playing concerts in towns suspiciously close to famous golf courses. He also shares a passion for this sport with Alice Cooper who is said to introduce the song "Only Women Bleed" claiming "not even Lloyd Cole has written a song about menstruation" when playing live.
Cole's album "Antidepressant" was released in 2006 featuring the former Commotions guitarist Neil Clark on some tracks.
The follow-up Broken Record, released in September 2010, marked a departure from his solo recordings, as it was performed by a band of longstanding friends and working partners, including Fred Maher, Joan Wasser, Rainy Orteca, Dave Derby and Blair Cowan – as well as two musicians, Matt Cullen (guitar; banjo) and Mark Schwaber (guitar; mandolin).
An album co-funded by fans, Standards, was released in June 2013.
A studio album – Guesswork – was released on July 26, 2019 by earMUSIC.
Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?
Lloyd Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Living like a heretic
Listening to arthur lee records
Making all your friends feel so guilty
About their cynicism
And the rest of their generation
Not even the government are gonna stop you now
But are you ready to be heartbroken?
Pumped up full of vitamins
On account of all the seriousness
You say you're so happy now
You can hardly stand
Lean over on the bookcase
If you really want to get straight
Read norman mailer
Or get a new tailor
Are you ready to be heartbroken?
Are you ready to be heartbroken?
Are you ready to bleed?
What would it take
What would it take to wipe that smile off of your face?
Are you ready to be, are you ready to bleed?
Are you ready to be heartbroken?
Are you ready to bleed? (heartbroken)
Well you better get ready now baby
Are you ready to bleed? , ready to bleed?
In Lloyd Cole's song "Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?" the lyrics suggest that the singer is addressing someone who appears to have recently gone through a dramatic transformation. The singer discusses how this person "looks like a born again" and "lives like a heretic", indicating that they have taken on a new spiritual or ideological identity. They also listen to Arthur Lee records, which could suggest a shift towards a more psychedelic and experimental musical taste. The singer notes that this person seems to make their friends feel guilty about their cynicism, indicating that they have become more idealistic and optimistic in their outlook.
The chorus of the song repeats the question, "Are you ready to be heartbroken?" This could suggest that the singer is cautioning this person about the potential heartbreak that may come with pursuing their new path. The second verse goes on to describe the person as being "pumped up full of vitamins" and "serious", but claiming to be "happy now". They suggest that this person is trying to improve themselves, "get straight", and find their place in the world by reading Norman Mailer or changing their style.
Overall, the song seems to be a warning against getting too caught up in a new identity or way of thinking without fully thinking through the consequences. The questions posed in the chorus suggest that the singer knows that heartbreak is a possibility for this person, and wants to make sure that they are prepared for it.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking like a born again
With your newfound sense of purpose and belief, you seem to have a newly born appreciation of life.
Living like a heretic
Your actions are deviating from that of the norm and will not conform to society's expectations.
Listening to Arthur Lee records
You are listening to Arthur Lee's music which is a reflection of his own experimentation in the field and challenges societal bounds.
Making all your friends feel so guilty
Your contagious happiness is resulting in making others feel guilty about their own cynicism and displeasure.
About their cynicism
You have presented them with an alternative perspective toward life that contradicts their own pessimism.
And the rest of their generation
Your generation has its own unique ideas and perspective which distinguishes it from all others.
Not even the government are gonna stop you now
Your drive and motivation cannot be hindered by any external obstacles or authority.
But are you ready to be heartbroken?
Despite your optimistic outlook, are you prepared for the potential heartbreak that life can bring?
Pumped up full of vitamins
You are taking a lot of vitamins and nutrients that are designed to enhance your bodily functions.
On account of all the seriousness
You are taking your life very seriously and are taking preventative measures to avoid any complications.
You say you're so happy now
You claim to be extremely happy and feel as though your life has entered a new chapter.
You can hardly stand
Your overwhelming emotion is leaving you feeling faint and weak.
Lean over on the bookcase
If you need support, lean over to the bookcase for added stability.
If you really want to get straight
If you want to level out your emotions, consider making a change in your current habits.
Read Norman Mailer
Read a book by Norman Mailer which is known for its heavy exploration into the human experience.
Or get a new tailor
If reading doesn't help, consider acquiring a new style or something that sets you apart from the norm.
Are you ready to bleed?
Are you prepared to deal with the difficult and painful situations that life may bring?
What would it take
What is required to lead you to a realization that life has its hardships?
What would it take to wipe that smile off of your face?
If life became more difficult for you, would your current, contented smile still be there?
Are you ready to be, are you ready to bleed?
Are you mentally prepared to face the challenges and hardships that life can offer?
Well you better get ready now baby
Start preparing yourself as soon as possible so you are ready to face whatever life may bring.
Are you ready to bleed? , ready to bleed?
Are you equipped to deal with the troubles life may throw at you?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LLOYD COLE, NEIL ROBERT CLARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
florence pi
Lyrics:
Looking like a born again, living like a heretic
Listening to Arthur Lee records, making all your friends feel so guilty
About their cynicism and the rest of their generation
Not even the government are gonna stop you now
… But are you ready to be heartbroken ?
Are you ready to be heartbroken ?
… Pumped up full of vitamins on account of all the seriousness
You say you're so happy now, you can hardly stand
Lean over on the bookcase if you really want to get straight
Read Norman Mailer or get a new tailor
… Are you ready to be heartbroken ? Are you ready to be heartbroken ?
Are you ready to bleed ?
… What would it take
What would it take to wipe that smile off of your face ?
Are you ready to be, are you ready to bleed ?
Are you ready to be heartbroken ?
Are you ready to bleed ? (heartbroken)
Well you better get ready now baby
Are you ready to bleed, ready to bleed ?
Segi gise
hey lloyd, a quick letter to you
i love camera obscura and trust tracyanne with all my heart but after this part i always break down crying
"Looking like a born again
Living like a heretic
Listening to arthur lee records
Making all your friends feel so guilty
About their cynicism
And the rest of their generation
Not even the government are gonna stop you now
But are you ready to be heartbroken?
Are you ready to be heartbroken?"
i never will be. and i think that's fine, beautiful song! <3
Paul Connelly
This album changed my life when I was 17. I didn't fit in with anyone. Then I bought this album on hearing rattle snakes. It's the album that keeps on giving. About the same time I got night and day by joe Jackson. These albums had a massive impact on my brain my personality and my style. For the best 👌
florence pi
I discovered them at the same age thanks to my american friend from Tacoma. And I've been listening to them since this beautiful american spring of the late eighties.
Stephen Watt
This album blew me away when it came out - still love it to bits, probably even more now.
RayD8or1
Same. Love,love,love this album. Still have my old CD. Play it regularly. Also, how good is 2CV......
Amy Wall
Not a bad song on it!
David Pegg
Defo.... I had it on a TDK AD90 when it first came out. It really stands the test of time.
agent playdoh
I would really love to know if Lloyd Cole knew how special, timeless and unique this album would turn out when they were making it. xx
Pat Griffin
Very cool
Paul Connelly
This song is ageless. If you didn't know it and heard it today you would be wow. You can't even comprehend its nearly 40 years old masterpiece lloyd
Bryan Randall
This song is just sublimely gorgeous. I wish I'd have found it sooner in life.