Signed to Polydor in 1984, the band was known for combining Clark's twangy guitar style with Cole's low-key singing style. Particularly notable were Cole's literary lyrics (he was studying Philosophy at the University of Glasgow when the band started) and name-dropping the likes of Norman Mailer, Arthur Lee, Grace Kelly, Truman Capote, Eva Marie Saint, Simone de Beauvoir, and Nancy Sinatra.
For a period in the mid 1980s the band was one of the most successful indie acts in Britain, vying with The Smiths. The band broke up in 1989 amid reports of personality clashes between members, and Cole moved to New York City to pursue a successful solo career. The band reformed in 2004 to perform a 20th anniversary tour of the UK and Ireland.
Band members
Lloyd Cole (born 31 January 1961) - vocals, guitar, lyricist
Blair Cowan (born 1960?) - keyboards
Lawrence Donegan (born 13 July 1961) - bass guitar
Neil Clark (born 3 July 1955) - guitar
Stephen Irvine (born 16 December 1959) - drums
Mainstream
Lloyd Cole and The Commotions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I took my medication, I feel worse
Swimming is easy when you're stuck in the middle of the Mississippi
All you have to do is crawl
Fifteen years, a big shot in a one horse town
Riding the elevator shafts with your hip flask and your sun bed tan
You were born stupid, mister, you were born cheap
When are you ever going to see sense ?
I kick it in and you spit it right out again
Swimming is easy when you're headed for the deep
All you have to do is, all you have to do is crawl
One for the money, baby, two for the money
Get back in that elevator, Jack, eat up your milk and honey
Guess you were born lucky, mister, ain"t life sweet ?
All you have to do is crawl
When are you ever going to see sense ?
I kick it in and you just spit it right out again
Swimming is easy when you're stuck in the middle of the Mississippi
All you have to do is, all you have to do is crawl
The lyrics of Lloyd Cole and The Commotions's song "Mainstream" seem to tell the story of someone struggling with addiction and fame, while also expressing a certain level of cynicism about the music industry. The first verse talks about the frustration of taking medication that isn't working and feeling like you're stuck in a difficult situation. The second verse seems to be directed at someone else, calling them out for refusing to change their ways and continually spitting out help that's offered to them. The repeated phrase "swimming is easy when you're stuck in the middle of the Mississippi" might serve as a metaphor for feeling like you're just going with the flow, even if it's not serving you well, and the suggestion to "crawl" implies having to take things step by step in order to make progress.
Line by Line Meaning
When am I ever going to kick the curse ?
I'm finding it difficult to break away from my unhealthy habits or negative traits.
I took my medication, I feel worse
Even though I'm taking the necessary treatments or remedies, my situation is not getting better.
Swimming is easy when you're stuck in the middle of the Mississippi
A tedious or difficult task can become a lot easier when compared to a seemingly impossible one.
All you have to do is crawl
All you need to do is take small steps towards reaching your goal.
Fifteen years, a big shot in a one horse town
I've been successful in a small or insignificant environment for a long time.
Riding the elevator shafts with your hip flask and your sun bed tan
I indulge in alcohol and artificial tanning while doing menial tasks.
You were born stupid, mister, you were born cheap
You lack intelligence and class, and it's not your fault but a result of your nature.
When are you ever going to see sense ?
When will you start making rational decisions or understand the situation better?
I kick it in and you spit it right out again
I try to help you, but you reject my advice or assistance.
Swimming is easy when you're headed for the deep
It's easier to tackle a difficult challenge when you're well-prepared for it.
One for the money, baby, two for the money
An ironic phrase to say that you only care about money and material wealth.
Get back in that elevator, Jack, eat up your milk and honey
Go back to your mundane routine and enjoy your simple pleasures.
Guess you were born lucky, mister, ain't life sweet ?
You've had an easy and comfortable life, and you're content with it.
When are you ever going to see sense ?
Why can't you start thinking rationally or understand the reality of the situation?
I kick it in and you just spit it right out again
My advice or suggestions are constantly rejected or ignored by you.
Swimming is easy when you're stuck in the middle of the Mississippi
What seems like an impossible task can be a lot easier compared to an even more daunting challenge.
All you have to do is crawl
All it takes is patience and small steps to achieve your goals.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roberto Riva
Semplicemente uno dei piรน grandi CROONER degli ultimi 40 anni! ๐ค๐ Roberto from Italy ๐ฎ๐น
deeplydeluxe
There was an excellent live tv version of this, but I can't find it on youtube anymore. I remember that it was from the morning that the song had been finished. Please post it to the channel :)
Luis Antonio Bedia Cifrian
@P H 5.5% q
bricology
Here's the entire version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OPrrFeuWik
foxbasealpha
Where is the entire song?
deeplydeluxe
only half a song here... :(