Their earlier work is noted for genre-crossing style, distorted and at times alien lyrics, distinctive funk bass lines and extensive use of lo-fi recording practices; although it would be a stretch to call the style of the music as a whole 'lo-fi' in the more traditional sense. This work is best exemplified by their debut album "How To Operate With A Blown Mind" on Skint Records. After its release, on the eve of a UK tour, the band's singer [known as The Wrekked Train] left with Sheriff John Stone. Phil took over as the singer but since then other members of the band (Johnny, Andy and Martin) have all sung, along with guests Greg Dulli, Jamie Lidell and Bootsy Collins.
Their later work has less vocal distortion but the lyrics and sound remain distinctive. The 2002 album "Don't Be Afraid of Love" covers a range of styles but all are drenched in funk and includes the aforementioned guest vocalists.
The group have recently finished working on their third studio album "Northern Stomp", featuring the tracks "Northern Stomp", "Smash and Grab World" and "Southside Lowdown" (featuring Greg Dulli). The album is set for release around Easter 2009 on Corsair Records.
They are also recording and playing live under the name Technically Men. Tracks are available on www.lofidelityallstars.co.uk www.technicallymen.com and the bands' MySpace pages (www.myspace.com/lofiallstars www.myspace.com/technicallymen). Phil also has a weekly radio show on www.wirelessfm.net on Tuesdays from 10pm - midnight, UK time.
I Used to Fall in Love
Lo Fidelity Allstars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Strung out/hung out
Screaming sirens/skyscraper coffins
Shambolic/chaotic
Computer boffins
Strip-tease traffic lights
Cut throat beer fights
Poison friends/fakers and takers
And you're all cold, cold heartbreakers
Drunks slumped
Cans tilted
Lost your mind in the violent crime
Strobes and flashes/knife gashes
Bright lights/jilted lovers
Piss stains and splattered brains
Corruption production/fag packets
Prediction rackets
You're all bribes and lies
Did you slip inside and get too low?
Did you slip inside and wanna know?
Smashed up limbs/stifled screams
A battle of lies/lightweight street fights
Monday mourning/pungent yawning
Inner-city casualty
Science and technology battle against me
I know there's something terminal eating away at me
A vulture's nest
Jesus, what a test
Did you slip inside and get too low?
Did you slip inside and wanna know?
I used to fall in love with everyone I'd meet
And then I realised it's murder out
Murder on the streets
Yeah I used to fall in love with everyone I'd meet
And then I realised it's murder out on the streets
Y'know it's murder out on the streets
So don't fall in love with everyone you meet
Cos I know it's murder out on the streets
Y'know it's murder out
Murder on the streets.
The lyrics of "I Used to Fall in Love" by Lo Fidelity Allstars describe the dark and chaotic nature of urban life, particularly in inner-city areas. The first verse contrasts the brutal and beautiful aspects of the city, with images of strung out individuals, screaming sirens, and skyscraper coffins. The chorus warns against falling in love with everyone you meet, as the city streets are full of murder, corruption and deception.
The second verse continues to paint a picture of a violent and corrupt urban landscape, with descriptions of smashed up limbs, stifled screams, and lightweight street fights. The lyrics also touch on the role of science and technology in this environment, with the lines "science and technology battle against me," suggesting a struggle between progress and decay.
The overall tone of the song is one of disillusionment and resignation, with the repeated refrain of "murder out on the streets" emphasizing the hopelessness of the situation. The lyrics reflect a harsh reality where survival is the primary concern, and trust and love are difficult to find.
Line by Line Meaning
Brutal/beautiful
The world can be both harsh and attractive at the same time.
Strung out/hung out
People can become exhausted, physically and mentally drained from habitual behavior and addiction.
Screaming sirens/skyscraper coffins
The sound of emergency vehicles and the sight of high-rise buildings can be both alarming and ominous.
Shambolic/chaotic
Life can be messy and disorderly, lacking in organization or structure.
Computer boffins
Technical experts and programmers are a part of modern life's landscape, often creating the software and tools that shape society.
Strip-tease traffic lights
Intersections and signals are potentially seductive and tantalizing, drawing people into danger or risk.
Cut throat beer fights
Competitive drinking can devolve into aggression and harm between individuals who are under the influence.
Poison friends/fakers and takers
The people you surround yourself with can either be positive or negative influences in your life.
Stoic spectators
People can be unresponsive or unfeeling, watching events without taking action or showing emotion.
And you're all cold, cold heartbreakers
Individuals can be emotionally distant or hurtful, causing pain or disappointment in relationships.
Drunks slumped
Intoxicated people can be physically and mentally compromised, often losing control over their bodies.
Cans tilted
Alcohol and substance abuse can lead to physical degeneration and addiction.
Lost your mind in the violent crime
Witnessing or experiencing violent acts can cause psychological trauma or damage.
Strobes and flashes/knife gashes
The use of lights or sudden movements can be disorienting or harmful, as can physical assaults with weapons.
Bright lights/jilted lovers
Intense emotions and experiences can create powerful memories or cause emotional distress.
Piss stains and splattered brains
Sights and smells associated with filth and gore can be disturbing or repugnant.
Corruption production/fag packets
Corporate or institutional greed and influence can create harm or negative consequences for society, as can tobacco products.
Prediction rackets
Fortunetelling or prediction services can exploit people's hopes and fears for personal gain.
You're all bribes and lies
Deception and unethical behavior can be common in business and politics.
Did you slip inside and get too low?
Have you succumbed to despair or depression?
Did you slip inside and wanna know?
Have you become curious or interested in the darker aspects of life?
Smashed up limbs/stifled screams
Physical injuries or pain can be coupled with psychological distress or trauma.
A battle of lies/lightweight street fights
Society can be a place where dishonesty and conflict are commonplace, occurring in both trivial and serious situations.
Monday mourning/pungent yawning
The start of the work week can be an unpleasant or uninspiring time for many people.
Inner-city casualty
Urban environments can be dangerous or unhealthy for those who live there.
Science and technology battle against me
Innovation and progress in society can create challenges or difficulties for individuals who struggle to adapt.
I know there's something terminal eating away at me
I am aware of a serious or irreversible problem affecting my health or well-being.
A vulture's nest
An area or situation full of scavengers or opportunists.
Jesus, what a test
Experiencing hardship or adversity can be a significant challenge or trial for individuals.
I used to fall in love with everyone I'd meet
I once had a naïve or overly romantic perspective on relationships or people in general.
And then I realised it's murder out
I came to the stark realization that life can be harsh or dangerous.
Murder on the streets
Violence and crime are pervasive in public life.
So don't fall in love with everyone you meet
Do not blindly trust or invest in others without examining their character and intentions.
Cos I know it's murder out on the streets
I am aware of and cautious about the dangers and risks of society.
Y'know it's murder out on the streets
Violence and danger are a constant threat in public spaces.
Murder out
Danger and risk are ever-present in society.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICK JAMES, DAVID RANDALL, PHILIP WARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind