The group initially signed with Elektra Records in 1993. However, just before they released their first single, two tragedies struck the band. Lead singer Hunt was seriously injured in a car accident resulting in his being in a coma for three days. Shortly after, the UK arm of the record label closed its doors leaving the Longpigs' future in doubt. Elektra set a price of £500,000 to release them from their contract.
The Longpigs contract was purchased by U2's new record label, Mother Records. The band had a series of fortunate gigs, including opening for Echobelly, Supergrass and finally Radiohead in early 1995. Their first singles, Happy Again, She Said and Jesus Christ did little in the charts. The band played the 1995 Reading Festival and subsequently, new track All Hype was featured on the compilation CD Volume 14: Reading '95 Special.
Their next single, the poppy Far, managed to hit the UK Top 40. In March 1996, this was followed by the ballad On & On which received considerable radio play and hit the UK Top 20. The song had a guitar riff remarkably similar to Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here. In April 1996 the band released their debut album The Sun Is Often Out, which was declared one of 1996's 50 best albums by both Q Magazine and Melody Maker. On the heels of their newfound success, the band then repackaged and re-released She Said which hit the UK top 30 in June 1996.
The band waited more than two years to release their next material, an eternity in the Britpop world. Their second album, Mobile Home, was released in 1999, with singles including Blue Skies and The Frank Sonata. Despite briefly reaching the UK top 20, the album failed to achieve any notable success. Dee Boyle left the band, and shortly after Mother Records folded in 2000, the rest of the band split up. Guitarist Richard Hawley went on to tour with Pulp.
In late 2004, Hunt lent his voice to the self-titled album by pop/electronic supergroup Mayonnaise on the Lunaticworks/BMG label. Richard Hawley has a flourishing solo career and has also worked with Jarvis Cocker in the electro group Relaxed Muscle. Hunt has since been seen recording with a new band, Gramercy with the help of Dylan Rippon (producer of albums by Emma Townsend) and Nigel Hoyle, once of Britpop-rockers Gay Dad.
Far
Longpigs Lyrics
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But I'd kill for this feeling yet again
Seen you drenched in rubber
Pushing out your clothes so frightening
You made for the day you're getting out
Far and I'm in love again
Far cause I'm going to wear it out
Far cause I know no-ones going to show you how
But I found out
I never thought to question leather in a wholesome way
But it's growing in your brain now put it away
Dressed you in cardboard box to suit the time of day
But I never get the chance to wear it out
Far and I'm in love again
Far cause I'm going to wear it out
Far and I'm in love again
Far cause I know no-ones going to show you how
But I found out
No ones going to tell you why
But I've got mine she's gonna hold me on
Completely disgraceful, your crying is watering something
Far and I'm in love again
Far cause I'm going to wear it out
Far and I'm in love again
Far cause I know no-ones going to show you how, but I found out
The Longpigs' song "Far" is a passionate and intense piece of music. The lyrics tell a story of desiring something that one has never experienced before, and the yearning to feel it again. The first verse speaks of never having been in a situation that is coveted, yet willing to go to any lengths to experience that feeling once again. The second verse presents the image of someone dressed in rubber and pushing out their clothes, symbolizing their desire to break free from the limitations of their life. They are waiting for the day when they can escape and be their true selves.
The chorus declares the singer's love, but the "far" repeated throughout suggests distance or separation. The last line, "But I found out," implies that the singer has discovered something important or has come to a realization about their love or their desire. The bridge offers little clarity to the situation, but it suggests that the singer has found someone who will comfort them, perhaps in a time of personal crisis.
The song can be read on multiple levels. On one hand, it is a love song, expressing the singer's feelings for someone. On another, it could be interpreted as a commentary on the ways in which society places strictures on individuality, limiting people's ability to express themselves. Finally, it could be a personal confession of desire, for an experience that they have never had before, but long to feel.
Line by Line Meaning
I've never had a moment anybody waits in line
I have never experienced anything that was so popular that people would wait in line for it
But I'd kill for this feeling yet again
I would do almost anything to feel that type of excitement and popularity again
Seen you drenched in rubber
I observed you completely covered in a rubbery material
Pushing out your clothes so frightening
You were wearing clothes that were so tight and revealing that it was horrifying
You made for the day you're getting out
You are preparing for the day that you will be leaving
Far and I'm in love again
I am in love again and it feels like it's far away
Far cause I'm going to wear it out
I cannot wait to wear this feeling out and experience it fully
Far cause I know no-ones going to show you how
I have realized that nobody is going to teach me how to experience this feeling again
But I found out
However, I have discovered it on my own
I never thought to question leather in a wholesome way
I never considered the ethical implications of wearing leather
But it's growing in your brain now put it away
Now you are becoming aware of those implications and should stop using leather
Dressed you in cardboard box to suit the time of day
I put you in clothing made of cardboard to fit the current fashion trends
But I never get the chance to wear it out
However, I never had the opportunity to actually wear those clothes
No ones going to tell you why
Nobody is going to explain to you why things are the way they are
But I've got mine she's gonna hold me on
But I have someone who loves and supports me no matter what
Completely disgraceful, your crying is watering something
Your crying is so shameful that it feels like it's causing something to grow or bloom
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CRISPIN MACMICHAEL SANDYS HUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind