Magazine were an influential British post-punk band founded in 1977 by form… Read Full Bio ↴Magazine were an influential British post-punk band founded in 1977 by former Buzzcocks singer Howard Devoto and guitarist John McGeoch. The other members of the band's classic lineup included bassist Barry Adamson, keyboardist Dave Formula, and drummer John Doyle. The band burst onto the scene with the single Shot by Both Sides and released four albums before disbanding in 1981. In 2009 the band resurfaced for half a dozen live performances in the UK, with Noko (who collaborated with Devoto in the late 80s in Luxuria) filling the position of guitarist. These performances, which earned very favourable reviews, took place in February in Manchester, London and Glasgow. Later the same year there were more festival appearances.
in 2011 Magazine returned with their first new recorded material from the band in 30 years, though Adamson had left the reunion by this point.

Magazine's music continues to be an influence in modern music today. While having roots in the punk and new-wave movements, Magazine combined elements of avant-garde and pop. Radiohead in particular draws on the lyrical style of the group, and have performed "Shot By Both Sides" in concert. What's more, Radiohead's 1995 single "Just", with its ascending guitar hook, bears a passing resemblance to "Shot By Both Sides". Former Smiths singer Morrissey, a fan and acquaintance of Devoto's, covered "A Song From Under The Floorboards" as a B-side to his 2006 single "The Youngest Was the Most Loved". "Floorboards" was covered by My Friend The Chocolate Cake on their 1994 album Brood. Half Man Half Biscuit have performed live covers of a number of Magazine songs. "The Light Pours Out Of Me", from the album Real Life, has been covered by both Peter Murphy and Ministry. Swedish punk band No Fun At All did a cover of "Shot By Both Sides" on their record "And Now For Something Completely Different". Devoto co-wrote two songs with Mansun, "Everyone Must Win" and "Railings", contributing vocals to the latter, and the band later covered "Shot By Both Sides" for John Peel.
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Definitive Gaze
Magazine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Got this bird's eye view and it's in my brain
Clarity has reared its ugly head again
So this is real life you're telling me
And everything is where it ought to be

I like your nerve, I like watching you
But I don't watch what I'm doing, got better things to do
So this is real life you're telling me

Now I'm lost in shock, your face fits perfectly

Overall Meaning

In "Definitive Gaze" by Magazine, the singer describes their perspective on the world as a "bird's eye view" in their brain. They have gained "clarity" and are now aware of the "real life" they are living, and that everything is in its rightful place. The singer seems to be amused by the person they are talking to, as they mention that they "like [their] nerve" and enjoy watching them. However, the singer also admits that they are not paying attention to their own actions, as they have "better things to do."

As the verse progresses, the singer becomes more and more lost in the realization of their surroundings. They are in "shock" and have a sense of being overwhelmed. The final line of the verse, "your face fits perfectly," suggests that the person they are talking to is perhaps fitting into their new understanding of the world.

The song, like many of Magazine's songs, has been widely interpreted and discussed by fans and critics. Some have suggested that the lyrics may be a commentary on the disconnection between perception and reality, while others see it as more of a love song. Ultimately, the song's meaning is left up to interpretation, and it remains a powerful and thought-provoking piece of music.

Line by Line Meaning

Got this bird's eye view and it's in my brain
I have a broad perspective on things and it's deeply ingrained in my thinking

Clarity has reared its ugly head again
I suddenly see things more clearly, which could be uncomfortable or challenging

So this is real life you're telling me
I'm realizing that what's happening is actually happening and not just a dream or illusion

And everything is where it ought to be
Things seem to be in their proper place or order, at least for now

I like your nerve, I like watching you
I admire your confidence and enjoy observing your actions

But I don't watch what I'm doing, got better things to do
I'm not paying attention to my own actions because I have more important tasks or interests to pursue

So this is real life you're telling me
Again I'm realizing that this is the actual reality I'm living in, which can be surprising or jarring

Now I'm lost in shock, your face fits perfectly
I'm stunned by what I'm seeing or experiencing, but it seems to be fitting or appropriate in some way

Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Mute Song Limited
Written by: Howard Devoto, John McGeoch

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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