Vocalist and songwriter Nicola Hitchcock and Saul Freeman Ex-Thieves joined forces in the mid-nineties to form Mandalay, signed to V2 records and released three albums. Mandalay's debut album "Empathy" release in 1998. In 2000, Mandalay release their second album "Instinct". In 2001, "Solace" a two disc album released exclusively in the US. Disc one of the album Solace included a mix of tracks from the albums Empathy and Instinct and disc two remix tracks with contributions from several artists including Nitin Sawhney, Wagon Christ, Futureshock, Alex Reece, Calderone and Charlie May.
Incorporating guest musicians Jon Hassell and Steve Jansen (Japan), Freeman's intimate, pristine production and Hitchcock's heartbreaking vocal performances earned the duo props throughout the latter part of the decade in their native U.K., specifically with the albums Empathy and Instinct.
Sold
Mandalay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need to see your eyes
Cool rain warm me
To shut you out
Need your conversation
I need some space
Need to see your eyes
Cool rain down on me
Should be told i can't give you self respect
One of us should be told
Can't make up for what you lack
One of us should be told
Can't protect you from yourself
Now i know she was sold
I though it out
There was some intention
You stood too still
I am unafraid
Stoop low
'Cause nothing now
Is all i feel
Should be told ...
I'll admit i've given in
You drive me to extremes
All the same i'm here
Want you to share some peace with me
Think of the choices we make
Salvaging
Hoping the choices we make are salvaging
The song "Sold" by Mandalay is a deep and introspective reflection on the complexity of relationships. The singer speaks directly to her partner, stating her need for their conversation and to see their eyes. The idea of cool rain warming her is a metaphor for the healing and soothing effect her partner has on her. However, the singer also expresses a need for space, suggesting that she's feeling overwhelmed or stifled.
The lyrics take a turn when the singer admits that she can't give her partner self-respect. This is a painful realization and suggests that the singer feels responsible for her partner's emotional well-being. The line "Now I know she was sold" is ambiguous, but it's possible that the singer is referring to another woman who was also in a relationship with her partner and whose emotional needs he couldn't meet either.
The song continues with the singer thinking out loud about her feelings towards her partner. The line "You stood too still, I am unafraid" suggests that she's grown tired of waiting for change or progress in the relationship. The imagery of stooping low and feeling nothing is a clear indication of the singer's emotional exhaustion.
Overall, the song "Sold" is a nuanced exploration of the dynamics of relationships and the complexity of human emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
I need you conversation
I crave meaningful communication with you.
I need to see your eyes
I desire a physical and emotional connection with you.
Cool rain warm me
The comfort of natural elements like the rain soothes me.
To shut you out
I push you away as a defense mechanism.
Need your conversation
I yearn for your presence and conversation.
I need some space
I require time and distance to process my emotions.
Need to see your eyes
I want to connect with you on a deeper level.
Cool rain down on me
A calming sensation overcomes me in the presence of natural elements like rain.
All i need
All I desire is your love and companionship.
Should be told i can't give you self respect
I am not capable of providing you with the respect that you deserve.
One of us should be told
A candid conversation is necessary to resolve our issues.
Can't make up for what you lack
My love can't compensate for your personal struggles and challenges.
Can't protect you from yourself
I cannot shield you from your own harmful tendencies and actions.
Now i know she was sold
I realize that she was manipulated and deceived.
I thought it out
I have carefully considered my options.
There was some intention
My actions were purposeful and calculated.
You stood too still
You were too passive and unresponsive.
I am unafraid
I am courageous in the face of adversity.
Stoop low
I must lower myself to deal with this conflict.
'Cause nothing now
My emotions are numb and I feel nothing.
Is all I feel
I am overwhelmed by a lack of emotion.
I'll admit I've given in
I confess that I have surrendered myself to you completely.
You drive me to extremes
Your actions push me to my limits.
All the same I'm here
Despite the challenges, I remain devoted to our relationship.
Want you to share some peace with me
I wish to find tranquility and happiness together.
Think of the choices we make
Let's reflect on the decisions we've made.
Salvaging
We hope to save our relationship despite its challenges.
Contributed by Samantha H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
gabrieru1983
love this song......
Steven Quinn
Ah...I have searched forever for the version of Enough Love that was on that single and I can't find it anywhere. I used to have it...it was my first single I bought from them back in 1996. Do you have it???
Jonathan Pearce
Bjork would approve...