Mansun came to prominence in the mid-nineties British indie/ guitar-rock resurgence, despite pursuing their own path away from any of the emerging scenes. Their first album Attack of the Grey Lantern could easily have been lost amidst the wave of new music in the British (Britpop) scene at that time if it had not been for the majestic Wide Open Space. The single charted at number 15 in the UK. The album then went on to reach no. 1 in the UK charts. Many of the tracks from the album and the associated EP's formed part of a grand concept piece. The band created a twisted town inhabited by bizarre characters such as "Dark Mavis", "Stripper Vicar", "Flourella" and "Egg-Shaped Fred".
Between their 1st and 2nd album they released the Closed for Business EP which departed from the themes that had run through all Mansun's previous releases, while musically very similar to the tracks from Attack of the Grey Lantern.
The band's second album Six was a radical departure from the first album. The tracks segued into each other creating two musical sections which were separated by an "intermission". Musically, the songs were far more produced in sound. The album artwork was also very complex containing many references to the cult (and often surreal) 60's TV show "The Prisoner". This perfectly suited the music which had the feeling of a nonsensical prog extravaganza. The artwork together with the way that the complex structure of the songs/time signatures blended into each other gave the impression of a very ambitious progressive rock concept album, though lyrically there is little to suggest that there is a central theme to the album. While generally critically appreciated, Six was not a huge commercial success, though the album did reach no. 6 in the UK album charts.
For their third album, Little Kix, Mansun again changed direction. This time the songs were slickly produced (over-produced in some senses) with strong pop sensibility. The album was obviously an attempt by the band to produce an album with more maturity, but was perhaps too polished. Little Kix reached no. 12 in the UK charts.
Mansun disbanded in May 2003. This was a culmination of band tensions which had seen one of the original members leave (Stove King). Disappointed by the poor reception of their 3rd album, the band folded with little fanfare of their passing.
Due to pressure from their fans, EMI released the posthumous "4th album", Kleptomania, which was a three CD set containing rough recordings of tracks slated to be on the unfinished 4th album, b-sides and rarities.
Electric Man
Mansun Lyrics
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The lyrics of Mansun's "Electric Man" allude to a toxic relationship between the singer and their partner, who is portrayed as an alluring and seductive figure with an "electric" presence. The seven deadly sins reference suggests that this person is not necessarily good for the singer, but they are unable to resist their charms. The line "with your disco heartbeat, you're not even human" could be interpreted as the singer feeling like their partner is almost supernaturally captivating or inhuman in their allure. The chorus, with its repeated plea for the "electric man" to bring their sunshine, could be read as the singer hoping for their partner to break through their loneliness and bring them happiness.
The second verse reveals the singer's own insecurity and feelings of inadequacy in comparison to their captivating partner. The line "everything I touch just falls to bits" hints at a lack of self-confidence and fear of failure. The assurance that the "electric man will save our souls" could be seen as the singer leaning on their partner to rescue them from their own self-doubt. However, even as the singer vows to change and earn back their partner's trust, they remain "lonely once again" in the final lines of the song.
Overall, "Electric Man" portrays a complicated and potentially destructive romance, where the singer is torn between their attraction to a mesmerizing partner and their own insecurities.
Line by Line Meaning
You were the seven deadly sins
You embodied all seven deadly sins
Making sense in your 'screw me' dress
Your seductive outfit was alluring and tempting
The beautiful ones just slip away
Attractive people tend to avoid you
To a mirror where we used to kiss
We used to be together, but now you're alone in front of the same old mirror
With your disco heartbeat
Your heart beats like a disco rhythm
You're not even human
You seem more like a machine than a person
We're so electric
Our energy and connection is electric
Do you have no passion?
Are you incapable of feeling strong emotions?
Bring your sunshine to me, oh electric man
Come to me and brighten up my life, oh energetic person
Bring your sunshine to me, oh you're so electric man
Your energetic presence can light up my world
To me
Me, specifically
Everything I touch
My touch is harmful to everything around me
Just falls to bits
Things crumble and break when I touch them
So trust in me
Have faith in me despite my destructive tendencies
It brings us close
Believing in me brings us closer together
Electric man
A person with high energy and potential
Will save our souls
An electric man can rescue our spirits
So I took advice and changed a little
I listened to advice and made some adjustments
Hope that others like me more
I hope that others will find me more appealing now
Hope that you would trust me once again
I hope to regain your trust
Once again, once again
I want to start over again
I am lonely once again
I feel isolated and alone
Bring your sunshine to me, oh electric man
I need the energy and vitality of an electric man
Bring your sunshine to me, oh you're so electric man
You are the one who can bring light into my life
Bring your sunshine, bring it to me
I need your brightness and vigor
La, la la la, la la la la, la la, yeah yeah yeah yeah
Singing sounds of joy and hope
Ooh, the sunshine, bring it to me, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Excited plea for energy and positivity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PAUL EDWARD DRAPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@neilthornely9713
His range is crazy. And the higher register stuff properly sparkles and pops, incredible voice.
@redskies4530
Hi I recommend an indie song called 'Looking Into The Mirror' By Robert Nix
@ismailozay2173
One of the underrated songs of the 2000's!
@Squemby
my god they wrote such good choruses.
@michaelcraddock8579
No substitute for melody and harmony ❤
@vyasdhooky
Imstantly fell in love with little kix back in 1997 when i first listened to them. 2023 still humming their marvelous tunes. God bless for bringing nice tunes to our ears. Thanl u mansun
@jeremyblandford7669
That's a most splendid heartfelt tune, nice work
@MiddleAgedPixie
Love this song! It's got to be one of my favourite tracks ever!
@TaniaKate92
amoo esta bandaaaaa!!!!!!! MANSUN!!! lo mejor!! ^^
@yannisMKL
Great song...little kix is great album!!