In the wake of English avant-garde rock group Henry Cow (1968-1978), Art Bears (1978-1981), a song-oriented group, was formed by three of Henry Cow's members, drummer Chris Cutler, multi-instrumentalist Fred Frith and singer Dagmar Krause. In Art Bears' wake, News From Babel emerged in 1983, comprising Cutler, Krause, Henry Cow woodwind player Lindsay Cooper, and United States harpist Zeena Parkins. It was Parkins' first "rock group" and the first time she had recorded with her harp. This new group followed the song-oriented approach of Art Bears, but with a different musical emphasis. Cooper composed all the music and Cutler wrote all the song texts.
News From Babel was purely a studio group. The name was derived from the title of George Steiner's book After Babel, and some of the songs on their albums relate directly to Steiner's books. In 1983 they recorded Work Resumed on the Tower, the title referring to the Tower of Babel, with guest vocalist Phil Minton. In 1986 they recorded Letters Home, named after the title of one of Sylvia Plath's books, with guest vocalists Robert Wyatt, Sally Potter and Phil Minton. Cooper's music on both albums is a blend of jazz and cabaret, while Cutler's lyrics are literate, exploring Marxist themes and personal alienation.
The group disbanded in 1986 after recording their second album. However, in 2014 they reformed as part of the larger ensemble that performed the music of Lindsay Cooper. These were their only live performances (with John Greaves deputising for Robert Wyatt).
Waited/Justice
News From Babel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I waited, for a Word,
I waited, to be judged
– or to be heard –
I only aged,
Unloved – I found
Despair –
Who all my days
Waited others
There.
The lyrics of News From Babel's song "Waited/Justice" convey a sense of frustration and despair that comes from waiting for something that never comes. The singer of the song is waiting at a gate, either to be judged or heard, but despite waiting for what seems like an eternity, nothing happens. The singer feels unloved and alone, and the waiting has taken a toll on their mental and emotional state. They see other people come and go, but they remain stuck at the gate, waiting for something that may never arrive.
The lyrics can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible meaning is that they are a commentary on the justice system, where people often wait for justice for years, even decades. The waiting can be exhausting and disillusioning, especially when justice is denied. The lyrics suggest that waiting for justice can be a lonely and isolating experience, where the only company is one's own thoughts and despair.
In conclusion, "Waited/Justice" is a poignant and evocative song that captures the frustration and despair of waiting for something that may never come. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but they speak to a universal experience of waiting and hoping against all odds.
Line by Line Meaning
I waited, at the gate
I stood at the gate, waiting for something to happen
I waited, for a Word,
I waited for someone to speak to me and give me guidance
I waited, to be judged
I waited for someone to make a decision about me and my life
– or to be heard –
I waited to have my voice heard and my opinions acknowledged
I only aged,
As time passed, I grew older
Unloved – I found
I discovered that I was unloved by those around me
Despair –
I felt hopeless and gave up on any chance of happiness
Who all my days
Throughout my entire life
Stood at the gate and
I remained in the same spot, waiting and hoping for change
Waited others
While I waited, I saw others come and go, always seeking something better
Contributed by Alice N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
stone catcherye
great sounds and atmosphere!!! cheers!!!