As Postcard's flagship band, Orange Juice quickly distinguished the label as a leading proponent of independent pop music; their 1980 debut single "Falling and Laughing," recorded for less than 100 pounds, garnered massive critical acclaim, and subsequent releases like "Blueboy," "Simply Thrilled Honey," and "Poor Old Soul" further established the group as a major new talent. Soon, sessions began for a full-length album; however, in the midst of recording, Orange Juice left Postcard to sign to Polydor, which funded the LP's completion. After the 1982 release of the album, titled You Can't Hide Your Love Forever, ex-Josef K guitarist Malcolm Ross joined the group, hastening the exit of Kirk and Daly (who went on to form Memphis) and paving the way for Zimbabwe-born drummer Zeke Manyika.
The addition of Manyika gave Collins the new capability of exploring a more complex fusion of pop and blue-eyed soul; consequently, 1982's Rip It Up was a more ambitious affair than its predecessor, veering from the buoyant Motown tribute "I Can't Help Myself" to the energetic pop of the title track, Orange Juice's lone Top Ten single. However, subsequent releases failed to chart, and relations between the group and Polydor began to disintegrate; amid these tensions, both Ross and McClymont quit, with Ross later resurfacing in Aztec Camera. Reduced to the duo of Collins and Manyika, Orange Juice enlisted reggae producer Dennis Bovell to record the 1984 EP Texas Fever.
After a makeshift tour, Collins and Manyika returned to the studio to record a dark, ambitious full-length effort; released in 1984, neither The Orange Juice nor its singles "What Presence?!" and "Lean Period" charted, and Collins was dropped from his contract, although Polydor kept Manyika on as a solo act. Only in 1995 did the stunning single "A Girl Like You" finally win Collins the commercial respect that had so long eluded him and his former bandmates. Later on, throughout the late '90s and early 2000s, the rise of Scottish bands as disparate as Belle & Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand won Orange Juice a younger set of fans, helped in great part by the 2005 compilation The Glasgow School.
Biography by Jason Ankeny
LOVESICK
Orange Juice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Words becomes barbed and stick in the throat
My reasoned argument seems to be so obscure
Tripped myself up there’s no need to gloat
Lovesick
My head is pounding
Lovesick
Lovesick
I'm sorry to ask
But do I give to lose
Posturing, posturing you cut yourself shaving
Bleeding too much, please give it a rest
If you're not careful I'll grow to dislike you
Sorry to moan but it's what I do best
Lovesick
My head is pounding
Lovesick
My mind is confused
Lovesick
I'm sorry to ask
But do I give to lose
Lovesick
My head is pounding
Lovesick
My mind is confused
Lovesick
Lovesick
Lovesick
My head is pounding
Lovesick
My mind is confused
Lovesick
I'm sorry to ask, yes, I hate to ask, I'm embarrassed to ask
Do I give to lose, do I give, my mind's confused
The lyrics to Orange Juice's song "Lovesick" delve into the complexities and difficulties of communication in a relationship. The singer talks about struggling to express themselves to their significant other, with words becoming "barbed" and not coming out smoothly. They also acknowledge that their "reasoned argument" may not be clear to their partner, despite their best efforts. The song's title "Lovesick" highlights the feeling of confusion and unease that can come with being in love, especially when communication breaks down.
The second verse of the song introduces a new theme - that of posturing and vulnerability. The singer describes their partner as cutting themselves shaving and bleeding too much - a metaphor for putting on a tough front that can sometimes backfire. The singer warns that if their partner isn't careful, they may grow to dislike them. The overall tone of the song is one of unrest and discomfort, with the repeated refrain of "Lovesick" emphasizing the feeling of being trapped in a state of confusion.
Overall, "Lovesick" is a song about the difficulties of being in a relationship and trying to communicate effectively. It touches on themes of vulnerability, posturing, and the fear of losing oneself in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Often I find it hard to get through to you
Communicating with you is never simple
Words becomes barbed and stick in the throat
Our conversations often turn into arguments
My reasoned argument seems to be so obscure
Even when I make sense, you don't understand my point
Tripped myself up there’s no need to gloat
I made a mistake and I know you will make fun of it
Posturing, posturing you cut yourself shaving
You are trying too hard to impress
Bleeding too much, please give it a rest
You are overreacting
If you're not careful I'll grow to dislike you
I am starting to feel annoyed with your behavior
Sorry to moan but it's what I do best
Complaining is my way of expressing myself
Lovesick
Overwhelmed by complicated emotions
My head is pounding
Feeling stressed and anxious
My mind is confused
Unclear about how I feel and what I should do
I'm sorry to ask
I feel bad for having to bring this up
But do I give to lose
Is it worth sacrificing my own happiness for this relationship
Contributed by Kaylee G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@faulknerma
One of my most favourite singles of all time. Takes me back to a more innocent and intense time. All-time great indie tune.
@dermot51
"Often i find it hard to get through to you, words come out then stick in the throat , mine is an argument that seems to you so miniscule, trip myself up theres no need to gloat"..aye! its a classic sure enough
@inasummerway
I love how he says "confused" for some weird reason.
@cockatoomagnet583
Great, under- rated band.
@faulknerma
Teenage angst-phew a long time ago now!
@etontrifle
blue boy is so much better, any idea why they went with love sick?
@letsplayarecord
+George Mortimer Double A Side single, mate
@etontrifle
Aye. I have the single. But I'm sure this was marketed as the AA side of the A/A single. Still it was a long time ago.