The Artisans
Orange Juice Lyrics
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Just locked in the confines of my room
'Cause my mother told me that I never should
Play with the gypsies down in the wood
Then I fell in with a bunch of hoods
Who go by the name of the 'Artisans'
Gonna trade in my snakeskin boots
'Cause I'm in cahoots with the 'Artisans'
Who just happen to be my favourite band
At the best all the rest are just 'also rans'
When compared to the fabulous 'Artisans'
The lyrics to Orange Juice's song The Artisans are fascinating and speak of the transformation of a young person from a restricted life to a life full of adventure and excitement. The opening lines suggest a young person's confinement to a limited life. The singer was confined within their room because their mother warned them against going into the woods and playing with the gypsies. It creates an impression of a young person being held back by their upbringing and parenting.
However, the chorus paints a different picture. The singer fell in with a group of "hoods" who are known as "The Artisans," and this association has opened up new horizons for them. They are ready to leave their old ways behind and trade in their "snakeskin boots" and "rhinestone suit" for a more vibrant and exciting lifestyle. The singer seems to have found their tribe and feels that The Artisans are the most exciting band around, which elevates them from being an "also-ran" to the highest pedestal.
The song's narrative is about growing up and breaking free from the confines of childhood. It speaks to the idea that sometimes to find oneself, it's necessary to step outside of the socially acceptable norms and expectations. In Orange Juice's The Artisans, this message is conveyed through an upbeat and energetic melody, which emphasizes the theme of rebellion and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to spend each afternoon
In the past, my afternoons were exclusively reserved for me-time.
Just locked in the confines of my room
During this alone time, I stayed within the limits of my chamber.
'Cause my mother told me that I never should
My mother forbade me from doing otherwise.
Play with the gypsies down in the wood
I wasn't supposed to have any association with gypsies in the woods.
Then I fell in with a bunch of hoods
However, I was eventually influenced by a group of troublemakers.
Who go by the name of the 'Artisans'
This clique is identified as the 'Artisans'.
Gonna trade in my snakeskin boots
In light of my new affiliation, I plan to relinquish my snakeskin boots.
Gonna trade in my rhinestone suit
I'm also giving up my rhinestone suit in favour of something else.
'Cause I'm in cahoots with the 'Artisans'
Since I'm collaborating with the 'Artisans', this is the justified course of action.
Who just happen to be my favourite band
Music-wise, the 'Artisans' are my preferred group.
At the best all the rest are just 'also rans'
Comparatively, all other bands pale in comparison.
When compared to the fabulous 'Artisans'
Without a doubt, the 'Artisans' reign supreme in my view.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDWYN STEPHEN COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind