As the years progressed, the PiL line-up would change, adding renowned drummer Martin Atkins in 1979 as the direction of the band evolved. Compared to their first three albums, the later 1980’s/early 1990’s period saw a more conventional sound to the musical aspect, but still retaining Lydon’s biting lyrics. The album Compact Disc (aka Album or Cassette, depending on what format you have it on), recorded by Lydon with a slate of studio musicians organized by producer Bill Laswell, is considered the artistic highpoint of this period of PiL’s evolution. PiL reached their commercial zenith with their aptly titled ninth album, 9, during 1989/1990.
PiL kept going as a Lydon project until 1993, when Lydon disbanded the group. Their final lineup consisted of Lydon, Ted Chau (guitar, keyboards), Mike Joyce of The Smiths (drums), John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees (guitar), and Russel Webb (bass).
Go Back
P.I.L. Lyrics
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But I've been abused, caught up in the crush of the cavalry
I took for granted all of those yesterdays
I'm still enchanted, by you so I gotta say
If I could go back in time,
I would give the wide world just to change your mind
To open up your eyes
There's no music, there ain't no sunshine to play
There's no blue sky, just red sky that'll fade
Walking through this street parade
And the wind cuts through me with you raining down all around me
If I could go back in time
I would give the wide world just to change your mind
To open up your eyes
If I could go back in time
To find some reminder what you left behind
To open up your eyes
If I could go back in time, in time
If you take off your shoes, then you can walk all over me
But I've been abused, I've been abused
The song "Go Back" by P.I.L. is a reflection on regret, lost opportunities, and the desire to turn back the clock. The opening line "If you take off your shoes, then you can walk all over me" serves as a metaphor for allowing oneself to be vulnerable and susceptible to being hurt. The following line "But I've been abused, caught up in the crush of the cavalry" speaks to the singer's past experiences of being taken advantage of and used. The chorus reveals the singer's longing to turn back time and change the course of events, to "open up your eyes" and create a different outcome. However, as the song progresses, the singer laments that the world is not so easily changed, and the pain and regret linger in the present.
The second verse paints a bleak landscape, where there is no music or sunshine, only a fading red sky. The singer describes the feeling of being lost and alone in a street parade, with the memories of the past haunting him like rain falling down. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the singer's desire to go back and make things right, to find a reminder of what was lost and try to regain it.
Overall, "Go Back" is a powerful and affecting meditation on the human experience of regret and the "what ifs" that haunt us all. It speaks to the universal desire to turn back time and change the past, but also acknowledges the reality that such a thing is impossible.
Line by Line Meaning
If you take off your shoes, then you can walk all over me
You have the power to control and hurt me, and I've allowed it to happen.
But I've been abused, caught up in the crush of the cavalry
I've been hurt and mistreated by those in power, and it's taken a toll on me.
I took for granted all of those yesterdays
I didn't appreciate the good times I had in the past, and now I regret it.
I'm still enchanted, by you so I gotta say
Despite the pain you've caused me, I still feel drawn to you and have to express it.
If I could go back in time,
I would give the wide world just to change your mind
To open up your eyes
If I could go back in time
I deeply regret my past actions, and if I could change them, I would do anything to make you see the truth and change your ways.
There's no music, there ain't no sunshine to play
There's no blue sky, just red sky that'll fade
Walking through this street parade
And the wind cuts through me with you raining down all around me
Everything feels dark, hopeless, and chaotic without you. Even in a crowded place, I feel isolated and overpowered by my emotions for you.
To find some reminder what you left behind
To open up your eyes
If I could go back in time, in time
I'm searching for anything that might make you remember the good times we had and realize what you've lost. If only I could go back in time and make it right.
If you take off your shoes, then you can walk all over me
But I've been abused, I've been abused
I don't want to be a doormat for you anymore. I've been hurt enough.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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