Roland,, described as "the male Kate Bush" by one-time label mate Robyn Hitchcock, has released a series of albums for collectable labels such as Bam Caruso, New Rose and Imaginary in a low-key career that has seen him acclaimed on the continent but somewhat ignored in his native country. In England he is better known as a writer of mass market books on mysticism and the occult for major publishers. However, his reputation as a uniquely imaginative and consistently fascinating figure on the psych-pop circuit has substantially increased with each album. Other cult figures such as Robyn Hitchcock, Nick Saloman (Bevis Frond), Nick Nicely, and Andy Ellison (John's Children) have made guest appearances on his albums, several of which are now listed as highly collectable.
Since 1979 Paul has been spinning his bizarre tales in music. Among his more whimsical creations are the eccentric characters on the largely acoustic album "Happy Families" and its prequel "A Cabinet of Curiosities".
His first album "The Werewolf of London" (1980) which boasted a penchant for historical and supernatural themes was picked up by Armageddon Records, who at the time also had the Soft Boys on their roster.
And it was there that Paul met Robyn Hitchcock who later appeared on tracks for Paul's second album.
After an abortive flirtation with the music business, when he was managed by David Enthoven and June Bolan (widow of Marc Bolan), he returned to Armageddon in 1985 for the mini-album "Burnt Orchids".
Its title track was the first to feature Paul backed by a small string and woodwind ensemble, a trademark of all his albums to date.
The success of the album led to Paul's first tours in Europe and label deals in France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the USA and Japan.
A series of diverse albums followed, including the psych cult classic "Danse Macabre" (1987), the acoustic based mini LPs "A Cabinet of Curiosities" (1987) and "Happy Families" (1988), the rockier "Duel" (1989) with its medieval-tinged three-song suite "The King Must Die", the folk rock of "Masque" (1990), the more commercial "Roaring Boys" (1991), "Strychnine" (1992), a mini-album of cover versions and "Sarabande" (1994). "Gargoyles" (1996) and "Pavane" (2004). Many albums have followed.
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Madhouse
Paul Roland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sister's gone and we're quite alone
Let's mix up her stock of pills, garauntees alarming thrills
Here I am in another ward
They've taken my toys now I'm real bored
But I've still got in my chum, I'll tie you to the bed and we'll have some fun
Here I am in a padded cell
The joke's on them 'cause I'm quite well
I'm the director of this Madhouse, Can't you see
The lyrics to Paul Roland's song "Madhouse" are disturbing and haunting. The song follows the journey of a mentally unstable person who is being admitted to different institutions, first starting with their sister's home where they take her pills and proceed to do drugs. Later on, they are admitted to a psychiatric ward where they are bored and decide to tie up their friend for entertainment. Finally, they end up in a padded cell, where they assert their control over their own madness and consider themselves the director of the Madhouse.
The lyrics are dark and showcase the breakdown of the human mind and the lack of control that people have over their own actions when they are in a state of mental instability. The lyrics also highlight the failures of psychiatric institutions in dealing with mental health and the stigmas that come with it. The singer is not necessarily the victim but instead has taken control of their own madness, even though they are locked up in a padded cell.
In conclusion, the lyrics to "Madhouse" are a chilling portrayal of mental health struggles and the lack of support people often experience when they are struggling with their mental health. The lyrics showcase the distorted reality that people can develop when they are in a state of mental instability and the lack of control they often have over themselves. The song is a reminder of the importance of providing support and adequate mental health resources to people who are struggling with mental health issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I am in another home
I'm in a new place again
Sister's gone and we're quite alone
My sister's not here and we're by ourselves
Let's mix up her stock of pills, guarantees alarming thrills
If we take her pills, it'll be exciting
Here I am in another ward
Now I'm in a hospital room
They've taken my toys now I'm real bored
Since they took my stuff, I'm really bored
But I've still got in my chum, I'll tie you to the bed and we'll have some fun
But I still have my friend, and we'll have fun by tying you up
Here I am in a padded cell
I'm in a cell with soft walls
The joke's on them 'cause I'm quite well
I'm really well, and they don't realize it
There's just no trust in my insanity
They don't believe me when I say I'm sane
I'm the director of this Madhouse, Can't you see
I'm really in charge here, don't you understand?
Contributed by Adeline J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andreas Groell-Döhring
Love it
lismoeff
a small masterpiece
crazylady
i like it .....i m director of this madhouse
christian lelotte
génial, tout simplement! xst i an