Formed in Rugby, Warwickshire as 'The Liberators', they became Pinkerton's Assorted Colours in 1965, and scored a Top 10 hit with their first single release, "Mirror, Mirror" written and sung by bandmember Tony Newman. They were managed by Reginald Calvert, and supported by his then radio station, Radio City. Lack of further chart success found them dubbed one-hit wonders.
Stuart Colman, Pinkerton’s one time bassist, went on to become a BBC Radio One DJ, and later a producer for Shakin' Stevens, Cliff Richard and Billy Fury.
After their second single they shortened their name to 'Pinkerton's Colours', then to 'Pinkertons.' In 1969, following several lineup changes, they reformed as The Flying Machine, who also became one-hit wonders, albeit in the United States.
Band member Barrie Bernard later played in Jigsaw. Drummer David Holland left the band in 1968 to form Trapeze and later became highly successful as the drummer for Judas Priest.
Members
Tony Newman (born 1947, Rugby) - vocals, guitars
Samuel "Pinkerton" Kempe (born 1946, Rugby) - vocals, Autoharp
David Holland (born 5 April 1948, Northampton) - drums
Barrie Bernard (born 27 November 1944, Coventry) - bass guitar
Tom Long (Rugby) - lead guitar
Stuart Colman (Ian Stuart Colman, 19 December, Harrogate, Yorkshire, 1944 - 2018) - bass, electric piano
Steve Jones (born 1946, Coventry) - lead guitar, vocals (not to be confused with The Sex Pistols' guitarist
Paul Bridge-Wilkinson (known as Paul Wilkinson) (born 1948, Coventry) – drums, vocals
Michael Summerson (born October 1950 - February 2016) - bass guitar, vocals
Philip Clough (born November 1947) Lead Guitar, Vocals
Peter Robbins (born February 1959) drums, vocals.
Martyn "Stalky" Gleeson (born February 1955) drums.
Discography
Singles
"Mirror, Mirror" b/w "She Don't Care" 1965 - #9 UK
"Don't Stop Loving Me Baby" / "Will Ya" 1966 - #50 UK
"Magic Rockin' Horse" / "It Ain't Right" 1966
"Mum And Dad" / "On A Street Car" 1967
"There's Nobody I'd Sooner Love" / "Duke's Jetty" 1968
"Kentucky Woman" / "Behind The Mirror" 1968
Mirror Mirror
Pinkerton's Assorted Colours Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all
and in the mirror I can see your pretty face
And now I'm sorry, what I have done to you
Those few harsh words that we are through
I'd give the world, my love, to have you back again, once more
So we can wonder what's broking all those warm Summer showers
And mirror, mirror on the wall Though whispers come I, can recall
Yes, the happiness that we once knew before
I'm trying to tell you now I'm not just pretending now
To get you back any old how
And I will prove to you how strong my love can be
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Mirror, mirror on the wall
The lyrics of Pinkerton's Assorted Colours' "Mirror Mirror" speak of regret, apology, and the desire to make amends. The repeated plea to the mirror on the wall - "who is the fairest of them all" - is a metaphor for the search for the perfect relationship. The singer sees his partner's reflection in the mirror and expresses remorse for the hurt he has caused. He wishes he could turn back time and fix things when they were still in love - "turn back the clock for just a few hours, so we can wonder what's broken all those warm summer showers."
The song portrays a sense of nostalgic longing for the happiness that was once shared between the couple. The singer tries to reassure his partner that his love for her is strong and genuine, and that he is not just pretending to win her back. He wants to prove his commitment to make things right and regain the trust that was lost. The repetition of the phrase "mirror, mirror on the wall" emphasizes the psychological distance between the two characters, and the need for validation and self-reflection.
Overall, "Mirror Mirror" is a poignant reminder of how important it is to communicate effectively in relationships, and the value of sincere apologies and efforts to make things right.
Line by Line Meaning
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Addressing the mirror as a way of exploring one's own feeling of self-worth and beauty.
Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all
Questioning the mirror about who is the most beautiful, showing the obsession with physical appearance and societal beauty standards.
and in the mirror I can see your pretty face
Reflecting on the image of a loved one and how the memory of them brings comfort.
And now I'm sorry, what I have done to you
Expressing regret for past mistakes and wanting to make amends.
Those few harsh words that we are through
Acknowledging the damage caused by words spoken in anger and the resulting end of a relationship.
I'd give the world, my love, to have you back again, once more
Desperately wishing to reconcile and return to a time of love and happiness.
Turn back the clock for just a few hours
Expressing the desire to go back in time and change past events.
So we can wonder what's broking all those warm Summer showers
Reflecting on a time of happiness, before things fell apart.
And mirror, mirror on the wall Though whispers come I, can recall
Remembering past conversations and the presence of a loved one.
Yes, the happiness that we once knew before
Acknowledging a time of happiness that has since been lost.
I'm trying to tell you now I'm not just pretending now
Being sincere and genuine in the efforts to make things right and rekindle the relationship.
To get you back any old how
Expressing a willingness to do whatever it takes to reconcile and regain love.
And I will prove to you how strong my love can be
Committing to proving love and dedication to the other person, and the strength of that love.
Contributed by Chloe S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@grahamashdown4134
Great to hear this song again,I was 15 when it came out in 1965,what a pleasure to be able to hear every word of the song and there’s a nice melody to it as well,unlike the modern rubbish of today.
Thanks for putting it on YouTube.
@mickstevenson8794
A time when musicians could actually play their instruments and we coul hear what they were singing. Simply the best era there's ever been
@korky5214
The music, talent of the 60s will never happen again, very sad.
@warrenrohan8551
Pro tip: you can watch movies at Flixzone. I've been using them for watching a lot of movies recently.
@brodybrysen9773
@Warren Rohan Yup, I have been watching on flixzone} for since december myself :)
@singingminstrel7
I remember the band not only a good sixties group but also as an excellent country band at the Country Music Round Up House Parties in London and other shows during the eighties where I sang, compered and stage managed. Brings back memories of those times and how good the band and the times were .Where are they now?
@suejackson1261
Fabulous song .
@slickmicky54
Maybe a one hit wonder group, but what a lovely song. Thanks for putting it on You Tube.
@johndaniels1923
Love this song takes me back to 1965
@bordersboy48
brilliant.! saw them live in the mid 1960s