* Ibiza is pronounced "ee-bee-tha" in its native Spanish.
According to bandleader Paddy McAloon, the word 'rollmo' came to him in a dream in which Michael Jackson was producing one of their records. Jackson had apparently said the song needed some 'rollmo'; so he adjusted a knob that would add a 'touch of magic' to the recording.
As for the track title, here's another Paddy quote:
"I was down the pub with a mate of mine from The Kane Gang and he said something to me across the noisy table, about 'Machine Gun' - which is a track by Jimi Hendrix - and Ibiza, where we'd just been on holiday. I thought, 'Machine Gun Ibiza? What's he on about?' Then we built up the idea of this character... someone who was so cool that he embodied all your aspirations. There's no great message in it." - Tracks, September 1990
Machine Gun Ibiza
Prefab Sprout Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's a top rollmo' star
He's a stone delta blues man.
He's a top rollmo' star
Black wand, white magic, nitroglycerin
He's earned the right to be known as
Machine gun Ibiza
Voodoo up rollmo' down
Machine gun Ibiza
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
If you've never been nowhere
Don't you pay that no mind
If you've never been nowhere
Don't you pay that no mind
Feel part of no circle ?
If you make no scene
Well you've earned the right
To hang out with
Machine gun Ibiza
Voodoo up rollmo' down
Machine gun Ibiza
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
If you're a goddess
If your heart's sixteen
Girl you're gonna wake up buddies with
Machine gun Ibiza
Voodoo up rollmo' down
Machine gun Ibiza
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
Ooh light a fire - be an ex-marine
Baby learn to burn your dog tag like
Machine gun Ibiza
Voodoo up rollmo' down
Machine gun Ibiza
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
Hangin' ten, sound
Machine gun Ibiza, voodoo
The lyrics to Prefab Sprout's song "Machine Gun Ibiza" describe a legendary musician who has earned the right to be known as "Machine Gun Ibiza" due to his impressive musical abilities. The first two lines of the song refer to this musician as a stone delta blues man and a top rollmo' star, suggesting that he is a master at playing genre-bending music that draws from a variety of styles. The lyrics then describe the musician's "black wand, white magic, nitroglycerin", further emphasizing his talent and skill as a musician.
As the song continues, the lyrics encourage the listener to not be deterred if they have not experienced what others might consider a "normal" life. The chorus reassures listeners that anyone who considers themselves to be outside of society's circles, or who does not make a big scene, has earned the right to hang out with "Machine Gun Ibiza".
The final verse of the song suggests that even a goddess or a sixteen-year-old heart can find empowerment and connection through the music of "Machine Gun Ibiza". The repeated refrain of "voodoo up rollmo' down, hangin' ten with the hurricane sound" drives home the idea that this musician is a force to be reckoned with, inspiring awe and admiration.
Overall, the lyrics to "Machine Gun Ibiza" celebrate the transcendent nature of music, offering listeners a glimpse into the power of a skillful musician to connect people from all walks of life.
Line by Line Meaning
He's a stone delta blues man.
He is a musician who specializes in playing the Delta Blues style of music.
He's a top rollmo' star
He has achieved great success in the Rollmo genre of music.
Black wand, white magic, nitroglycerin
He has a unique power and ability in his music that is both dark and powerful, yet pure and pristine as well.
He's earned the right to be known as
Machine gun Ibiza
He has worked hard and accomplished so much that he has earned the nickname of Machine Gun Ibiza, which is a symbol of his incredible style and talent.
Voodoo up rollmo' down
Machine gun Ibiza
He is a masterful performer who weaves together different genres of music and creates an unforgettable sound that is both hypnotic and intense.
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
He is so skilled at his craft that he can ride the powerful waves of sound he creates with his music, much like a surfer who hangs ten.
If you've never been nowhere
Don't you pay that no mind
Don't worry if you've never traveled anywhere, it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
Feel part of no circle ?
If you make no scene
Well you've earned the right
To hang out with
Machine gun Ibiza
Even if you don't fit in with any particular group or community, if you stand out in your own way and are talented, you can hang out with him and be part of his world.
If you're a goddess
If your heart's sixteen
Girl you're gonna wake up buddies with
Machine gun Ibiza
If you are a stunningly beautiful and youthful woman, then you will have the opportunity to become friends with him and be part of his world.
Ooh light a fire - be an ex-marine
Baby learn to burn your dog tag like
Machine gun Ibiza
He is urging his listeners to ignite a passion within themselves, like that of a former soldier burning their dog tags, and become like he is, masterful and unstoppable in their pursuit of greatness.
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
Hangin' ten with the hurricane sound
Hangin' ten, sound
He is reiterating that his music and style is all about riding the waves of powerful sound he creates, much like a daredevil surfer hanging ten.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PADDY MCALOON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind