Their biggest commercial and critical success came with 1990's Jordan: The Comeback (one of two albums produced by Thomas Dolby), which was a hit in the UK and nominated for a BRIT award. The band also had a UK Top 10 hit with their 1988 song The King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Perhaps their finest album, Steve McQueen (originally released in June 1985) was re-released in August 2007 as a 2-CD deluxe edition, with a bonus disc of eight acoustic reinterpretations of some of the original tracks. Of the release, the record company said: "Digitally remastered by original producer Thomas Dolby, the album is sounding even better than ever. As if that weren't enough it is complemented here with a second disc containing eight sublime acoustic versions, which have been specially re-recorded for this release by Paddy McAloon."
Steve McQueen was released in the US under the title Two Wheels Good following pressure from the late actor's estate.
Prefab Sprout released Let's Change the World With Music - The Blueprint in 2009 on the Kitchenware Records label (website). See also Sprout Trivia below.
Discography:
Lions In My Own Garden (Exit Someone) / Radio Love - Feb 25, 1982 (their first record, released on their own label Candle)
The Devil Has All the Best Tunes / Walk On - Oct 1983 (Kitchenware) (feat. Wendy Smith and Fiona Attwood)
Swoon - Mar 1984
Steve McQueen aka Two Wheels Good (US) - Jun 1985
From Langley Park to Memphis - Mar 1988
Protest Songs - Jun 1989
Jordan: The Comeback - Aug 1990
The Best of Prefab Sprout: A Life of Surprises - Jul 1992 (compilation; exit Conti hereafter)
Andromeda Heights - May 1997
38 Carat Collection (disc 1) - Oct 1999 (compilation)
38 Carat Collection (disc 2) - Oct 1999 (compilation)
The Gunman And Other Stories - Jun 18, 2001 (sans Smith)
Chronology of Bandmembers:
Paddy McAloon (born Patrick Joseph McAloon, Jun 7, 1957, Durham); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Martin McAloon (born Jan 4, 1962, Durham); bass guitar
Michael Salmon; drums / percussion
Wendy Smith (born May 31, 1963, Middlesbrough); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Neil Conti (born Feb 12, 1959, Luton); drums / percussion
Fiona Attwood (Chester-le-Street); backing vocals
Sprout Trivia:
Paddy conceived the name "Prefab Sprout" when he was just 14 back in 1972, he revealed in an interview with French magazine BEST. It was his attempt at creating an unusual name like groups that were popular at the time (eg Tyrannosaurus Rex, Moby Grape, Grand Funk Railroad, etc.).
The band has had as many as 11 drummers (including Paddy McAloon himself on programmed percussion!) in its lineup. Of these, Conti was the most closely identified with the group. (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sproutfacts.html)
Paddy had apparently conceived of an album named Let's Change The World With Music (the working title of the band's forthcoming album, due February 2009) as far back as the early 1990's:
"I actually wrote a Gulf War album called Let's Change The World With Music, and I've got a couple of beauties, but there are right and wrong times to do things, and it came after another album I wrote which is much lighter... it's called Billy Midnight, very romantic. So the Gulf War album was a more serious response to that. I keep junking things all the time." - NME June 20, 1992 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
"And I have an album called Let's Change The World With Music; lots of songs about music, playing on that horrible thing where you listen to a song like "We Are The World" and the sentiment is great but it's such a cliché that it sticks in your throat. It plays on that edge between that kind of thing and real sincerity." - NME April 15, 1995 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
"Look, since 1990 I've written what I think of as my best music. You can hear some of it on Andromeda Heights. But I have also - in detailed demo form - an album called Let's Change The World With Music. It was written as the follow up to Jordan." - BEST magazine (France) July 1997 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
Talking Scarlet
Prefab Sprout Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You hide under the eiderdown
All you can't sweep underneath the carpet
When you cover your neighbour's wife
Scalding marks appear you're talking scarlet
Kid yourself that it's platonic love
Best of friends
Eyes all smiling
I will say late one evening
While moonstruck beside her
I'll break the bonds of friendship one by one. I'll tell her
I'm more than some friendly fellow,
I will say "How ya doin'?" so casually
She never suspects I'm harbouring
Thoughts of kissing her neck
I think my mouth's been drinking
My basest thoughts do the thinking
You've no shame
When Scarlet is your name
Trust in flames
When Scarlet is your name
Yes, he's crying in his sleep,
Yes, he's thoroughly miserable for me
Losing his looks for me, losing
Certain themes keep recurring,
Boundaries start a blurring
I will say late one evening
While moonstruck beside her
I'll break the bonds of friendship one by one. I'll tell her
I'm more than some friendly fellow,
I will say "How ya doin?" so casually
She never suspects I'm harbouring
Thoughts of kissing her neck
I think my mouth's been drinking
My basest thoughts do the thinking
Oh my God, someone tell her
I know she's a star, celestial feast
In the zoo of my heart
She is thrown to the beast, tell her
The mouse here beside her
Won't always be denied her
I've no shame,
Scarlet is my name,
Trust in flames
Scarlet is my name
Carry no bright torches for me.
"Talking Scarlet" by Prefab Sprout is a song that captures the singer's infatuation with his friend's wife. The lyrics are dripping with desire and longing as the singer compares his attraction to a fire that you can't put out. The title 'talking scarlet' alludes to the fact that the singer's passion is so intense that it causes a physical reaction with scalding marks that appear on the skin. The song starts with the refrain "Carry no bright torches for me" which could be interpreted as a request from the singer not to be idolized or revered for his feelings.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is hiding his true feelings under the guise of friendship. He wants to break the bonds of friendship with his love interest and take things to the next level. He talks about her being a celestial feast and realizes that he might lose his friend's approval, "Boundaries start a blurring." The chorus "Scarlet is my name, Trust in flames" suggests that the singer is aware of the risks of pursuing his desire but is willing to risk everything for a chance at romance.
In conclusion, "Talking Scarlet" is a beautiful yet complicated song about desire, longing and the fear of rejection. The singer might not have the courage to confess his feelings, but the lyrics speak volumes about his desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Carry no bright torches for me
Don't hold a torch or show any special admiration towards me.
You hide under the eiderdown
You try to hide and avoid tackling an issue head-on.
All you can't sweep underneath the carpet
All the unpleasant things that you can't hide or ignore and have to confront.
When you cover your neighbour's wife
When you try to disguise or justify inappropriate behavior towards someone who is off-limits or belongs to another.
Scalding marks appear you're talking scarlet
Your lies and deceit are exposed and cause damage and a lot of trouble.
Kid yourself that it's platonic love
Deceive yourself that your feelings and attraction towards someone are purely platonic and innocent.
Best of friends
Close friends who have a great connection and enjoy each other's company.
Eyes all smiling
Faces glowing with happiness, showing a genuine delight and joy.
Watch them turn to iron filings
See how their expressions and emotions change drastically and become cold and hard like iron filings.
Yes, he's crying in his sleep
He is feeling deep sadness and longing even when he's asleep and unaware of his surroundings.
Losing his looks for me, losing
He is losing his attractiveness and charm because of his obsession and focus on her.
Certain themes keep recurring,
Specific ideas or situations keep repeating, showing an obsession or fixation with them.
Boundaries start a blurring
The limits and lines that should not be crossed start to become vague and ambiguous.
Oh my God, someone tell her
Expressing an urgent desire for someone to reveal the truth or confess something to her.
I know she's a star, celestial feast
Acknowledging her beauty and shining qualities that make her stand out like a star in the sky.
In the zoo of my heart
Describing the chaotic and messy state of his feelings and emotions.
She is thrown to the beast, tell her
She is exposed and vulnerable to danger and harm, and someone needs to warn her about it.
The mouse here beside her
Referring to himself as a small and insignificant creature next to her, hoping to capture her attention and heart.
Won't always be denied her
Won't always be rejected and ignored, suggesting that one day she will notice him and reciprocate his feelings.
You've no shame
You have no remorse or guilt for your actions or intentions.
When Scarlet is your name
When you embody a persona of deceit and betrayal like the character of Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind.'
Trust in flames
The trust in a relationship is destroyed and consumed by flames of betrayal and dishonesty.
Scarlet is my name
I am capable of dishonesty and manipulation just like the character of Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind.'
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PADDY MCALOON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Jose-Williams
Talking Scarlet
Carry no bright torches for me
You hide under the eiderdown
All you can't sweep underneath the carpet
When you cover your neighbour's wife
Scalding marks appear you're talking scarlet
Kid yourself that it's platonic love
Best of friends
Eyes all smiling
Watch them turn to iron filings
I will say late one evening
While moonstruck beside her
I'll break the bonds of friendship one by one. I'll tell her
I'm more than some friendly fellow,
I will say "How ya doin'?" so casually
She never suspects I'm harbouring
Thoughts of kissing her neck
I think my mouth's been drinking
My basest thoughts do the thinking
You've no shame
When Scarlet is your name
Trust in flames
When Scarlet is your name
Yes, he's crying in his sleep,
Yes, he's thoroughly miserable for me
Losing his looks for me, losing
Certain themes keep recurring,
Boundaries start a blurring
I will say late one evening
While moonstruck beside her
I'll break the bonds of friendship one by one. I'll tell her
I'm more than some friendly fellow,
I will say "How ya doin?" so casually
She never suspects I'm harbouring
Thoughts of kissing her neck
I think my mouth's been drinking
My basest thoughts do the thinking
Oh my God, someone tell her
I know she's a star, celestial feast
In the zoo of my heart
She is thrown to the beast, tell her
The mouse here beside her
Won't always be denied her
I've no shame,
Scarlet is my name,
Trust in flames
Scarlet is my name
Carry no bright torches for me.
Songwriters: Paddy Mcaloon
shrew972
one of the very best songs in general
Gerard Hughes
Best songwriter ever
JEAN-ERIC TATEÏA
Magic,every where in PREFAB'S songs.
Javier Carrasco
The more representative song from Prefab Sprout, pure prefab sprout sound.
Matt Hasler
one of the very best PS songs in my opinion
Daniel Meštrović
great song! thanks robyn!
Matthew Jose-Williams
Talking Scarlet
Carry no bright torches for me
You hide under the eiderdown
All you can't sweep underneath the carpet
When you cover your neighbour's wife
Scalding marks appear you're talking scarlet
Kid yourself that it's platonic love
Best of friends
Eyes all smiling
Watch them turn to iron filings
I will say late one evening
While moonstruck beside her
I'll break the bonds of friendship one by one. I'll tell her
I'm more than some friendly fellow,
I will say "How ya doin'?" so casually
She never suspects I'm harbouring
Thoughts of kissing her neck
I think my mouth's been drinking
My basest thoughts do the thinking
You've no shame
When Scarlet is your name
Trust in flames
When Scarlet is your name
Yes, he's crying in his sleep,
Yes, he's thoroughly miserable for me
Losing his looks for me, losing
Certain themes keep recurring,
Boundaries start a blurring
I will say late one evening
While moonstruck beside her
I'll break the bonds of friendship one by one. I'll tell her
I'm more than some friendly fellow,
I will say "How ya doin?" so casually
She never suspects I'm harbouring
Thoughts of kissing her neck
I think my mouth's been drinking
My basest thoughts do the thinking
Oh my God, someone tell her
I know she's a star, celestial feast
In the zoo of my heart
She is thrown to the beast, tell her
The mouse here beside her
Won't always be denied her
I've no shame,
Scarlet is my name,
Trust in flames
Scarlet is my name
Carry no bright torches for me.
Songwriters: Paddy Mcaloon
Alfred Mangahas
Engaging and lovely.
sproutyDP
Special song
Jackie Hankin
Genius that is paddy