The single was released shortly before the Propellerheads album Decksanddrumsandrockandroll (their only album to date), released in 1998 by Wall of Sound in Europe and DreamWorks in the US and Japan. The Propellerheads had previously worked with the James Bond composer David Arnold on the Bond tribute album Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James Bond Project, where they remixed the John Barry composition "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".
The track is a fusion of several different styles of big beat, breakbeat and Jazz combined with the powerful vocals of Shirley Bassey. The sleeve cover, an illustration by Duke D. Jukes takes its inspiration from classic album sleeves, such as those used for the Capitol 1959 release No One Cares from Frank Sinatra. The retro style was also continued with the video, filmed in monochrome, the opening of which is themed on a TV Jazz show called Jazz 1200 and clearly harks back to the serious music shows of the 1960s. Scenes from the video shoot were included in the Divas are Forever DVD.
History Repeating
Propellerheads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whatever may come, the world keeps revolving...
They say the next big thing is here,
That the revolution's near,
But to me it seems quite clear
That's it's all just a little bit of history repeating.
The newspapers shout a new style is growing,
There is fashion, there is fad
Some is good, some is bad
And the joke rather sad,
That it's all just a little bit of History repeating.
And I've seen it before
And I'll see it again
Yes I've seen it before
Just little bits of history repeating
Some people don't dance, if they don't know who's singing,
Why ask your head, it's your hips that are swinging
Life's for us to enjoy
Woman, man, girl and boy,
Feel the pain, feel the joy
Aside set the little bits of history repeating
Just little bits of history repeating
And I've seen it before
And I'l see it again
Yes I've seen it before
Just little bits of history repeating
The song "History Repeating" by Propellerheads is a reflection of how history repeats itself through fashion, music, and pop culture. The lyrics communicate the idea that although new trends and styles may appear to be groundbreaking and revolutionary, they are ultimately a continuation of what came before. The opening lines of the song express this sentiment with, "The word is about, there's something evolving, Whatever may come, the world keeps revolving."
The song goes on to describe how the media often hypes up these new trends, presenting them as the next big thing or the start of a revolution. However, in the end, the song suggests that these trends are simply a repetition of what has come before. This is summed up in the chorus, which repeats the line, "It's all just a little bit of history repeating."
The final verses of "History Repeating" suggest that rather than getting caught up in these trends and trying to stay ahead of the curve, we should enjoy life and the experiences it has to offer. The line, "Life's for us to enjoy, Woman, man, girl, and boy," emphasizes this sentiment.
Line by Line Meaning
The word is about, there's something evolving,
There is a buzz in the air, as if something is changing and moving forward.
Whatever may come, the world keeps revolving...
Despite any challenges that may arise, life goes on and the world continues to turn.
They say the next big thing is here,
There are rumors that the next major trend or development has arrived.
That the revolution's near,
There is a sense that a major change or uprising is on the horizon.
But to me it seems quite clear
However, from my perspective, it is evident that things are not really changing all that much.
That's it's all just a little bit of history repeating.
In fact, it appears that what is happening now has happened before, and is just a small iteration of what has come before it.
The newspapers shout a new style is growing,
The media is proclaiming that a new trend or way of doing things is emerging.
But it don't know if it's coming or going,
However, there is confusion and uncertainty around whether this trend is actually making progress or not.
There is fashion, there is fad
There are both long-lasting trends and short-lived fads.
Some is good, some is bad
Some of these trends and fads are positive or beneficial, while others are negative or harmful.
And the joke rather sad,
The irony is that while the world is in a constant state of flux, the overall patterns and cycles are essentially the same, which can be disheartening.
That it's all just a little bit of History repeating.
It seems that no matter what happens, history has a way of repeating itself in small ways over time.
And I've seen it before
Personally, I have experienced this cycle of history repeating many times in the past.
And I'll see it again
I am confident that it will happen again and again in the future.
Yes I've seen it before
I can attest to having witnessed it unfold in the past.
Just little bits of history repeating
The repetition of history may only be slight, but it is still significant.
Some people don't dance, if they don't know who's singing,
Some individuals are hesitant to engage in new experiences if they are not familiar with the source.
Why ask your head, it's your hips that are swinging
Instead of overthinking things, it is important to allow your instincts to lead the way and enjoy the moment.
Life's for us to enjoy
Ultimately, life is meant to be enjoyed.
Woman, man, girl and boy,
This applies to everyone, regardless of gender or age.
Feel the pain, feel the joy
We should allow ourselves to experience the full range of emotions, both positive and negative.
Aside set the little bits of history repeating
We should set aside the fact that history has a way of repeating itself and focus on enjoying the present moment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALEX MICHAEL GIFFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kennethalexanderfinegan516
This just works on so many levels.
Smooth, funky, classy.
A masterpiece.
@carolevans5285
Spot on , Brilliant ❤
@NormAppleton
"the aging corpse of music"
@NormAppleton
Wow, Shirley Bassey could bring the Nuclear Weapons
@NormAppleton
Helps when you superhuman woman doing bissness.
@danielpayne500
NEEDS THE AIR PLAY DAME Shirley Legend !!
@barryjudson5774
I remember so enjoying this incredible fusion when it was released. Still utterly enjoying this masterpiece 26 years later. The test of time!
@brunolerman2108
I enjoy this at a monthly basis. Girls love it.
@propsprops2556
This was great in 1997 ....and still holds up.
@nancyhey1012
It sadly takes on a whole new meaning now in 2022!