As the years progressed, the PiL line-up would change, adding renowned drummer Martin Atkins in 1979 as the direction of the band evolved. Compared to their first three albums, the later 1980's/early 1990's period saw a more conventional sound to the musical aspect, but still retaining Lydon's biting lyrics. The album compact disc (aka Album or Cassette, depending on what format you have it on), recorded by Lydon with a slate of studio musicians organized by producer Bill Laswell, is considered the artistic highpoint of this period of PiL's evolution. PiL reached their commercial zenith with their aptly titled ninth album, 9, during 1989/1990.
PiL kept going as a Lydon project until 1993, when Lydon disbanded the group. Their final lineup consisted of Lydon, Ted Chau (guitar, keyboards), Mike Joyce of The Smiths (drums), John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees (guitar), and Russel Webb (bass).
In September 2009, Lydon announced that the band would reform, including earlier members Bruce Smith and Lu Edmonds, for a number of Christmas shows in the UK. The One Drop Songfacts reports that Lydon financed the reunion using money he earned doing a UK television commercial for Country Life butter. This Is PiL, the band’s first album for 20 years was recorded at Steve Winwood’s studio, which is located in a barn, in the middle of the Cotswolds in southern England. It was released on May 28, 2012.
Solitaire
Public Image Ltd. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Think you got all the problems?
Well, why not try and solve them?
Instead of your sitting on them
Solitaire, solitaire
Taking on new projects
Close your ears to reason
Your very valued opinion
Solitaire, solitaire
Nothing is getting you nowhere
Never meaning what you're saying
Well, now I need decision
[Incomprehensible]
Solitaire, solitaire
The slightest seems to explode you
Well, the whole world will implode you
Solitaire for the lonely fly
You're not the only one
Solitaire, lonely fly
Can't pull out my heart
Can't pull out my heart
Can't pull out my heart
Solitaire, solitaire
Solitaire
For the lonely fly
Think you know the answer?
Think you got all the problem?
Well, why not try and solve them?
Instead of sitting on them
Taking on new projects
Steadily slipping sideways
Close your ears to reason
Your very valued opinion
Now, nothing is getting you nowhere
Never meaning what you're saying
Well, now I need a decision
[?]
Can't pull out my heart
Solitaire
The song Solitaire by Public Image Ltd. is a commentary on a person who is struggling to deal with life's challenges. The opening lines suggest that the person thinks they know the answer to their problems but are not taking action to solve them. The chorus of the song, "Solitaire, solitaire" suggests that this person is isolated and alone in their struggles.
The lyrics go on to suggest that the person is taking on new projects but is steadily slipping sideways and not making much progress. They are ignoring reason and their opinions are valued but not necessarily helpful. The line "Nothing is getting you nowhere" implies that the person is stuck and not making progress.
The line "Can't pull out my heart" is repeated throughout the song, which suggests that the person is emotionally invested in their struggles and cannot find a way to detach from them. Overall, the song Solitaire by Public Image Ltd. is a powerful commentary on the human struggle and the feeling of being trapped in one's own problems.
Line by Line Meaning
Think you know the answer?
Do you believe that you have the solution?
Think you got all the problems?
Do you think that you understand everything that needs fixing?
Well, why not try and solve them?
Why not attempt to resolve the issues instead of leaving them unaddressed?
Instead of your sitting on them
Rather than avoiding or ignoring them
Solitaire, solitaire
Emphasize the concept of being alone
Taking on new projects
Accepting new challenges or tasks
Steadily slipping sideways
Gradually losing control and not making progress
Close your ears to reason
Ignoring logic and rational thinking
Your very valued opinion
Your cherished perspective
Nothing is getting you nowhere
You are not making any progress
Never meaning what you're saying
Saying things without really understanding or intending them
Well, now I need decision
It is now essential to make a choice
[Incomprehensible]
Unknown or incomprehensible
The slightest seems to explode you
Even the tiniest thing makes you feel overwhelmed
Well, the whole world will implode you
If things become too much, you will feel like the entire world is collapsing around you
Solitaire for the lonely fly
Being alone is equivalent to being a lonely fly
You're not the only one
Other people are also experiencing similar pain of loneliness and isolation
Can't pull out my heart
I cannot remove my emotions and feelings
Solitaire
Further emphasis on the concept of being alone
For the lonely fly
Being alone is akin to being a solitary or lonely fly
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARTIN CLIVE ATKINS, KEITH LEVENE, JOHN LYDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind