Originally called "Arabicus Pulp" (although they shortened it to Pulp within a year), the band achieved sudden success some thirteen years after their formation and became known during the Britpop era as much for their music as for frontman Cocker's antics (notably conducting a stage invasion during Michael Jackson's performance of Earth Song at the 1996 BRIT Awards).
Achieving little success off the back of a Peel session in 1981, Pulp were finally able to release their debut album, It, in 1983. This album and its 1986 follow-up, Freaks, showcased a Pulp keen on Nick Drake (notably on the It single, My Lighthouse), with strong folk roots and little sign of the tendencies for storytelling and acid house music which would eventually bring forth success.
After the release and commercial flop of "Freaks", the band disbanded for a year, but reformed a year later to record a third album, Separations. Delayed for three years after its recording, Separations showed Cocker's increasing exposure to acid house, featuring multiple synths, and a hit single, My Legendary Girlfriend, which helped Pulp's career start to rocket.
Their next single, Babies, which would eventually feature on their 1994's commercial breakthrough His 'n' Hers, and it was the first example of the Pulp-sound most listeners associate with the band--cheap synths, rolling guitars, and Cocker's deadpan vocals telling a story. "His 'n' Hers" in sound, was lumped in with the Britpop movement of the time, receiving commercial and critical acclaim. However, it was the 1995 single Common People, which finally saw them become known, eventually charting at number 2 in the UK charts. Awash with Britpop guitars, catchy keyboard lines and that trademark Cocker vocal performance it has remained a favorite. A successful appearance at Glastonbury that summer cemented their fame, and their success was subsequently confirmed by the release of Different Class, which arrived at the peak of the Britpop movement and featured this song and other UK hits as Disco 2000 and Sorted for E's & Wizz.
Their last two albums, 1998's darker This Is Hardcore, -an album that marked the end of the Britpop era- and 2001's more downbeat We Love Life were commercial successes, but Pulp were no longer as famous or trendy as they had been in the height of Britpop. Following their curation of a music festival, Auto, in 2002, the band announced that they would be embarking on an "indefinite hiatus".
In 2003, Jarvis Cocker released an album as Relaxed Muscle and then two solo efforts, 2006's Jarvis and 2009's Further Complications.
On 8th November 2010, it was announced that the band with its most relevant lineup will reform to play a series of gigs in summer 2011.
Discography:
It 1983
Freaks 1986
Separations 1992
His 'n' Hers 1994
Different Class 1995
This Is Hardcore 1998
We Love Life 2001
Official website:
http://www.pulppeople.com
We Are the Boyz
Pulp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So make some noize / We are the boyz / We are the lads
We sleep with slags / We nick their fags / We got no choice
We are the boyz / Oh we are the boyz / We don't ask why
Because we're alive / We are the boyz / We are the boyz
We're in the place / So shut yer face / You got no choice
We are the boyz / We are the guys / We're getting high
While you're getting by / So just make some noize
'Cos we're always right / Because we're alive / Oh we are the boyz!
We are the boyz / And don't look now / 'Cos we're coming down
Don't make no noize / Cos we are the boyz / Now we are the men
And that was then / It won't happen again / But we had no choice
Cos we're the boyz / Oh we were the boyz / But we're not any more
Not now we're so mature / Now we've got insured
Because we're not so sure / No we're not so sure / Oh no we're not so sure
Not so sure / Not so sure as we were / When we were the boyz
We were the boyz / Oh, we were the boyz / C'mon, we're still the boyz
We're still the boyz / Oh, we're still the boyz / Oh c'mon, we are the boyz
We are the boyz / Oh, we are the boyz.
The lyrics of Pulp's song "We Are the Boyz" talk about male youth rebellion, and the hedonistic culture that surrounds it. The song is a satirical commentary on the attitudes and behaviors of young men who seek excitement and adventure, often at the expense of those around them. The lyrics paint the picture of a group of boys who love to party, who don't care about what other people think or feel, and who take advantage of women for their own pleasure.
The chorus repeats the phrase "we are the boyz," emphasizing their masculinity and unity as a group. The repetition of "we don't ask why" further emphasizes their willingness to blindly follow the group even if it puts them in harmful or dangerous situations. The idea of "getting trashed" and "getting high" is glorified within the song, suggesting that these are the things that make life worth living for these young men.
The final verses of the song suggest a wistful nostalgia, as the boys grow up and become men. The line "now we are the men, and that was then" indicates that the wild and reckless behavior of their youth is now a thing of the past. While they may be more responsible now, there is still a sense of longing for the days when they were able to live without any real consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh
The song starts with an exclamation sound of excitement.
We are the boyz
The group identifies themselves as 'the boys' who share a common culture and lifestyle.
And we are class
They consider themselves superior and praiseworthy for their behavior and lifestyle.
At getting trashed
Their expertise and proficiency lie in excessive drinking or drug abuse.
So make some noize
They provoke others to create loud and chaotic sounds, possibly to attract attention and show off.
We are the lads
Another name used for themselves, a reference to camaraderie and friendship.
We sleep with slags
They have promiscuous sexual encounters with women whom they consider to be of low moral standards.
We nick their fags
They steal cigarettes from these women, perhaps as an act of dominance or entitlement.
We got no choice
They justify their actions as if they have no other options or control over their behavior.
We are the boyz
Reiteration of the group's name.
Oh we are the boyz
Another expression of their excitement and pride about themselves.
We don't ask why
They do not question or reflect on their actions, but rather take them for granted.
Because we're alive
Their behavior and lifestyle are a testament to their youth and vitality, perhaps suggesting that they will not live like this forever.
We are the boyz
Reiteration of the group's name.
We're in the place
They are currently present in a location, possibly a social event or gathering.
So shut yer face
They sarcastically or aggressively tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.
You got no choice
They assert their dominance and control over others, making them obey their rules and commands.
We are the boyz
Reiteration of the group's name.
We are the guys
Another name used for themselves, a reference to masculinity.
We're getting high
They are consuming drugs, possibly to reach a state of euphoria or pleasure.
While you're getting by
They compare themselves to others who work hard but barely manage to survive, as opposed to themselves who live life fully and passionately.
So just make some noize
Repetition of the line earlier in the song, encouraging others to be rowdy and disruptive.
'Cos we are the boyz
Abbreviation of 'because'. They assert their identity and personality as 'the boys', a group that shares a sense of purpose and belonging.
Oh we are the boyz
Reiteration of their excitement and pride about themselves.
And we don't ask why
Repetition of an earlier line, suggesting that they do not reflect or consider the consequences of their actions.
'Cos we're always right
They believe that their behavior and choices are correct and cannot be disputed, a sign of arrogance.
Because we're alive
Another repetition of a line earlier in the song, emphasizing the link between youth and vitality with their lifestyle.
Oh we are the boyz!
Reiteration of their enthusiasm.
We are the boyz
Reiteration of the group's name.
And don't look now
They warn others to be careful, hinting at an upcoming change or consequence.
'Cos we're coming down
They admit that their high or euphoric state is ending or perhaps crashing down, a sign of temporary pleasure followed by pain or clarity.
Don't make no noize
Contradiction to an earlier line, as they now do not want noise or attention.
Cos we are the boyz
Reiteration of their identity.
Now we are the men
They suggest that they have matured or evolved into a new stage of life, characterized by responsibility and wisdom.
And that was then
They reflect on their past, suggesting that their previous behavior and lifestyle were childish or immature.
It won't happen again
They claim that their past behavior will not be repeated, perhaps indicating some form of guilt or regret.
But we had no choice
They still try to justify their actions or blame others, suggesting a lack of true remorse or change.
Cos we're the boyz
Reiteration of the group's name.
Oh we were the boyz
Acknowledgement of their past behavior and identity as 'the boys'.
But we're not any more
They claim to have changed and left behind their previous lifestyle and identity.
Not now we're so mature
They attribute their change to maturity and wisdom gained over time.
Now we've got insured
They suggest that they have acquired insurance, possibly referring to life or health insurance that is associated with responsible and practical behavior compared to their earlier reckless behavior.
Because we're now so sure
Another sign of their supposed newfound maturity and certainty about their choices.
No we're not so sure
They backtrack on their earlier statement, suggesting that they are still unsure or uncertain about some aspects of their life.
Not so sure
Repetition of the previous line, emphasizing their lack of clarity or conviction about some aspects of their life.
Not so sure as we were
Comparison to their earlier life, where they were more impulsive and confident.
When we were the boyz
Reference to their earlier identity as 'the boys', possibly suggesting a hint of nostalgia or regret.
We were the boyz
Acknowledgement of their past identity and behavior.
Oh, we were the boyz
Reiteration of their past behavior and identity, with a sense of fondness or pride.
C'mon, we're still the boyz
They deny their supposed new identity and claim to still be 'the boys', perhaps suggesting that their earlier behavior and lifestyle are too deeply ingrained to be easily changed.
We're still the boyz
Reiteration of their earlier statement.
Oh, we're still the boyz
Reiteration of their identity as 'the boys', with added emphasis and excitement.
Oh c'mon, we are the boyz
Further reinforcement of their identity and pride as 'the boys'.
We are the boyz
Reiteration of the group's name.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CANDIDA DOYLE, JARVIS BRANSON COCKER, MARK ANDREW WEBBER, NICK BANKS, STEPHEN PATRICK MACKEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind