She began recording country music in 1976, but with little success. Switching to rock and roll, she signed to the British Stiff Records label and released her first album, Fool Around, in 1978. Rachel was backed by The Records on the Stiff Records tour in 1978. The album was a critical success, but sales were poor, although she did have some success with the single "B-A-B-Y". She also generated some controversy for her Lolita-like image (predating similar controversies surrounding Britney Spears and others by many years). Her follow-up album, Protect the Innocent, was largely ignored by the public and the music media. She then signed to Columbia Records in 1981, releasing Then He Kissed Me, which launched the hit "Everlasting Love", a duet with Rex Smith.
Sweet only released one more album, 1982's Blame it on Love before retiring. She returned to music sporadically as she focused on her education, recording the title track to John Waters' film Hairspray and many of the songs for his musical Cry Baby. She also recorded the theme song to the Nickelodeon series Clarissa Explains It All. In 1989 and 1990, she hosted a show on The Comedy Channel (forerunner of Comedy Central) called The Sweet Life, and in 1992 appeared in a minor role as George Costanza's cousin on an episode of Seinfeld, "The Contest." She has since focused on establishing an acting, writing, and producing career.
In 1992 Rhino Records released Fool Around: The Best of Rachel Sweet. The CD compilation includes tracks from all the previous releases as well as the theme to Hairspray.
New Age
Rachel Sweet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He said to the fat blonde actress
You know I've seen every movie you've been in
From Paths of Pain to Jewels of Glory
And when you kissed Robert Mitchum
Gee but I thought you'd never catch him
Over the hill right now
You're over the hill right now
And you're looking for love
I'll come running to you honey when you want me
I'll come running to yoy honey when you want me
Can I have your autograph
He said to the fat blonde actress
You know I know everything you've done
Anyway I hate divorces
To the left is a marble shower
It was fun even for an hour
Your're over the hill right now
And you're looking for love
You're over the hill right now
And you're looking for love
I'll come running to you honey when you want me
I'll come running to you honey when you want me
Something's got a hold on me
And I don't know what
Something's got a hold on me
And I don't know what
It's the beginning of a new age
It's the beginning of a new age
It's a new age
The lyrics to Rachel Sweet's song New Age tell a story of a man who approaches a fat blonde actress and asks for her autograph, confessing that he has seen every movie she's been in. He recalls seeing her kissing Robert Mitchum in one of her movies. However, he notes that she's now over the hill and looking for love. He offers to come running to her when she wants him. As the song continues, the lyrics change, and the singer states that something has got a hold on her, and she doesn't know what it is. The song ends with the singer repeating that it's the beginning of a new age.
The song is a reflection of how Hollywood and the entertainment world tend to treat actresses as they age, reducing them to just being over the hill and seeking love. The lyrics suggest that the man approaches the actress with the intention of making her feel better, but his intention isn't necessarily pure. The real theme of the song is the sadness of aging and how society perceives women over a certain age.
Line by Line Meaning
Can I have your autograph
A request for a memory of your autograph
He said to the fat blonde actress
Addressing a famous person in a public place
You know I've seen every movie you've been in
I am an admiration for your past work
From Paths of Pain to Jewels of Glory
I have watched every movie from the start of your career
And when you kissed Robert Mitchum
I also recall specific moments from your movies
Gee but I thought you'd never catch him
Your character was able to capture a seemingly unattainable man
Over the hill right now
Past the prime of life
And you're looking for love
Desiring the affection of another person
I'll come running to you honey when you want me
You can count on me to be there for you when needed
Anyway I hate divorces
Disliking the idea of separation
To the left is a marble shower
Giving a tour of a luxurious living space
It was fun even for an hour
Despite the temporary nature of the experience, it was enjoyable
Something's got a hold on me
Feeling trapped or influenced by an unknown force
And I don't know what
Unable to identify the source of the overpowering feeling
It's the beginning of a new age
We are at the start of a period of change and progress
It's a new age
This is a time of transformation and innovation
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
george zeman
hi, at the time ,Rachel may not have been old enough to appreciate this song, but...but... her voice just put this thing over the top. I'm a lifelong Lou Reed Fan, have heard umpteen covers, Rachel's cover is undeniably the best. Hands down! I understand she is moving away from her music legacy, not happy with it for whatever reason, but, Rachel, whether you want it or not, this version, by YOU, is simply sublime! You are great. And always will be.
best to you and yours, gz
Atlas King
When it comes to VU covers, this one is hands-down #1!
John Sweeney
This is the only cover of any VU song that I would say is better than the original, an absolutely fantastic rendition and an unbelievable vocal performance from Rachel
Doug Thorsen
An underrated classic, it’s a shame that it’s not available digitally.
Tim Young
Excellent cover. Rachel makes it soar!
david tunnicliff
absolutely love this track.
Ron D
Pretty awesome! First time I've heard this. Kinda sad, but better late than never!
Paul Huerta
The best women's post-punk album ever
Leah Shannon
This is topnotch. She never got the accolades she deserved.
RockingJamboree
This is beyond fantastic. A revelation!