In 1985 they enjoyed their first UK hit single, "Lean On me (Ah-Li-Ayo)", an anthemic song which was promoted with an unusual video in which a British sign language interpreter provided a translation of the song's lyrics. The following year, Red Box (with the help of numerous guest musicians) released the album The Circle and the Square.
Toulson-Clarke responded to WEA's request for something to appeal to American radio with the sardonic "For America", which lambasted what he saw as the style-over-content approach of the American media, as well as alluding to American military involvement in Grenada and Nicaragua. Unsurprisingly, the song was not a hit in the USA, though it did reach the top ten in several countries including the UK.
In 1990 they scored a club hit with Enjoy which was essentially a remix of an old B-side by Paul Oakenfold under the Solid Gold Easy Amex name. This record charted at Number 75 on Independent Radio's Network Chart (also used by Number One Magazine) but missed the Gallup UK Singles Chart as used by the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles. By now the 'group' was essentially just Simon Toulson-Clarke with the following Train single and Motive album more akin to solo releases. The Train single was pulled from shelves for reasons unknown to even the band, Motive got very little press, and Red Box ended up going on a hiatus. Toulson-Clarke continued to work in the music industry. In 1997, Toulon-Clarke, Alistair Gavin (who worked on Motive), and Phill Brown formed SPA and released an eponymous album, which itself was a concept album dedicated to deceased American comedian Bill Hicks.
In 2010, the current incarnation of Red Box is still headed up by the group’s original protagonist, Simon Toulson-Clarke who has gathered together a group of musicians for their new album "Plenty".
As well as Toulson-Clarke on vocals, the group includes Derek Adams (formerly of Dream Academy and The Act) and the young singer-songwriter, Emily Maguire. Unlike the early, frenetic days of the 1980s, Red Box had the relative luxury of time and space to work on "Plenty". As Simon explains, they 'were able to apply a fine filter to the whole process; selecting the material and working through the best possible arrangements that they could find for each song'.
In 2019, their fourth studio album Chase the Setting Sun was released.
Discography - Singles:
* Chenko (Cherry Red Records CHERRY 73 - Jan 1984)
* Saskatchewan (Sire Records W9157)
* Lean On Me (Ah-Li-Ayo) (Sire Records W 8926 - Aug 1985) UK #3 (Gallup)
* Chenko (WEA YX 59 - Jan 1986)
* For America (WEA YZ 84 - Oct 1986) UK #10 (Gallup)
* Heart Of The Sun (WEA YZ 100 1987) UK #71 (Gallup)
* Chenko (Tenka-Io) (WEA YX 125 - Jan 1986) UK #77 (Gallup)
* Enjoy - with Solid Gold Easy Amex (Eastwest Records YZ 466 - May 1990) UK #75 (Network Chart)
* Train (Eastwest Records YZ 531) - Oct 90
Discography - Albums
* The Circle & The Square (WEA), 1986
* Motive (EastWest), 1990
* Plenty (Cherry Red Records) 2010
* Chase the Setting Sun, 2019
Lean On Me
Red Box Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are we shouting never heard?
Are we running, running brave?
Are we fighting, making waves?
The first man he gets up and he says
"Well, can I have a say?"
Men on fire pray for rain
Who are madmen, who is sane?
So ten men they get up and they say
"Well, can we have a say?"
Have we lost the spoken word?
From the very very young to the very very old
Everybody now say aye
From the centre of the earth to the corners of the globe
Everyone of you say aye
Nobody better let me down
Mother earth on the other side
Sing on
Are we happy, are we scared?
Are we shouting, never heard?
The first man he gets up and he says
"Well, can I have a say?"
Cut of drama, power of sound
Are we progress, don't lose ground?
Ten men they get up and they say
"Well, can we have a say?"
Are we fighting, making waves?
From the very very young to the very very old
Everybody now say aye
From the centre of the earth to the corners of the globe
Everyone of you say aye
Nobody better let me down
We will see on the other side, lean on me
Ah-li-ayo!
The lyrics of Red Box's song "Lean on Me" speak about the importance of speaking up and making a difference in the world. The first verse asks important questions about our state of mind and whether we are content or unsettled. It also asks whether we are taking action and fighting for positive change. The following verses introduce a group of men who want to express their thoughts, but they have to ask for permission to do so. The chorus encourages unity and solidarity among all people, regardless of age or location, and urges everyone to speak up together with a resounding "aye." The song ends on a positive note, emphasizing the idea of depending on each other for support and help.
The lyrics of "Lean on Me" are infused with an inspiring message of hope and unity, encouraging communities and individuals to work together to bring about positive change. The song was released in 1985 as a single from the album The Circle & The Square, and it quickly became a hit, charting in the United Kingdom and several European countries. The song's popularity was further boosted by its catchy melody, driving percussion, and the high-energy vocals of lead singer Simon Toulson-Clarke.
Line by Line Meaning
Are we happy are we scared?
Are we content or afraid?
Are we shouting never heard?
Are we speaking up but not being listened to?
Are we running, running brave?
Are we being courageous in our actions?
Are we fighting, making waves?
Are we causing positive change through our efforts?
The first man he gets up and he says
"Well, can I have a say?"
One person speaks up and asks if their opinion matters.
Singing
Men on fire pray for rain
Who are madmen, who is sane?
People in difficult situations hope for relief and it's often hard to determine what's rational in those circumstances.
So ten men they get up and they say
"Well, can we have a say?"
A group wants to be heard and included in decision-making.
Have we lost the spoken word?
Are we failing to communicate effectively with each other?
From the very very young to the very very old
Everybody now say aye
Everyone, regardless of age, is being called upon to participate.
From the centre of the earth to the corners of the globe
Everyone of you say aye
People from all over the world are being asked to participate.
Nobody better let me down
Mother earth on the other side
We must not disappoint each other and keep in mind the importance of the environment.
The first man he gets up and he says
"Well, can I have a say?"
One person speaks up and asks if their opinion matters.
Cut of drama, power of sound
Are we progress, don't lose ground?
Let's focus on finding solutions and making progress without getting sidetracked by unnecessary drama.
Ten men they get up and they say
"Well, can we have a say?"
A group wants to be heard and included in decision-making.
Are we fighting, making waves?
Are we causing positive change through our efforts?
From the very very young to the very very old
Everybody now say aye
Everyone, regardless of age, is being called upon to participate.
From the centre of the earth to the corners of the globe
Everyone of you say aye
People from all over the world are being asked to participate.
Nobody better let me down
We will see on the other side, lean on me
We must support each other and work together, looking toward a better future.
Ah-li-ayo!
A celebratory exclamation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN CHARLES LODGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@flyingcolm9702
Never again will we see a decade of music like this. Proper music.
@GEricG
90s were great too.
@gogofofo9111
@@GEricG yes i agreed 👍
@themanftheworld8439
@@GEricG 1970s was best musical decade.
@themanftheworld8439
1970s better than 80s.
@davecoalwood9487
@@GEricG They fucking weren't!
@paulboulter7823
Such an uplifting song from a wonderful decade.Miss the 80s so much ❤!!😢
@martinkscott
Best decade of music by a country mile 👌🏻
@roum22
By a country mile.... My favourite expression and in this case so true...@@martinkscott
@Tony-hz8ld
When music was fun and good