The use of a drum machine seems to have been a determining feature of bands coming out of Leeds, England (the Sisters of Mercy and The Three Johns are other examples).
In 1982, independent record label Red Rhino signed the band based on the strength of some of the group's demos. Their first single "Beating My Head" made a strong appearance on the influential New Musical Express (NME) independent record chart. Fagan and Smith soon departed the band, to be replaced by Dave Wolfenden and Paul Southern respectively. In 1983 and 1984, several more singles would be released by the band (including "He's Read" and "Monkeys On Juice"). In 1985, the band's debut album, Talk About The Weather, was released and reached #1 on the NME indie rock chart. The album received generally positive reviews and sold extremely well for a small label offering. The single "Hollow Eyes" obtained good sales as well, as did follow-up non-LP singles "Chance" and "Spinning Round", the latter of which is generally felt to be the Lorries's strongest song.
The band released one more album on Red Rhino (Paint Your Wagon) in 1986, a single ("Cut Down") and a four track EP ("Crawling Mantra", released as by The Lorries), before signing to Situation Two, an off-shoot of major label Beggars Banquet Records. Two albums followed, 1988's Nothing Wrong and 1989's Blow. These albums proved to be a slight change in direction for the band. The songs here were a little slower, with stronger, more conventional melodies sweetened by occasional female backing vocals. Reed's lyrics were less downbeat, almost optimistic. Overall, Blow is a warmer album than the band's previous, somewhat dour offerings; the Lorries pretty much left their specious gothic rock trappings behind for good. Neither one of the Beggars Banquet albums appeared on any mainstream pop charts. Singles, including "Only Dreaming (Wide Awake)" and "Open Up" (which upon its release was chosen by NME as the magazine’s Single of the Week), also failed to chart, and the band was subsequently dropped by the label. In 1991, the band released Blasting Off on the tiny Sparkhead label. Despite the relative strength of the song "Talking Back" (released as a single prior to the LP), the album was considered a major disappointment by fans and sold poorly. Reed broke up what was left of the band at that point.
In 2004, Reed revived the band and released four new songs on their website and then toured Europe and a DVD, "Thunder in the Black Cave" soon followed. The band recently announced they will tour again in 2009.
18. Which side
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the things you love, you just carry on
It's like amnesia as the days roll on
This shadow over everyone
Which side are you on
I said which side are you on
If your legs are tied, but your shoes undone
And your holding out, but it won't take long
Are you made of stone, will you carry on
Which side are you on
Which side are you on
Which side are you on
I said which side are you on
Which side
"Which Side" by Red Lorry Yellow Lorry is a reflective and introspective song about perseverance and choosing a side. The first few lines are a call to hold on to the things that we love and to carry on despite the challenges we face in life. The metaphor of amnesia is used to describe the passage of time, and the shadow that remains over everyone. The question "which side are you on?" is repeated throughout the song, urging the listener to choose between two opposing sides - perhaps a personal choice, or a larger social or political one.
The second verse talks about being tied down but still holding out, and the walls tumbling down. The singer questions whether someone made of stone will carry on or break under the pressure. The repetition of the question "which side are you on?" forces the listener to question their own allegiances and standpoints in life. The song ends with a final repetition of the question, leaving the listener to ponder the answer.
Overall, "Which Side" is a thoughtful and contemplative song about fighting for what we believe in, persevering in the face of adversity, and making a choice between two opposing sides.
Line by Line Meaning
Holding on, you keep holding on
Despite the challenges, you persevere and hold on to what you love
To the things you love, you just carry on
Continuing to pursue what you love, no matter what obstacles you face
It's like amnesia as the days roll on
The passage of time can make it easy to forget past struggles and hardships
This shadow over everyone
A feeling of darkness or sadness that seems to affect everyone
Which side are you on
Asking whether a person's actions align with their values and beliefs
If your legs are tied, but your shoes undone
Even if you feel restricted or limited, don't give up hope
And your holding out, but it won't take long
Persistence and endurance are key, even when progress seems slow
When the walls are up, and you're tumbling down
When life throws obstacles your way and you feel defeated
Are you made of stone, will you carry on
Will you let challenges harden you or will you find a way to keep going?
Which side are you on
Asking again where a person's priorities and loyalties lie
Which side are you on
A repeated call to action, urging people to take a stand for what they believe in
Which side are you on
The song's repeated refrain, driving home the message that we must actively choose our path in life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHRISTOPHER REED, DAVID WOLFENDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind