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.
Blow
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the lyrics to this song are so short and repetitive, it can be difficult to determine a clear interpretation. However, it seems that the song revolves around the concept of blowing or being blown away, both physically and emotionally. The repetition of the word "blow" could represent a feeling of being taken away, perhaps by strong winds or waves, or even by intense emotions such as love or anger.
The lyrics could also suggest a desire to escape from reality and be taken away to someplace new and exciting. The use of the word "blow" in the chorus, combined with the driving post-punk music, creates a sense of urgency and a desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life.
Overall, the song's meaning may be open to interpretation, but it certainly captures a sense of restlessness and a yearning for something new and exciting.
Line by Line Meaning
He's fallen further than the depths of hell
The person being described has reached a point of rock bottom and despair beyond measure.
And he's got to get a message through
The person being described feels a strong sense of urgency in making a point or achieving something important.
Ain't got no money, can't buy no food
The person being described is financially struggling to the point of not being able to afford basic necessities like food.
He's got a heart full of... something blue
The person being described is feeling down or melancholy, represented by the phrase 'something blue'.
He's all alone, no one to call
The person being described is isolated and lacking social connections or support.
All he can do is bang his head against the wall
The person being described feels helpless and frustrated, resorting to physical expression of their emotions.
Blow, blow, blow, blow
The repeated phrase 'blow' represents a release of emotions or pent-up energy.
His life is such a waste of time
The person being described feels unfulfilled or unsatisfied with their current situation and existence.
In his heart he knows he's past his prime
The person being described is aware that they are no longer at their best or peak performance,physically or mentally.
All he wants is to feel free
The person being described desires a sense of liberation from their current circumstances.
Take his head and shake it so violently
The person being described is seeking drastic measures to change their perspective or situation.
Blow, blow, blow, blow
The repeated phrase 'blow' represents a release of emotions or pent-up energy.
Contributed by Molly D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.