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 magazineβs 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.
Shine a Light
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Straight to my head
This is no fast ride
This is life instead
Shine a light on me make it shine on dreams
All along you prouved me wrong,
You said I was a blame
See the way I turn my head and cry
All the things stood in our way
See the way you break me down inside
Shine a light on me, make it shine on dreams
When I fall I see it was only yesterday
The lyrics of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry's song "Shine a Light" speak about the struggles of life and the need for hope and guidance. The lines "holding on inside, straight to my head, this is no fast ride, this is life instead" suggest that life can be tough and chaotic, but it is important to persevere and not give up. The chorus "shine a light on me, make it shine on dreams" implies that the singer is seeking guidance and inspiration to achieve their goals and aspirations. However, the line "all along you proved me wrong, you said I was to blame" suggests that the singer has faced criticism or doubt from others, but they are determined to overcome it. The lyrics also allude to the idea of regret and nostalgia with the line "when I fall I see it was only yesterday."
Overall, "Shine a Light" is a poignant and introspective song that speaks to the human experience of resilience and hope. The lyrics offer a message that even in the midst of hardship, it is possible to find strength, positivity, and a way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Holding on inside
I am internally struggling and trying to hang on to something
Straight to my head
My thoughts and emotions are overwhelming me
This is no fast ride
Life is not a quick or easy journey
This is life instead
Life is what it is, and I must face it head-on
Shine a light on me make it shine on dreams
Give me hope and inspire me to pursue my dreams
All along you proved me wrong,
You have been constantly doubting and dismissing me
You said I was to blame
You accused me of being responsible for something negative
See the way I turn my head and cry
I am visibly upset and inconsolable
It was just another day
The event or situation in question was unremarkable or commonplace
All the things stood in our way
There were obstacles and challenges that prevented us from moving forward
See the way you break me down inside
You are causing me emotional pain and distress
Shine a light on me, make it shine on dreams
Help me to see beyond my current struggles and focus on my aspirations
When I fall I see it was only yesterday
In hindsight, my previous failures and setbacks seem recent and fresh
Contributed by Vivian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.