Former Flowered Up keyboard player Tim Dorney and Andy Todd founded Republica. Saffron was born in 3 June 1968 in Ibadan, Nigeria. She was an actress at one point, performing for two years in London's Starlight Express. She also appeared in the video for the Chesney Hawkes' hit "The One and Only" and in the video for N-Joi's single "Mindflux". Saffron was also lead vocalist on N-Joi's hit "Anthem" in 1990.
Republica released the first single "Out of this World" in 1994, followed by the single "Bloke" in January 1995.
Their debut album Republica was released in July 1996 and reached #4 in the charts. The single "Ready To Go" peaked at #13 in UK Singles Chart. "Ready To Go" also became the band' signature song. The fourth single "Drop Dead Gorgeous" ranked #7 in UK Singles Chart.
In 1997 Saffron performed vocals for The Prodigy's "Fuel My Fire" from their album The Fat of the Land.
The second album, Speed Ballads, was released in 1998 and reached #37 in UK Albums Chart. Its lead single, "From Rush Hour With Love", peaked at #20 in UK Singles Chart.
Their label, Deconstruction Records, folded shortly after the release of Speed Ballads. Deconstruction's back catalogue was swallowed up by BMG, who released a Best Of album in 2002. The band went on hiatus in 2001.
Following the breakup of Republica, Saffron worked with The Cure, appearing on the track "Just Say Yes". She also collaborated with Junkie XL for his 2003 album Radio JXL: A Broadcast From the Computer Hell Cabin.
In 2008 Republica reunited at Windsor at a Contra Mundum concert and performed three songs.
In 2010 they performed a string of gigs. They also issued a remixed version of "Ready To Go" entitled "Ready To Go 2010". The track has been produced by Andy Gray and Alan Moulder.
Bloke
Republica Lyrics
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You think you're really cool, I gotta say
You just don't know what games to play
You like football, and play on Saturdays
When the weekends gone, you go to work
In a nasty office as a filing clerk
So don't you tell me, I'm not listening
I've already heard it
I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on
I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on
Mobile, but no conversation
You've got credit cards, Megadrive
Fax me lunch, Mister 9 to 5
You've got timeshare, for your holidays
It's the same routine, the life you lead,
The friends you keep, your lack of taste
So don't you tell me, I'm not listening
I've already heard it
You better watch your back
I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on
I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on
I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on
I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on, I'm gonna take you on
I'm gonna take you on
I'm gonna take you on
Take me on, take me on, take me on
I'm gonna take you on
Take me on, take me on, take me on,
I'm gonna take you on
The song "Bloke in 2" by Republica explores the theme of false identity and superficiality. The lyrics address a man who dresses well, drives a flashy sports car and has all the modern gadgets, yet lacks depth and substance. The reference to the man's red shoes is symbolic of his over-the-top and attention-seeking behavior, while his office job as a filing clerk indicates a lack of ambition or creativity. The singer of the song challenges this man to stop pretending to be somebody he's not, and to stop following the same routine day in and day out, and instead to engage in a real connection with society.
The lyrics are simple yet poignant, and they deliver a message that anybody can relate to. The chorus "I'm gonna take you on" is a call to action, urging the man to step out of his comfort zone and to engage in a real conversation with the world around him. The repetition of the phrase underlines the intensity and determination of the singer's message.
Overall, "Bloke in 2" is a song that encourages personal growth and encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness, instead of trying to fit in with societal stereotypes. The song is a commentary on the importance of authentic connections, reminding listeners that material possessions cannot replace meaningful relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got red shoes, and the sports car
You have material possessions like flashy red shoes and a fancy sports car to prove your status.
You think you're really cool, I gotta say
You believe that your material possessions make you superior or 'cool' compared to others.
You just don't know what games to play
You lack real substance and don't know how to truly enjoy life beyond superficial things.
You like football, and play on Saturdays
Your recreational activities are limited to watching or playing sports on weekends.
When the weekends gone, you go to work
Your life revolves around work and the weekends are the only time you get to enjoy leisure activities.
In a nasty office as a filing clerk
Your job is mundane and boring, and shows a lack of ambition or creativity.
So don't you tell me, I'm not listening
Don't pretend that you have anything meaningful to say, because I can see through your superficiality.
You better watch your back
You should be wary of me, as I see through your fake facade and will challenge you.
Mobile, but no conversation
You have a phone but don't really have any interesting or stimulating conversations with others.
You've got credit cards, Megadrive
Your possessions include material things like credit cards and a gaming console.
Fax me lunch, Mister 9 to 5
You lead a monotonous life of work and rely on faxing in your lunch, showing a lack of spontaneity and creativity.
You've got timeshare, for your holidays
Even your vacations are predictable and planned through a timeshare, showing a lack of adventure and spontaneity.
It's the same routine, the life you lead,
Your life is monotonous and follows a routine, lacking excitement or adventure.
The friends you keep, your lack of taste
Your friends are of a similar superficial nature, and you don't have the capacity to appreciate or seek true quality in life.
Take me on, take me on, take me on
The singer is challenging the subject to a confrontation, calling them out on their superficiality and lack of substance.
I'm gonna take you on
The singer is asserting themselves as someone who can see through the subject's facade and will challenge them.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW LESLIE TODD, SAMANTHA MARIE SPRACKLING, TIMOTHY MICHAEL DORNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind