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.
Millenium
Republica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A new place to drink in, a fast new boyfriend
A new science for a brand new century
A message to the future electronic holiday
Let the clock roll
So let the clock (the world is outside)
Roll (stars in the sky)
The clock hits midnight
We hit midnight
New Year everything's gone quiet
Everybody's talking about a new space station
Your teeth falling out in the radiation
All your insurance and all your air miles
In gigantic computer millennium violence
Let the clock roll
So let the clock (the word is out now)
Roll (the sky's falling down)
The clock hits midnight
Devil's hitting midnight
We hit midnight
We hit midnight
New Year everything's gone quiet
Everybody suddenly thinks it's underground
To get into bands that split up in the 60's
Burn up the software learn that guitar
And get on the radio in America - yeah!
The clock hits midnight
Devil's hitting midnight
We hit midnight
New year everything's gone quiet
Clock hits midnight
Devil's hitting midnight
Rip it up midnight
New Year everything's gone quiet
The song "Millennium" by Republica captures the essence of the world as we approach the new millennium. The lyrics touch upon various aspects of society and culture, including the desire for a fresh start, the excitement of technological advances, and the quest for fame.
The opening lines set the tone for the song, with the singer expressing a longing for a new beginning. The references to a new place to drink in and a fast new boyfriend suggest a need for change and excitement in life. The idea of a new science for a brand new century indicates a fascination with progress and innovation. The electronic holiday and message to the future hint at a desire for escapism and an optimistic outlook for the years to come.
As the clock rolls and hits midnight, the devil's hitting midnight as well. This line is perhaps the most striking in the song, as it conveys a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song, with the singer emphasizing the significance of the clock hitting midnight and everything going quiet.
The second verse alludes to the dangers of technological advances and the impact they may have on our lives. The reference to teeth falling out in the radiation is particularly jarring and serves as a warning against the potential consequences of technology gone awry. The idea of insurance and air miles being reduced to a 'gigantic computer millennium violence' further emphasizes the theme of the song.
The final verse is perhaps the most upbeat, with the singer acknowledging the allure of music and fame. The reference to getting on the radio in America suggests a desire for recognition and success. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song drives home the importance of the clock striking midnight and the sense of anticipation that accompanies every new year.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's talking 'bout a new beginning
Everyone is eager to start fresh and begin anew
A new place to drink in, a fast new boyfriend
People are seeking new experiences, new relationships, and adrenaline rushes
A new science for a brand new century
There is a desire for scientific discoveries and advancements that match the new era
A message to the future electronic holiday
An electronic message awaits the future, anticipating a celebration
Let the clock roll
Time should pass without hindrance
So let the clock (the world is outside)
The world outside is illusory and insignificant compared to time
Roll (stars in the sky)
Time keeps moving and the celestial bodies change positions
The clock hits midnight
The end of the year is upon us
Devil's hitting midnight
The devil is also associated with the end of the year
We hit midnight
We also reach the end of the year
New Year everything's gone quiet
The new year brings about a sense of peacefulness
Everybody's talking about a new space station
People are fascinated with the idea of a new and advanced space station
Your teeth falling out in the radiation
Exposure to radiation can cause dental problems
All your insurance and all your air miles
All your belongings and achievements might seem insignificant compared to larger issues
In gigantic computer millennium violence
The new era is characterized by intense technological development and wars fought by advanced technology
So let the clock (the word is out now)
The message has spread and time should still keep passing
Roll (the sky's falling down)
Time may keep rolling but the sky may seem to be falling apart
Everybody suddenly thinks it's underground
People are rediscovering underground music and culture associated with the past
To get into bands that split up in the 60's
Bands from the 60s have gained popularity once again
Burn up the software learn that guitar
People are eager to learn new skills like playing the guitar and ditching old software
And get on the radio in America - yeah!
The ultimate goal is to have success in America
Rip it up midnight
The end of the year can be intense
Contributed by Kennedy H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.