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.
Picture Me
Republica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Picture me, on a magazine
Call me
On my private number
You've got my photograph
On your bedroom wall
Picture me ('Cause everybody wants her)
On a postcard (She makes them smile)
On a magazine (Once in a while)
Call me ('Cause everybody wants her)
On my private number (She makes them smile)
You've got my photograph (And everybody needs her)
On your bedroom wall (Once in a while)
She is wanted, she is smart
She'll make you special
She's got it down to an art
She don't argue, she's on time
She is available
She'll make you feel fine
She is wanted, she is smart
She'll make you special
She's got it down to an art
She don't argue, she's on time
She is available
She'll make you feel fine
She is wanted, she is smart
She'll make you special
She's got it down to an art
She don't argue, she's on time
She is available
She'll make you feel fine
Picture me ('Cause everybody wants her)
On a postcard (She makes them smile)
Picture me (And everybody needs her)
On a magazine (Once in a while)
Picture me
Picture me
Picture me
Picture me
Picture me
Picture me
Picture me
Picture me
The song "Picture Me" by Republica is a commentary on the destructive nature of society's obsession with celebrity culture. The lyrics describe the desire to be famous, to be seen and admired by everyone. The singer imagines herself on a postcard or magazine, with her photograph on people's bedroom walls, illustrating the ultimate validation of success.
The song's hook, "picture me," is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance society places on the appearance of fame rather than the substance of achievement. The lyrics imply that being successful means being wanted, smart, and always available - essentially, conforming to societal expectations of what a celebrity should be. It highlights how society values fame, even if it is achieved through shallow means.
The repetition of the lyrics in the song creates an almost hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into the singer's mind and emphasizing the feeling of being caught up in the endless cycle of wanting fame. "Picture Me" is a thought-provoking and catchy critique of modern celebrity culture, urging the listener to question the worth of the pursuit of fame.
Line by Line Meaning
Picture me, on a postcard
Imagine me in a way that is picturesque and ideal, like something you would see on a postcard.
Call me, on my private number
Get in touch with me through exclusive means, as I am someone who is worth seeking out and connecting with.
You've got my photograph, on your bedroom wall
I am someone that people admire and put on a pedestal, as evidenced by the fact that you have a picture of me in your personal space.
She is wanted, she is smart, She'll make you special
I am a highly sought-after individual who exudes intelligence and the ability to elevate those who are associated with me.
She's got it down to an art, She don't argue, she's on time, She is available, She'll make you feel fine
I am someone who has mastered the art of being agreeable and accommodating, always punctual and accessible, and someone who can bring joy and happiness to those who seek my presence.
Picture me, on a magazine (Once in a while)
Think of me in a way that is glamorous and worthy of being featured in a magazine, but also acknowledge that this is a rare occurrence.
Picture me, Picture me, Picture me, Picture me, Picture me, Picture me, Picture me, Picture me
Repeatedly imagine me in all of the above ways, as I am someone who should be constantly admired and thought of highly.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TIMOTHY MICHAEL DORNEY, SAFFRON AKA SAMANTHA SPRACKLING, ANDREW TODD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PermanentAbyss
I came for Ready To Go, and stayed for this beautiful gem.
@MrLevinej
this is the best song on a great album
@slus414
damn song gave me goose bumps the way it did 14 yrs ago when i first heard it!!! Thanks for puttin up these songs cuz 2 yrs ago they wern't here!!!!
@ameliejacobs6329
aaaaaaa, same here
@angelamonk716
My 23 yr old son introduced me to this group and WOW just AWESOME
@PatrykSobczak
I remember i used to listen to this masterpiece everyday many years ago and was one of my favourite tune at all time Reminds me of good trip hop vibe from 90’s
@lesallen1557
This song makes my car shake around like it’s having an epileptic fit
@sergiovazquez8599
Love the nostalgic feel of this tune .
@sana-cm7oc
What I can remember of this time - makes me smile.
@irenalovecraft3478
I had that album when it first came out and every song was so good, excellent actually. And now after all these years it's still one of the greatest albums ever. Really had high hopes for Republica but second album disappointed. Still that 1st album will always be ma favorite 📻🔊📼🎧😍❗