Roxy Music became a successful act in Europe and Australia during the 1970s. This success began with their self-titled debut studio album in 1972. The band pioneered more musically sophisticated elements of glam rock while significantly influencing early English punk music, and provided a model for many new wave acts while innovating elements of electronic composition. The group also conveyed their distinctive brand of visual and musical sophistication with their focus on glamorous fashions. Ferry and co-founding member Eno have had influential solo careers. Eno became one of the most significant British record producers of the late 20th century. Rolling Stone originally ranked Roxy Music No. 98 on their greatest artists list ("The Immortals – The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time"), but dropped the group from the list when they updated it in 2011.
Roxy Music's final studio album was Avalon (1982), which was certified Platinum in the United States. In 2005, the band began recording what would have become their ninth studio album—and their first album with Eno since 1973 (he wrote two songs for it and also played keyboards). However, Ferry eventually announced that the material from these sessions would instead be released as a Ferry solo studio album, with Eno playing on "a couple of tracks", and that he believed the group would never again produce a record as Roxy Music. The album was released in 2010 as the Ferry solo studio album Olympia. It featured contributions from Eno, Manzanera, and Mackay (amongst many other session players).
In 2011, Roxy Music played a series of 40th-anniversary shows, but went inactive as a performing entity following the concerts. In 2019, Roxy Music were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2022, Roxy Music reformed for a tour to mark the 50th anniversary of their debut studio album.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxy_Music
Studio albums
Roxy Music (1972)
For Your Pleasure (1973)
Stranded (1973)
Country Life (1974)
Siren (1975)
Manifesto (1979)
Flesh and Blood (1980)
Avalon (1982)
Casanova
Roxy Music Lyrics
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So many times
You've loved
And didn't linger
Now my finger
Points at you
Another loser
You, an island
Complete
In every detail
Monumental
A precious jewel
Or just a fool
Innovator
It's in your mind
And blood
I watch it simmer
I see you're courting
More despair
No hope?
Not a glimmer
Now you're nothing
But second hand
In glove
With second rate now
Now you're flirting
With heroin
Or is it cocaine?
Casanova
Is that your name
Or do you live there?
I know my place
Is here with you
Tonight
But not together
The lyrics of Roxy Music’s “Casanova” explore the life of someone who has been a “hero” and has loved many, but never stayed with any of them for long. The singer is pointing out that the person is now a “loser” and an “island”. They appear to be complete in every way, like a precious jewel, but the singer wonders if they are actually a “fool”. The lyrics suggest that the person is an “innovator” and that both creativity and destructive tendencies are “in your mind and blood”. The singer has been watching them court “more despair” with no hope in sight.
The next part of the song suggests that the person is now “nothing but second hand/glove with second rate now”. They are seen flirting with either heroin or cocaine, and the singer wonders if their name is Casanova or if they just live in that world. Despite this, the singer still expresses a desire to be with the person, but only tonight and not “together”.
The lyrics of “Casanova” describe a person who is caught in a cycle of destructive behavior, despite the appearance of being complete and successful. The song is a commentary on the seductive nature of vice and the toll it can take on a person’s life.
Line by Line Meaning
You, the hero
Addressing the listener as the hero, indicating that they have been in many relationships where they were the singer.
So many times
Highlighting the frequency of the listener's experiences in love.
You've loved
Acknowledging that the listener has had romantic relationships in the past.
And didn't linger
Implying that the listener did not stay in these relationships for very long.
Now my finger
The artist is pointing attention towards the listener.
Points at you
Directing focus towards the listener.
Another loser
Suggesting that the listener is not having much success in their relationships.
You, an island
Comparing the listener to an island, implying that they are isolated in their romantic interests.
On your own
Further emphasizing the listener's solitude in love.
Complete
Expressing admiration for the listener's completeness in detail, suggesting that they have a strong sense of self.
In every detail
Clarifying that the listener is complete in every aspect of their being.
Monumental
Highlighting the artist's admiration for the listener as someone who is impressive and important.
A precious jewel
Comparing the listener to a valuable and rare jewel.
Or just a fool
Suggesting that the listener's strong sense of self and isolation in love might be misguided or foolish.
Innovator
Implying that the listener is innovative or original in some way.
It's in your mind
Implying that the listener's innovation comes from their thoughts and ideas.
And blood
Indicating that the listener's innovation is an inherent part of their being.
I watch it simmer
The singer is observing the listener as their passion and energy towards their innovation builds.
I see you're courting
Implying that the listener is actively seeking out something, potentially leading to more disappointment.
More despair
Suggesting that the listener has already suffered from previous romantic relationships and is likely to continue experiencing negative emotions.
No hope?
Rhetorically questioning whether the listener has any hope for success in their love life.
Not a glimmer
Asserting that there is no sign of hope or optimism for the listener's romantic future.
Now you're nothing
Suggesting that the listener has lost their identity and self-worth due to their repeated romantic disappointments.
But second hand
Comparing the listener to something used or recycled, indicating that they are not desirable or valuable in romantic relationships.
In glove
Suggesting that the listener is complicit in their situation, partnering with others who are in a similar predicament.
With second rate now
Implying that the listener's romantic partners are of low quality or value.
Now you're flirting
The singer is observing the listener as they engage in potentially dangerous behavior (flirting with heroin or cocaine).
With heroin
Implying that the listener is engaging with heroin as a means of escaping their problems or emotional pain.
Or is it cocaine?
Suggesting that the listener might also be using cocaine, highlighting their potentially destructive behavior and emotional state.
Casanova
Referencing the famed lover, Casanova, who had many romantic encounters and was known for his charm and charisma.
Is that your name?
Asking whether the listener sees themselves as a Casanova figure.
Or do you live there?
Asking whether the listener literally lives in a place called Casanova, or is just using the name as a metaphor for their romantic exploits.
I know my place
Acknowledging that the artist recognizes their role in the listener's life, but that they also have their own identity and independence.
Is here with you tonight
Asserting that the artist is present with the listener in this moment.
But not together
Clarifying that the singer is not in a romantic relationship with the listener, but is instead an observer of their life and experiences.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: REGGIE CALLOWAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Funk A. Teer
Long live Ferry
💜🤘🏿
Trevor Coppock
The High Priest of Cool. I've thought this since I first saw him with Roxy Music way back in the 70's.