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)
Street Life
Roxy Music Lyrics
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They're always calling on my telephone
When I pick it up there's no one there
So I walk outside just to take the air
Come on with me cruising down the street
Who knows what you'll see, who you might meet
This brave new world's not like yesterday
It can take you higher than the milky way
Now I'm blinded I can't really see, yeah
No more bright lights confusing me, no
Don't ask me why I'm feeling blue
'Cause loving you is all I can do
Hey good-looking boys, gather around
The sidewalk papers gutter-press you down
All those lies can be so unkind,
They can make you feel like you're losing your mind
Street Life
Street Life
Street Life
What a Life
Back to nature boys, Vasser girls too
Watch what you say, or think, or do
Continental-style strasse girls might
But you know exactly if it's wrong or right
Education is an important key, yes
But the good life's never won by degrees, no
Pointless passing through Harvard or Yale
Only window shopping, it's strictly no sale
Week end starts Friday soon after eight
Your jet black magic helps you celebrate
You may be stranded if you stick around
And that's really something
The song "Street Life" by Roxy Music is an upbeat, groovy tune that speaks to the struggles of dealing with the unwanted attention and pressure that come with fame and success. The first verse expresses the desire for some space and solitude, as the singer wishes for everyone to leave them alone. However, despite their attempt to escape constant phone calls and paparazzi, they find themselves outside, cruising down the street, where anything is possible. The lyrics suggest that the streets are a place where anything can happen and you might encounter anyone, and this is a refreshing change from the pressures of life in the spotlight.
The second verse speaks to the superficiality and negativity that often come with fame. The singer references the "sidewalk papers" - tabloids and gossip columns - which can be unkind and make one feel like they're losing their mind. But despite this, they find comfort in the love of another, and declare that loving them is all they can do. The last part of the song emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and enjoying life, despite the pressures and temptations that come with it. The education that comes from going to prestigious schools like Harvard or Yale is important, but it isn't the key to a good life. Instead, the song emphasizes the value of living for today and enjoying the present moment, rather than being concerned with degrees or social status.
Line by Line Meaning
Wish everybody would leave me alone -yeah
I wish everyone would stop bothering me and let me be alone.
They're always calling on my telephone
People keep calling me on the phone and interrupting me.
When I pick it up there's no one there
Whenever I answer the phone, no one is on the other end of the line.
So I walk outside just to take the air
To get some fresh air, I go outside and walk around.
Come on with me cruising down the street
Come join me for a ride down the street.
Who knows what you'll see, who you might meet
We never know what or whom we might encounter while driving around town.
This brave new world's not like yesterday
The present world is different from the past, times have changed.
It can take you higher than the milky way
This world has many opportunities and can take you to great heights.
Now I'm blinded I can't really see, yeah
I'm so caught up, I'm unable to see things clearly.
No more bright lights confusing me, no
There are no more dazzling lights to distract me, making me feel confused.
Don't ask me why I'm feeling blue
I can't explain why I'm feeling sad/depressed.
'Cause loving you is all I can do
The only thing that makes me happy is my love for you.
Hey good-looking boys, gather around
Handsome guys, come over here and join us.
The sidewalk papers gutter-press you down
The newspapers on the street publish bad news which can make you feel down.
All those lies can be so unkind,
Lies can hurt people, making them feel unhappy.
They can make you feel like you're losing your mind
Lies can be so damaging that they negatively affect your sanity.
Street Life
This is the tune's chorus.
Street Life
This is the tune's chorus.
Street Life
This is the tune's chorus.
What a Life
This is the tune's chorus.
Back to nature boys, Vasser girls too
Everyone, regardless of their background or status, needs to get back to their roots.
Watch what you say, or think, or do
Be careful of what you say, think or do because there can be consequences.
Continental-style strasse girls might
Foreign girls seen on walking on the street may catch your attention.
But you know exactly if it's wrong or right
You should know what is right or wrong and act accordingly.
Education is an important key, yes
Education is essential.
But the good life's never won by degrees, no
A good life can't be achieved solely through academic degrees.
Pointless passing through Harvard or Yale
Going to the famous schools like Harvard or Yale only for the academic aspect may not be worth it.
Only window shopping, it's strictly no sale
Attending such schools without being able to afford it will get you nowhere.
Weekend starts Friday soon after eight
The weekend starts on Friday evening at 8 p.m.
Your jet black magic helps you celebrate
Your style makes it easy for you to enjoy yourself during the weekend.
You may be stranded if you stick around
If you remain in town, you may become bored and tired of the familiarity.
And that's really something
That's something to think about.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRYAN FERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sturner80
50 years old and still magnificent.
@1Taratrue
And here I am 50 years later. :)
@user-eo2oz2tf4q
Glam and hash....and than the music got even better... Oh the good days....been there.
@johnreilly9452
The 70s band that practically invented the 80s ahead of their time
@rockhardrockmetalpop
Well said John.
@pacu9
But soooo much better
@allenrothman3317
I never understood that theory. They said Roxy Music inspired Duran Duran. What's the connection? Roxy Music was innovative, interesting and weird (especially early RM). Duran was just a pretty boy pop group.
@johnreilly9452
@Allen Rothman I think you're limiting their influence to just one band, although Duran Duran cited them as an influence there were others like Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, The Human League, Simple Minds (especially early Simple Minds) all of whom cited them, there were others in the 70 S who were inspired by them like Nile Rogers who then went on to inspire
Their influence extended from their style, imagery, and expirmentation fusing different genres.
Duran Duran were at the forefront of the new romantic movement which basically was invented by Roxy so I think a Duran Duran comparison is a bit obvious
@cinematiccrisis
New Wave/Post Punk before Punk
@josjanssen6733
Much has been said here about the brilliance of the group. All so true ! I want to add to that and to sing out loud the praise of Paul Thompson and John Gustafson. The dynamic duo in the background. What a fantastic drive these two provide. Unparalleled in my opinion.