Produced by Saint Etienne
Rel… Read Full Bio ↴Written by Bob Stanley & Pete Wiggs
Produced by Saint Etienne
Released April 1992 on Join Our Club
Notes There are two versions of this song - the original appeared on the Join Our Club single, the second - a slightly remixed version with added synth parts - appears on the US version of Foxbase Alpha.
Originally titled, 'Kenny Get Real', this song pokes fun towards the early 90's white British soul singer, Kenny Thomas, as Bob Stanley explained in 1995: "It's about the way that when people stick to a certain kind of music, like acid jazz, or soul, they're considered "authentic" and real. People being really po-faced about stuff getting taken seriously, whereas, if you don't take yourselves too seriously, everyone takes that at face value and thinks you're superficial. Like The Doors, who everyone thinks are great, but they're absolutely preposterous, total shit - and then you think of The Lovin' Spoonful, who were far more imaginative and wrote way more inventive songs, and they're regarded as some kind of comedy group! If you go for this ridiculous "authenticity" thing, you're allowed to get away with anything."
"Kenny Thomas had done this dreadful cover of a Gap Band song (have a listen on Last FM here!). Loads of people were raving about it, saying it was really soulful, but I'd never got 80s soul so this was written about him, poor bloke. But 'Kenny Get Real' didn't sound like a single title." (Bob Stanley, 2009).
People Get Real
Saint Etienne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Saw you and when I saw you
I thought this is real, this is real
Kissed you and when I kissed you
I whispered forever, forever
I love the way, I love the way you move
Just lose yourself
Lose yourself in circles of sound
People get real
People get real
People get real
Knowing, the way that we are feeling
You told me that we'd turn clean, that we'd turned clean
Talking, taking advantage
The other side of your dreams, of your dreams
Don't tell me this is precious
Don't tell me this is soulful
Well you have to be
Have to be kidding me on
People get real
People get real
People get real
So don't stop, don't stop believing
No and don't stop, don't stop believing
Just keep on, keep on, keep on believing it's here
People get real
People get real
People get real
People get real
People get real
The song "People Get Real" is a catchy dance track released by British synthpop band Saint Etienne in 1993. The song begins with an invitation to "get on the floor and look real sexy," which sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics that celebrate the power of music to bring people together in a state of abandon. The singer describes meeting someone and feeling an immediate connection, whispering "forever" as they kissed. The joy of movement is amplified in the chorus, as the singer inspires listeners to "lose yourself in circles of sound."
In the second verse, the tone shifts slightly as the singer addresses the other person, cautioning them not to describe the experience as "precious" or "soulful." The suggestion is that these labels might diminish the pure pleasure of the moment. The singer insists that it's important to "keep on believing it's here" - to continue to embrace the energy and joy of the present. Throughout the song, the refrain reminds listeners to "get real," to connect with the joy and power of music and dance.
Overall, "People Get Real" is an upbeat celebration of the transformative power of music and the importance of embracing the present moment. The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their inhibitions and immerse themselves in the joy of movement and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Get on the floor and look real sexy
I want you to dance and be alluring.
Saw you and when I saw you
When I first laid eyes on you,
I thought this is real, this is real
I knew we could have a genuine connection.
Kissed you and when I kissed you
When we first shared a kiss,
I whispered forever, forever
I expressed my desire for our love to last forever.
I love the way, I love the way you move
I am drawn to the way you dance and express yourself.
Just lose yourself
Let go of your inhibitions and get lost in the music.
Lose yourself in circles of sound
Allow the music to surround you and take you away.
People get real
People need to wake up and face reality.
Knowing, the way that we are feeling
Recognizing the emotions we are currently experiencing,
You told me that we'd turn clean, that we'd turned clean
You promised that we would make a fresh start and leave our past mistakes behind.
Talking, taking advantage
Misusing our words and actions to achieve selfish goals.
The other side of your dreams, of your dreams
The reality of your desires, beyond what you idealize.
Don't tell me this is precious
I don't want to hear that this is something special or rare.
Don't tell me this is soulful
I don't want to hear that this has any emotional depth or significance.
Well you have to be
You must be mistaken,
Have to be kidding me on
If you think this is true or important.
So don't stop, don't stop believing
You should keep holding onto your hopes and beliefs,
No and don't stop, don't stop believing
Don't let anyone or anything stop you from holding those beliefs.
Just keep on, keep on, keep on believing it's here
Keep believing in the possibility that what you want is within reach.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB STANLEY, PETER STEWART WIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Steve Thompson
Just discovered this band. Absolutely fantastic.
Kristopher Koeller
Just discovered them a few weeks ago and am obsessed now.
Andeez
@Kristopher Koeller Check out Saint Etienne TV debut You're in a bad way The Word on YT. They were brilliant live too
Kristopher Koeller
@Andeez will do! Thanks for the tip!
TRIXta96_Telegram_Ogredean34atgmail
@Kristopher Koeller "Just discovered"??? What timeline are you from?
paul bertram
Possibly my favourite St etienne track 👍❤️
Thomasknife69
I always believed that this is the best St Etienne song!
Lucan579
I was there at the Equinox in 1992 watching Sarah sing this song......pilled out of my brain (first one!) ....and she looked at me. What a magic moment!!!!!!!! St Etienne are AWESOME!!!!!!!
Nic Lawson
This song is just so delicious and beautiiful on soooo many levels! I got this when it came out and it STILL brings joy when I play it. I'm a 60 year old punk rocker btw.
MrMusicbyMartin
Like punk, it’s dub-meets-homemade-indie-rock !!