1. Seagull was formed in Manchester in 1999. It was the brainchild of two former members of the Finley Quaye band, Tom Greenwood and Jo Michell. Other members have included bassist Txarli Robles and drummer Bill Henry.
The Seagull song Waiting For You was covered by Finley Quaye and appeared on his album Much More Than Much Love.
www.myspace.com/seagulluk
2. Seagull is Melbourne dweller Chris Bolton, sometimes joined by Ed Bolton (bass) Kishore Ryan (drums) and Michael Zulicki (percussion, melodica) and occasionally, Blake Byron-Smith, who provides visuals.
Seagull’s debut album Goodbye Weather was released early June of 2008 on the Two Bright Lakes label to local acclaim.
http://www.twobrightlakes.apocketfullofstones.com/seagull2.html
1981
Seagull Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You could see me with the things I do
You confined me with your car keys
I'll be laced up in your shoe
Yeah, she plays the concertina
And do you know what that means, yeah?
Because it has to mean something, man
When these things return tonight
I'll be looking for you
Lonesome highway, out of sight
I'll be singing to you
About us
It will be total destruction
And I love you so much more
These are my instructions
The days we had, the days we felt
We are - nothing to feel
There will be nothing to feel
Northern town, the rain keeps falling
Looking for you
On the lonely streets you're walking
Singing to you
One day you will find
That every fucking thing
Will make you lose your mind
Will make you lose your swing
When the night is young
It means the day is old
You were never sure
You were bought and sold
The song "1981" by Seagull is a poignant reflection on lost love and the passing of time. The lyrics suggest a sense of longing and nostalgia for a past relationship, as the singer reminisces about the days when they were together. The opening lines, "I'll be alright with you / You could see me with the things I do / You confined me with your car keys / I'll be laced up in your shoe" could suggest a feeling of entrapment or dependence, which contrasts with the wistful memories of the past.
The mention of the concertina adds to the nostalgic tone, as it is an instrument that is often associated with traditional folk music and simpler times. The line "it's an immaculate machine" could suggest the sense of precision and beauty that can be found in such a simple instrument. The singer also reflects on the passing of time and the finality of life, with lines like "When these things return tonight / I'll be looking for you / Lonesome highway, out of sight / I'll be singing to you" and "There will be nothing to feel." It seems that the singer is trying to process the loss of this relationship and the inevitability of change, which can be both painful and liberating.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be alright with you
I will be fine as long as I am in your company.
You could see me with the things I do
You understand me and my actions.
You confined me with your car keys
Your keys are the means by which you control me and my movements.
I'll be laced up in your shoe
I will be a small part of your life, easily overlooked and overshadowed by you.
Yeah, she plays the concertina
The person being referred to plays an unusual and unique instrument, worthy of attention.
And do you know what that means, yeah?
This instrument has a deeper significance and value beyond its surface-level appearance.
Because it has to mean something, man
There must be a reason and purpose behind this instrument's existence and use.
It's an immaculate machine
This instrument is not only unique but is also perfect in its design and construction.
When these things return tonight
At some point in time, events from the past will resurface.
I'll be looking for you
During those times of looking back, I will seek out and think of you.
Lonesome highway, out of sight
The road ahead is lonely and uncertain.
I'll be singing to you
Despite the challenges ahead, I will still express my thoughts and feelings to you.
About us
My thoughts and feelings will be about our relationship and connection.
It will be total destruction
Though I express strong emotions, the end result will be ruinous and negative.
And I love you so much more
Despite the negative outcomes, my feelings for you are still strong and intense.
These are my instructions
These are the things I feel and express about us, and they cannot be changed or ignored.
The days we had, the days we felt
Our shared moments and emotions are part of our past, never to be repeated or duplicated.
We are - nothing to feel
We no longer have those intense emotions or shared experiences.
There will be nothing to feel
In the future, all strong emotions will be absent, and we will be indifferent to each other.
Northern town, the rain keeps falling
The environment around us is cold and harsh, with no sign of change or relief.
Looking for you
Despite these challenges, I will still seek out and think of you.
On the lonely streets you're walking
You are still struggling and facing challenges, even while I am thinking of you.
Singing to you
I will continue to express my thoughts and feelings to you, even as you face these challenges.
One day you will find
At some point in time, you will come to realize.
That every fucking thing
Everything you experience and encounter.
Will make you lose your mind
Will be overwhelming and induce confusion and frustration.
Will make you lose your swing
Will cause you to lose your rhythm and balance.
When the night is young
During times of youth and inexperience.
It means the day is old
The opportunity for growth and learning has passed, and the effects of those experiences are beginning to be felt.
You were never sure
You were always uncertain and uneasy.
You were bought and sold
Your experiences and interactions were controlled and manipulated by others.
Contributed by Gabriella V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.