Both Marc Almond and Dave Ball grew up in seaside towns (the former, Southport, and the latter, Blackpool), and later met while students at the Leeds Polytechnic Fine Arts University (now Leeds Metropolitan University). Almond, a performance artist, collaborated with Ball on a few avant-garde multi-media performances at the university. Although Ball's musical background consisted of guitar, he had access to the university studio and was experimenting with the nascent synthesizer technology at the time. The two students became the prototypical synth duo and were initially associated with other New Wave scenesters dubbed "New Romantics" by the British Press. Other bands associated with this scene included Visage, Duran Duran, and Spandau Ballet.
Marc Almond had a productive career as a solo artist later in the 80s and 90s and with Marc & the Mambas and other collaborations. Dave Ball has done a few solo productions with other British new wave acts in the early 80s. He also later was involved in the electronic dance act The Grid with Richard Norris.
Almond and Ball's reunion as Soft Cell became official with well-received initial concerts - they performed at the opening of the Ocean nightclub in London in March 2001 to strong reviews, and a mini tour followed later in the year. The track "God Shaped Hole" featured on the Some Bizzare compilation titled "I'd Rather Shout at a Returning Echo than Kid Someone's Listening", released in 2001. The album Cruelty Without Beauty was released in late 2002, followed by a European tour and a partial US tour in early 2003. The new album featured their first new songs together in almost twenty years. One of those songs was their 2003 single "The Night" (UK #39). Interestingly, Soft Cell had considered recording "The Night" in place of "Tainted Love" back in 1981 as their last-ditch attempt to score a chart hit. In a 2003 interview with BBC's Top of the Pops, keyboardist David Ball asserted, "I think history has kind of shown that we did make the right choice [in 1981]."
In August 2007, the band announced they were working on a remix album, "Heat - The Remixes". The remix album is expected to be released in May 2008 and will include classic Soft Cell tracks remixed by such acts as Manhattan Clique, Cicada, Richard X, Ladytron, MHC, Mark Moore, Kinky Roland, Spektrum, George Demure, Yer Man and many more.
Down In The Subway
Soft Cell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sun refuse to shine
Baby quit your stalling
And say that you are mine
'Cause I've got so many troubles
Oh I feel like I could cry
Going down in the subway
Down in the subway
I hide these tears of mine
Down in the subway
I'm gonna cry cry cry 'til the end of the line
Cold hearted baby
You're too mean to smile
Every day is stormy
Oh you're one evil child
I've got so many troubles
Oh I feel like I could cry
Going down in the subway
Jump on that train track and die
Red blooded baby
You're too tough for me
I don't mean maybe
Oh why don't you let me be
'Cause I've got so many troubles
Oh I feel like I could cry
Going down in the subway
Jump on that train track and die
Jump on that train track and die
Jump on that train track and die
Going down in the subway
Jump on that train track and die
Jump on that train track and die
The lyrics to "Down in the Subway" by Soft Cell depict a tumultuous relationship between two people. The first stanza sets the tone for the song, as the singer begs their partner to stop stalling and commit to the relationship. They express that they have "got so many troubles" and feel like they could cry. This despair is further emphasized in the chorus as the singer sings about hiding their tears while they ride the subway and contemplating suicide by jumping on the train tracks.
The second verse focuses on the cold and mean nature of their partner, describing them as an "evil child." They plead with their partner to be more forgiving and let them be, but ultimately they are consumed by their troubles and the possibility of ending their life. The repetition of the phrase "jump on that train track and die" reinforces the desperation and hopelessness of the situation.
The lyrics to "Down in the Subway" are evocative and poignant, with the imagery of the subway and train tracks underscoring the feelings of confinement and entrapment. The song is a commentary on the struggles of interpersonal relationships and the toll that they can take on one's mental health. Through the use of vivid language and a haunting melody, Soft Cell captures the sense of desolation and despair that can accompany heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Rain keeps on falling
It is constantly raining, which represents the turbulent emotions the singer is feeling.
Sun refuse to shine
The sunshine is representative of happiness and positivity, which is absent in the singer's life right now.
Baby quit your stalling And say that you are mine
The singer wants their lover to commit to a relationship and stop playing games.
'Cause I've got so many troubles Oh I feel like I could cry
The artist is overwhelmed with difficulties and feels like breaking down.
Going down in the subway Jump on that train track and die Down in the subway I hide these tears of mine Down in the subway I'm gonna cry cry cry 'til the end of the line
The subway is a symbol of the artist's inner turmoil, where they can freely express their emotions and cry until they reach their destination (symbolic of finding peace).
Cold hearted baby You're too mean to smile Every day is stormy Oh you're one evil child
The singer's lover is described as cruel and unemotional, with every day bringing turmoil.
Red blooded baby You're too tough for me I don't mean maybe Oh why don't you let me be
The singer feels overwhelmed and unable to keep up with their lover's strength and toughness.
Jump on that train track and die Jump on that train track and die Going down in the subway Jump on that train track and die Jump on that train track and die
The repetition of this line reiterates the artist's desire to escape their troubles and find peace, even if it means taking extreme measures.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JACK HAMMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind