Initially formed in 1976 in London, England, they didn't reach a stable line-up or decide on the Spandau name until 1978. Their odd title allegedly came from a piece of bathroom graffiti observed during the members early days. Inspired by a mixture of avant-garde synth pop and slick funk. as typified by their early track "Chant No 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)", also known by other titles such as "Chant # 1", the band commercially broke through with an artistic public image as remarked upon as their music. Said track reached the #2 spot in the U.K. and was notable for inclusion of the horn section from the group Beggar & Co, which proved a fruitful collaboration on record.
Spandau Ballet's first two albums, 1981's 'Journeys to Glory' and 1982's 'Diamond', found them also mining their art rock and glam rock roots as their fan-base expanded, the group looking to the works of David Bowie and Roxy Music for inspiration. Both albums charted in the U.K. top 20 and were later certified gold by the RIAA. Additional popular songs from the band in this era include "To Cut a Long Story Short" and "Freeze" (also known as "The Freeze". The group also notably picked up a semi-friendly rivalry with new wave contemporaries Duran Duran.
After four hits in the U.K. followed by a couple of less successful releases, however, Spandau Ballet's chart career appeared to be on the wane. Yet Instinction, re-ignited their fortunes and became the first of eleven consecutive singles to reach the Top 20
Immensely popular in the UK, the New Romantic group eventually mellowed into a mainstream pop act. As with Duran Duran they 'broke America', albeit briefly - the title track of their 3rd album True peaked in the Top 5 of the Singles charts. The song gained a new life in the 1990's and beyond by being sampled in the songs Set Adrift on Memory Bliss by PM Dawn and N Dey Say by Nelly.
After a split in 1990 and a court case almost ten years later involving Hadley, Keeble & Norman suing Gary Kemp over royalties, they announced in March 2009 a reformation.
Coffee Club
Spandau Ballet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Journeys to glory breathing in his head
Got caught up with shoe horns but he couldn't get a shine
Matthew bought the rap and read the map without a sign
Contort yourself on disco
With a rap trap white and brown
Caught within the spinning
No coffee club will have the rub
When product is your answer
Discuss the man, he'll break your plan
It's deep within the dancer
Wear it on your back now and summarize your vision on the train
And through the strain, your own soul decision
Well, she had a certain shimmer, she sleeps with him tonight
Stifled love decides where I'm dreaming
No coffee club will have the rub
When product is your answer
Discuss the man, he'll break your plan
It's deep within the dancer
The song "Coffee Club" by Spandau Ballet is a narrative about a young man named Matthew who decides to travel abroad instead of staying home. The verse "Matthew didn't stay home, he went abroad instead" is an indication of his desire for adventure and seeking something new. While on his travels, he becomes so entranced with the idea of achieving glory that it consumes him, with "journeys to glory breathing in his head". He gets sidetracked and caught up with shoe horns, which is a metaphor for the distractions that come into our lives that we become fixated on. As much as he tries to excel in this new life, he still lacks the necessary skills to shine.
The second verse, "contort yourself on disco" is a commentary on the club scene, and how one can get lost in the frenzy of that lifestyle. The "rap trap white and brown" refers to the skin colors that are represented in these settings. The key chain gang that went down could either imply that these people were arrested or lost their way while caught up in the world of partying.
The chorus "No coffee club will have the rub, When product is your answer" is a warning to anyone who is looking for shortcuts in life. The coffee club represents a safe and comfortable place to be, but it won't get you to where you want to be. The "rub" here is referring to the grit and determination someone needs to achieve success. If all you focus on is the reward at the end, you'll miss out on the transformative journey that comes along with it.
Overall, the song "Coffee Club" portrays the struggles, distractions, and moments of clarity that come with trying to find one's place in the world. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of being lured in by quick fixes and the importance of staying true to one's path.
Line by Line Meaning
Matthew didn't stay home, he went abroad instead
Matthew decided to leave home and travel abroad rather than stay in one place
Journeys to glory breathing in his head
He was determined and inspired to pursue an ambitious mission
Got caught up with shoe horns but he couldn't get a shine
Despite his efforts, he was unable to polish his image
Matthew bought the rap and read the map without a sign
He learned the skills needed to succeed and navigated his way without clear direction
Contort yourself on disco
Dance in a wild and uninhibited manner
With a rap trap white and brown
Using a combination of rap music and clever words to trap people
Caught within the spinning
Feeling trapped within the cycle of life
The key chain gang went down
The group of people who held the power and keys to success fell apart
No coffee club will have the rub
No exclusive club or organization will have the secret to success
When product is your answer
Focusing on material goods is not the answer to true fulfillment
Discuss the man, he'll break your plan
Talking about someone's plans can lead to those plans being disrupted or ruined
It's deep within the dancer
The true meaning or intent lies within the actions of a person or group
Wear it on your back now and summarize your vision on the train
Carry your ideas with you and use the time to refine and summarize them
And through the strain, your own soul decision
Despite the difficulties and obstacles, the decision must come from within oneself
Well, she had a certain shimmer, she sleeps with him tonight
Her attractive qualities led her to make a decision with someone else
Stifled love decides where I'm dreaming
Being held back by love can determine the course of one's dreams
Lyrics © REFORMATION MUSIC INC
Written by: GARY KEMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Engineer Guy
To me this is the pinnacle of Spandau , All the boys are still fresh with this new sound they created, and Tony's voice is so on point its ridiculous.
Love it when Steve and Tony get in close and sing together pure joy. The
thing I like most is you get the feeling they all know there place and are all
an equal part of this wonderful innocent beginning of what becomes future greatness. Its just a shame about later personality clashes , I guess
that's fame for you, I will end this by saying no one member is greater than the band, whoever he is .
Daisypetal100
Big thumbs up! I LOVE Spandau Ballet! This video is a treasure! Tony Hadley has a beautiful voice.
Lisa Lala
What an amazing jam and the vocals are so complicated and intense to sing. And look at Steve, OMG. Gorgeous man!
John M Scott
Love this live! Version, dosn't go on long enough.
Daisypetal100
Thank you so much for uploading this wonderful performance. I love it.
Simon Scott
1982 when their music was unique and still part of the New Romantic movement.
rickaduran
One of my favorite from Spands...
Richard Lowes
My favourite Spandau song. Prelude to Foundation Code of Love and Pleasure.
Tim Neumann
LOVE THIS!
Rocker Glacial 11
How could 3 people dislike this?