'A Catholic Education' was their debut album, released in 1990. The album received positive reviews from English music journalists and critics. In contrast to the group's later work, the album has a very dark, abrasive, and cynical tone and incorporated a grunge and heavy metal influenced sound. As well, the album's two title tracks are direct attacks on the Catholic Church, which are unique for an otherwise apolitical band. The opening track, "Everything Flows", is a mellow powerpop-influenced song (unlike the rest of the album) that provides a sort of blueprint for their later work.
"Everything Flows" was later included in the compilation albums 'Deep Fried Fanclub' and 'Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Six Seconds – A Short Cut to Teenage Fanclub'. Those were released in 1995 and 2003, respectively. Teenage Fanclub's second album, 1991's 'The King', went for a shambolic, alternative rock edge that left many fans and critics cold, though the release also had strong defenders. It took their third album to kick things into high gear.
'Bandwagonesque', released in November 1991 on Creation Records, became famous by beating Nirvana's landmark album 'Nevermind' to be voted "album of the year" by popular American music magazine Spin. It also gave the band substantial U.S. success when the single "Star Sign" reached #4 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, becoming their biggest hit in that country. "What You Do to Me" and "The Concept" were also Top 20 hits on that chart. Fans greatly enjoyed the melodic yet melancholy feel of the album.
Although later works have led the group through various highs and lows throughout the 90s and 00s, they're still going strong as of 2014. Tours have been widely successful. Their latest album, 'Shadows', was their ninth studio release. They made it available on 31 May 2010 on the band's own PeMa label in Europe and on Merge Records in North America, the group promoting the single "Baby Lee". Said track shows the band still in touch with the chiming, emotional sounds of their 90s heyday.
There have been a succession of drummers, including:
- Francis MacDonald (a prime-mover in the C86 scene, later of the BMX Bandits), the drummer in the original lineup, and in a later period
- Brendan O’Hare (later of Telstar Ponies, Thrapple , Mogwai and Macrocosmica)
and
- Paul Quinn (later of The Primary 5), who was later replaced by the returning Francis MacDonald.
Keyboardist Finlay MacDonald (no relation to Francis MacDonald) has also been a member.
About You
Teenage Fanclub Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I always knew the way about you
Always on my mind
Always take my time
Take my time and I can find my way
I never took the time to see through
Always on my mind
Always take my time
Take my time and I can find my way
Always on my mind
Always take my time
Take my time and I can find my way
[Break/Solo]
Always on my mind
Always take my time
Take my time and I can find my way
Always on my mind
Always take my time
Take my time and I can find my way
Take my time and I can find my way
Take my time and I can find my way
The Teenage Fanclub's song About You is a contemplation of one's perception towards another person. The lyrics express a sense of familiarity and understanding towards someone, suggesting that the singer has spent quite some time understanding their personality and character. The repetition of "I always knew the way about you" is an indication of how the singer has a deep insight into the individual's psyche, implying that they feel a connection that goes beyond a casual acquaintance.
The line "Always on my mind, Always take my time, Take my time and I can find my way" reveals that the singer is cautious and thoughtful, taking their time to explore their own feelings while considering the other person's as well. It's a reflection of how they are willing to invest time in understanding the person and their situation better. The song is overall a reflection of a considerate, thoughtful personality who values deep connections and is willing to invest in them.
Line by Line Meaning
I always knew the way about you
I was always aware of the way you are and the things you do.
Always on my mind
You are constantly occupying my thoughts and emotions.
Always take my time
I am patient and deliberate in my actions and decisions.
Take my time and I can find my way
By being careful and thoughtful, I can navigate any situation effectively.
I never took the time to see through
In the past, I may have neglected to thoroughly examine and understand you.
[Break/Solo]
Instrumental solo section of the song.
Take my time and I can find my way
Through careful consideration and reflection, I can find the right path.
Take my time and I can find my way
Once again emphasizing the importance of patience and thoughtfulness.
Take my time and I can find my way
Repeating the idea of taking things slowly and deliberately to achieve success.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RAYMOND MCGINLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind