Teenage Fanclub are an indie rock / power pop band from Bellshill, Scotland… Read Full Bio ↴Teenage Fanclub are an indie rock / power pop band from Bellshill, Scotland near Glasgow, formed in 1989 and formerly known as the Boy Hairdressers. They have two generally known humorous nicknames: "The Fannies" and "The Bellshill Beach Boys". They're revered for their devotion to chiming, The Byrds-esque guitars and harmonic vocals. The band is perhaps best known for the 1991 masterpiece 'Bandwagonesque', which presaged the later Britpop and indie pop movements, and, in 2006, Teenage Fanclub held two special concerts in London and Glasgow playing said album in its entirety. Songwriting duties are shared between the three permanent members of the band: Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, and Gerard Love.

'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.

Born Under a Good Sign
Teenage Fanclub Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Born under a good sing
I was raised in the sunshine
I'm the first in a long time
Into love, the moon, the trees, the stars, the sun.

Step on the right track
Love my folks and I call back
I read books and I don't lack

Into love, the moon, the trees, the stars, the sun.

Rockin' a new way
I play fives on a Sunday

Tt on a Tuesday
Into love, the moon, the trees, the stars, the sun.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Teenage Fanclub's "Born Under a Good Sign" are a celebration of a life lived happily and positively. The first line, "Born under a good sign," sets the tone for the rest of the song, indicating that the singer feels fortunate to have been born into the life they have. They were raised in the sunshine, emphasizing a sense of happiness and warmth. The second line, "I'm the first in a long time," may refer to the idea that the singer is the first in their family to have had such a happy life, or perhaps the first in a group of friends to have found such contentment.

The rest of the lyrics list off various aspects of the singer's life that bring them joy: they are on the right track and have good relationships with their family and friends; they enjoy reading and don't lack for knowledge or understanding; and they enjoy playing games (fives and TT are both types of games played with a ball). The repeated refrain of "Into love, the moon, the trees, the stars, the sun" emphasizes the singer's love for the world around them, and their appreciation for the simple things in life.

Overall, "Born Under a Good Sign" is an uplifting and positive song that celebrates the joy of living a contented life.

Line by Line Meaning

Born under a good sign
I believe that I was born with luck and good fortune.

I was raised in the sunshine
I grew up in a happy and positive environment.

I'm the first in a long time
I am the first in a long time to be truly happy and successful.

Into love, the moon, the trees, the stars, the sun.
I find joy and beauty in nature and in love.

Step on the right track
I am making positive choices that will lead to a successful future.

Love my folks and I call back
I have a strong connection with my family, and I always make time for them.

I read books and I don't lack
I am constantly learning and growing as a person.

Into love, the moon, the trees, the stars, the sun.
I find joy and beauty in nature and in love.

Rockin' a new way
I am breaking free from old patterns and trying new things.

I play fives on a Sunday
I enjoy spending my free time playing sports with friends on the weekend.