'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.
Hang On
Teenage Fanclub Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've forgot what I've been told
And now I need someone
Of all the stars I've ever seen
You're the sun
Hang on, hang on
Hang on, hang on
That you've done
I just need some fun
I'm going underground to reassess
Just what I've found
And all that I can do
Been blinded by the light
Now I can go with a smile
Hang on, hang on
Hang on, hang on
I've not forgotten all the tricks
That you've done
I just need someone
The opening lyrics of "Hang On" are reflective of a person who has been through a lot of ups and downs in their life. The line "Been bought and I've been sold" suggests that the individual has been manipulated in some way and has lost sight of what they've been told. It's almost as if they've been tossed around by life and have become disillusioned in the process. The next line, "And now I need someone," indicates that despite these challenges, the person is now seeking companionship and support from someone else.
The chorus of the song ("Hang on, hang on...") is a call to persevere and not give up, even when things seem difficult. The lines "I've not forgotten all the tricks that you've done, I just need some fun" suggest that the person is aware of the challenges they've faced, but they are not dwelling on them. Instead, they are looking for ways to have fun and enjoy life again.
The final verse of the song ("I'm going underground to reassess...") is a reflection on the need to step away from life's challenges and reassess one's priorities. The line "Been blinded by the light, now I can go with a smile" suggests that the person has been struggling to see clearly, but they have finally found some clarity and can move forward with positivity.
Line by Line Meaning
Been bought and I've been sold
I have been manipulated and taken advantage of in the past
And I've forgot what I've been told
I am confused and unsure about what advice to follow
And now I need someone
I am seeking companionship and support
Of all the stars I've ever seen
Out of all those I've encountered in life
You're the sun
You are the one who shines brightest and makes me feel alive
Hang on, hang on
Stay strong and persevere
I've not forgotten all the tricks
I have not overlooked the ways in which you have treated me
That you've done
The actions you have taken
I just need some fun
I want to enjoy myself and let loose for a while
I'm going underground to reassess
I am taking some time away to reflect and evaluate my situation
Just what I've found
To make sense of what I have discovered or experienced
And all that I can do
I will try my best
Been blinded by the light
I have been overwhelmed by something or someone's power and influence
Now I can go with a smile
I can now move forward happily and with confidence
I just need someone
I am still seeking support and companionship
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Parfitt
Amazing song - one of the best bands ever
J FG
Beautiful music, great band, long live TFC!
Vitalik Savonevsky
What a fuckin' great tune! Love you Teenage Fanclub!
Liz Harris
I can’t believe this band aren’t up there with other great indie bands..., they are with me now !
santibone
Who said that!? 😵💫
blxxdcxrxmxny
They are ABOVE all those other great indie bands
ThomasNigelHawkins
Screw all the critics! Thirteen was a damn fine album!
Geo Politic
It trumped Bandwagonesque IMHO but not by much...the next installment of postively, anthemic perfect pop songs from the band :-). The double CD set was a great buy when it was released. Not sure why it was unavailable for such along period but glad to see it's been remastered now and re-issued on vinyl and CD with extra material.
PaperShapes
I picked up a Japanese import copy of this album in the bargain job of some shop for 49p back in 2001. To this day it remains one of my best purchases.
Allan Cunningham
Was at a pivotal stage growing up when this came out, 13 going on 14. Personally, I cant imagine those years without it, fucking belter imho.