In the early '70s, Television began as the Neon Boys, a group featuring guitarist/vocalist Tom Verlaine, drummer Billy Ficca, and bassist Richard Hell. At the end of 1973 in New York City, New York, the group reunited under the name Television, adding rhythm guitarist Richard Lloyd. The following year, the band made its live debut at New York's Townhouse theater and began to build up an underground following. Soon, their fan base was large enough that Verlaine was able to persuade CBGB to begin featuring live bands on a regular basis; the club would become an important venue for punk and new wave bands. Television was the first punk/new wave bands to play at CBGB. That year, Verlaine played guitar on Patti Smith's first single, "Hey Joe"/"Piss Factory," as well as wrote a book of poetry with the singer.
Television recorded a demo tape for Island Records with Brian Eno in 1975, yet the label decided not to sign the band. Hell left the band after the recording of the demo tape, forming the Heartbreakers with former New York Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders; the following year, he began a solo career supported by the Voidoids, releasing a debut album, Blank Generation, in 1977. Hell was replaced by ex-Blondie bassist Fred Smith and Television recorded "Little Johnny Jewel," releasing it on their own Ork record label. "Little Johnny Jewel" became an underground hit, attracting the attention of major record labels. In 1976, the band released a British EP on Stiff Records, which expanded their reputation. They signed with Elektra Records and began recording their debut album.
Marquee Moon, the group's first album, was released in early 1977 to great critical acclaim, yet it failed to attract a wide audience in America; in the U.K., it reached number 28 on the charts, launching the Top 40 single "Prove It." Television supported Blondie on the group's 1977 tour, but the shows didn't increase the group's following significantly.
Television released their second album, Adventure, in the spring of 1978. While its American sales were better than those of Marquee Moon, the record didn't make the charts; in Britain, it became a Top Ten hit. Months later, the group suddenly broke up, largely due to tensions between the two guitarists. Smith rejoined Blondie, while Verlaine and Lloyd both pursued solo careers; Lloyd also played on John Doe's first solo album, as well as joined Matthew Sweet's supporting band with the 1991 album Girlfriend.
Nearly 14 years after their breakup, Television re-formed in late 1991, recording a new, self titled album for Capitol Records. The reunited band began its comeback with a performance at England's Glastonbury summer festival in 1992, releasing Television a couple months later. The album received good reviews, as did the tour that followed, yet the reunion was short-lived — the group disbanded again in early 1993. In 2001, Television again reunited for a handful of shows in the U.K., as well as an appearance at the Noise Pop Festival in Chicago.
Days
Television Lyrics
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A bullet in your soul, and diamonds in your eyes
Teardrops and streaks of black, gold and white
A bright light to many, and ready to fight for your life
You lived with a cousin but he was high every day
He beat the shit outta people, you thought of running away
But you had nowhere to go, you had no choice but to stay
So every night before you cried yourself to sleep you would pray
And even though it was tough you always knew that she tried
And when she asked if you would be forever friends you replied
We're best friends until the motherfucking day that I die
There was a boy there who always teased the shit outta you
People said he must like you but you knew that wasn't true
So you would just laugh and brush away the things he would do
Until one day he disappeared right out of the blue
You were 17 when I met you, you'd been crying a lot
And when I asked if you were okay, you said you were not
So then I hugged you real tight, your face was red hot
And you soaked up my shoulder with your tears and forgot
And I could tell you were different, you had a smile like gold
You had a way to keep your head up, and stay warm in the cold
I loved to listen to your jokes and all the stories you told
And had a feeling we'd be friends too until we were old
I know that I wasn't easy, I could be difficult too
I know I caused a lot of trouble you were gettin' into
But you would always just smile and try to carry me through
At least you did for a while when I could recognize you
But then you started to change and all the light that you had
It started fading away and then your smile was sad
I saw it happen so fast, I saw it all go bad
And when I'd ask you about it I'd only make you mad
And now in the silence, maybe you'll find your place to hide
There is no explaining, remember it rained the day you died
And now in the silence, maybe you'll find your place to hide
There is no explaining, remember it rained the day you
And I remember this one night we sat in your car
Smoking a joint in the back seat and looking up at the stars
And then you said you were happy, I believed every word
But at the time I hadn't realized that your vision was blurred
And I don't know what happened, everything seemed alright
That one time we climbed up on the rocks at night
You had a funny way of telling everyone what you thought
Without a doubt in your mind but all your words in a knot
When you were 21, we started hangin' a lot
Watching movies in your room and smoking weed that you bought
You know I always looked up to you, for what I'm not sure
I guess I never really knew that you were so insecure
So when they found you that morning the whole world was grey
But I just couldn't believe it, you said you needed a break
And all you told me in the message was you're going away
But still I know in my heart you really wanted to stay
But you fucked up, god I hate your face
You got a lotta nerve coming here to fuck with fate
There were so many people here who'd always wait for you
Patience ate at you, but it's to late for you
And I'm not here to start a fuckin' debate with you
You said you couldn't stay but I wish I knew the truth
I don't understand, was it really that bad
Or were you just fucked up on every pill that you had
And now in the silence, maybe you'll find your place to hide
There is no explaining, remember it rained the day you died
And now in the silence, maybe you'll find your place to hide
There is no explaining, remember it rained the day you
And I'm sorry it was so bad if only I knew
Maybe something could have been done to help you through
I don't wanna sound mad cause I know it's alright
I just don't understand, it's a beautiful life
And I been gifted to know you, now I speak for the world
We've been lucky to have such a beautiful girl
Yeah I remember that smile, you were never that shy
Made me laugh so hard that I wanted to die
And it's still fucked up, but I can let it all go
I can get through the pain, just wanted you to know
That you've shown the whole world, the strength you've unfurled
More valuable in life than any diamonds or pearls
When this shit gets hard and we begin to untie
We can look for the light that exists in your eyes
And if there's anything I wish I could've done it's reply
To your text that you were leaving, wish that I had said goodbye
The lyrics to Television's song "Days" are mysterious and open to interpretation. The singer seems to be in a peaceful state, observing the world from a high vantage point with a "floating friend." They watch the "silver" that "no one can ever spend," suggesting an appreciation for the immaterial things in life. The touch of the singer's companion's hand erases the footprints they've been following, perhaps suggesting a sense of liberation from the past.
The repetition of "Days be more than all we have" suggests a longing for something more substantial than passing moments. The singer muses on how they "always see the same stream" no matter how much they move or where they stand, as though they are stuck in a dreamlike state.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the nature of time and the desire for something more meaningful than mere ephemera. The dreamlike quality of the imagery suggests the idea that the passage of time is itself illusory and that there may be a deeper reality beneath it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Up on the high, high hills
I am standing on the top of the hills, looking down at everything below me.
With my floating friend
My companion seems to be floating next to me as I take in the view.
Watching all the silver
I am observing all of the valuable and precious things around me.
No one can ever spend
Despite their value, these things cannot be bought or owned by anyone.
I feel the touch of her hand
Someone I care for is there with me and I feel her presence.
And all it will erase
Being with her will help me forget everything else around me.
These footprints I followed
I have been following a certain path for some time.
Though they followed my every pace
Despite my attempts to change my path, it has always remained the same.
Days (3x)
Time passes by, moving us forward whether we want it to or not.
Be more than all we have
We should make the most of our time and strive for greatness.
No matter how much I cross
Despite my attempts to explore different things, I always end up in the same place.
I always see the same stream
No matter where I go, I seem to encounter the same obstacles.
I'm standing up on these bridges
I am trying to overcome these obstacles by standing on bridges, which are serving as a metaphor for my attempts to move beyond my limitations.
That are standing in a dream
Despite my efforts, my attempts to move beyond my limitations all seem like they are part of a dream.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Ihor Shuhan, Paul Maczaj
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind