Their first release (January 1978) was the single "14th Floor / Oxford Street W1". Their second release, the EP Where's Bill Grundy Now? features one of their best-known songs, "Part Time Punks".
The Television Personalities' first album And Don't the Kids Just Love It was released in 1981. It set the template for their subsequent career: neo-psychedelia, an obsession with youth culture of the 1960s, a fey, slightly camp lyrical attitude, and the occasional classic pop song. Their second album Mummy Your Not Watching Me [sic] demonstrated increased psychedelic influences. Their third album, ironically entitled They Could Have Been Bigger Than The Beatles showed Treacy's sense of irony: the TVPs (as they are affectionately known) were never to have any major commercial success. The first three albums featured Treacy and schoolmate Ed Ball; Ball left the band to found The Times, but rejoined in 2004.
The 1985 album The Painted Word was unexpectedly dark in content, reflecting Treacy's despair at Thatcherite Britain and his personal circumstances.
Various line up changes prevented their next album (Privilege) from appearing until 1990. Their next album Closer to God was a combination of fey sixties style pop and darker material, similar in tone to The Painted Word.
The album Don't Cry Baby, It's Only a Movie was released in 1998. Since then Treacy has battled mental health problems, and his addictions to heroin, amphetamine and alcohol. He has been homeless on various occasions and was briefly arrested and imprisoned in 2003/2004. However, since his release, Treacy has attempted to get his life back together and in February 2006 a new TVPs album My Dark Places was released. Despite their small sales the TVPs were very influential on British music in the 1980s, especially the so-called C86 generation and many of the bands on Creation Records.
In an article in The Guardian on April 24 2006, it was implied that Dan Treacy is in some way behind the Arctic Monkeys, although this is based on little more than a perceived similarity between their lyrical style and that of Treacy, and the fact that the lead singer of Arctic Monkeys is mysteriously not credited with their songwriting.[1]
A Picture Of Dorian Gray
Television Personalities Lyrics
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So everyone can see a picture of Dorian Gray
We'll sit by the river drinking lemon tea
And there's a thousand midget Russians in midget submarines
You can come and stay
You can bring your friends
You can come and stay for a day
Take you to my mansion, can see my gallery
Lots of pretty pictures, all of them of me
We'll sit by the river drinking lemon tea
Eat tiny cucumber sandwiches made by Emily
You can come and stay
You can bring your friends
You can come and stay for a day
And see a picture of Dorian Gray
In the lyrics of Television Personalities' song, A Picture Of Dorian Gray, the singer describes a scenario in which they have bought a mansion and invited the world to stay. The highlight of the tour is showing everyone a picture of Dorian Gray. The reference to Dorian Gray is a nod to Oscar Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which tells the story of a man who stays youthful and handsome while his portrait reflects his true age and moral decay.
The lyrics take a surreal turn as the singer mentions a group of miniature Russians in submarines who add to the oddness of the scene. There is an invitation to come and stay in the mansion and see the gallery of pictures, all of them of the singer. There is a mention of Emily who is preparing tiny cucumber sandwiches, which adds to the whimsical nature of the song.
The song seems to be a commentary on the superficiality of the desire for fame and recognition. The singer wants to show off their portrait, revels in their own beauty, and invites others to bask in their glory. However, the mention of the miniature submarines and Russians seems to allude to the ridiculousness of this desire for attention, making the song a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the futility of seeking admiration.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'll buy my mansion I'll invite the world to stay
Once I acquire my grand home, I'll extend an open invitation to visitors from all over the globe.
So everyone can see a picture of Dorian Gray
In doing so, they'll have the opportunity to behold an image reflecting the beauty and youth I possess, much like the titular character in Oscar Wilde's novel.
We'll sit by the river drinking lemon tea
After their arrival, we'll enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the water, sipping on a refreshing citrus beverage.
And there's a thousand midget Russians in midget submarines
Furthermore, in the nearby area, we may even stumble across an unexpected, whimsical sight - miniature subs carrying numerous tiny Russian passengers.
You can come and stay
I highly encourage you to accept my invitation and utilize the luxurious accommodations within my home.
You can bring your friends
In fact, I encourage you to bring along companions of your choosing, to heighten the enjoyment of the experience.
You can come and stay for a day
Even if your visit is brief, you'll have a chance to appreciate the grandeur within my estate.
And see a picture of Dorian Gray
And, most importantly, witness the stunning portrait that offers a reflection of my youth and beauty in a timeless way.
Take you to my mansion, can see my gallery
I'm eager to escort you through my grand home, specifically to the gallery within which houses many beautiful portraits.
Lots of pretty pictures, all of them of me
The majority of these artworks showcase my own impressive beauty, capturing my youthful and charming essence.
Eat tiny cucumber sandwiches made by Emily
In addition to touring my home, I'll offer you and your companions delicious finger foods crafted by my skilled chef, Emily, who specializes in miniature cucumber sandwiches.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DANIEL J TREACY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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