They soon changed their name to The Adicts and became known for their distinctive Clockwork Orange 'Droog' image, which, along with their urgent, uptempo music and light-hearted lyrics, helped set them very much apart from the rest of the genre. Temporary 1980s name changes to ADX and FUN ADICTS, for a children's TV appearance, also occurred.
Their song "Viva La Revolution" was featured in the video game Tony Hawk's Underground.
The band still has all its original members, uncommon for a band with such longevity.
The music of The Adicts proves that punk music is a very broad genre, often featuring extra instruments and sound clips such as carousel music (How Sad), violin played by Derick Cook (Joker in the Pack), gongs and keyboard percussion by Anthony Boyd (Chinese Takeaway), and even completely different songs like the switch to Gain To Lose's Tune #24 at the end of G.I.R.L..
The look of the majority of the bandmates is that of the Droogs from the Stanley Kubrick film A Clockwork Orange based on the book by Anthony Burgess. All white with black combat boots and black bowler hats. The band says that the look appealed to them because of the teenage angst associated with A Clockwork Orange. Singer "Monkey" wears full joker make-up and his clothes are wild, patterned suits, flared trousers, colorful dress shirts, and other such things. His favorites seem to be checkerboard patterns, or polkadots. And of course, there's the obligatory bowler hat and gloves. Along with the look come stage antics involving streamers, confetti, playing cards, joker hats, toy instruments, and glitter just to name a few things.
members:
Keith 'Monkey' Warren - Vocals.
Mel (Spider)Ellis - Bass
Pete Dee Davison - Guitar
Michael 'Kid Dee' Davison - Drums
John 'Scruff' Ellis (Mel’s brother) - Guitar
Dan Gratziani - Violin,Piano,Mandolin
Champs Elysees
The Adicts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I haven't got a care in this world, this crazy world
And I act oh so suave
Sophistocated, boy I've got it all
Dance the night away
Down in gay Paris
Dance the night away
On the Champs-Elysees
Dance the night away
Down in gay Paris
Dance the night away
Make it sleazy
I am a mystery
Not what I seem to be, oh no
It's so Parisian
I am a masquerade
Just a man-parade
So I dance, I dance with you
I look so debonaire
I haven't got a care in this world, this crazy world
You'll see my name in lights
One of the better sights
I'm the attraction, I'm a star
The Adicts's song Champs Elysees is an upbeat and fun song about the extravagance and glamour of Paris, specifically the iconic Champs-Elysees. The singer portrays themselves as a carefree and suave star who is living it up in the city of love. Despite the glamorous exterior, however, the song also hints at a certain level of superficiality and masquerade.
The first verse establishes the singer's confident and charming persona, describing themselves as "debonaire" and "suave." They also assert that they have "got it all" and are a "star." The chorus then emphasizes the importance of dancing and having a good time on the Champs-Elysees. Despite using the dated term "gay Paris" (which has connotations of glamor and hedonism), the song seems to evoke a sense of timeless fun and frivolity in the city. The second verse then introduces a slightly more melancholic tone, describing the singer as a "mystery" and a "masquerade." Despite being a star, they are not what they seem and are simply "just a man-parade." However, this does not prevent them from continuing to dance and enjoy the city.
Overall, the song seems to be a lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek portrayal of Parisian decadence, with a hint of self-awareness and cynicism. It is a fun and catchy song that captures the spirit of the city, albeit with a certain level of irony and superficiality.
Line by Line Meaning
I look so debonaire
I present myself with confidence and sophistication.
I haven't got a care in this world, this crazy world
I am carefree and unaffected by the chaos of the world.
And I act oh so suave
I conduct myself in a refined and charming manner.
Sophistocated, boy I've got it all
I possess all the qualities of sophistication and cultivate an air of mystery.
I'm a star
I am glamorous and renowned.
Dance the night away
Enjoy dancing all night long.
Down in gay Paris
In the lively city of Paris.
On the Champs-Elysees
Specifically on the famous avenue in Paris.
Make it sleazy
Engage in behavior that is considered to be immoral or corrupt.
I am a mystery
My true nature and intentions are unknown and intriguing.
Not what I seem to be, oh no
I am not easily defined by what I appear to be on the surface.
It's so Parisian
Everything about the atmosphere and setting is distinctly French and Parisian.
I am a masquerade
I am not revealing my true identity or motivations.
Just a man-parade
I am not an individual, but one of many self-important and showy men.
So I dance, I dance with you
I engage in a fleeting, superficial connection with you through dance.
You'll see my name in lights
I will be famous and applauded for my accomplishments.
One of the better sights
I am among the best and most impressive things to see.
I'm the attraction, I'm a star
I am the center of attention and a beloved figure.
Contributed by Grace T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Reecherd Brown
Don't know if anyone knows how good The Adicts are musically talented individuals! The whole song is on point!
ADDX182
This song fills me with joy. Makes me feel happy just to be alive.
IDK-Muffin
ADDX182 I totally agree.
Daniel Perry
¡ ¡ One of the greatest New Wave songs of all time ! !
nomoreglobalism
This song takes me back when I was 15 all over again with every memories of concerts and backyard gigs
Golden Rule
this song rules. reminds me of good times of past days.
Halloween Hollow
Awesome song!
Dan Nájera
My FAVORITE Adicts song. They never play it live though /:
danielscissorhands
I woke up with this song stuck in my head this morning.
oishark
Christ I aint heard this in years! Top song!