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
Cheese Tomato Man
The Adicts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crazy little man
Quiche lorraine
He's insane
Cheese tomato flan
I saw a man on the street
He was smiling he was sweet
He had a thing going on
The man could be french
And he was sitting on a bench
With a pie on his head
And he looked at me and said
Where he came from I don't know
But he had somewhere to go
He got up and walked away
And as he went I heard him say
Cheese tomatoflan
Crazy little man
Quiche lorraine
He's insane
Chesse tomato flan
The Adicts's song Cheese Tomato Man is a quirky and humorous piece that showcases the band's ability to write catchy, punk-infused music with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. The lyrics describe a strange encounter with a man on the street who is enjoying a cheese tomato flan and is seemingly obsessed with all types of baked goods, from vol-a-vons to quiche lorraine. The man is described as "crazy" and "insane," yet there is a sense of admiration and fascination with his eccentricities.
The song can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible meaning is that it celebrates individuality and creativity, even if it might seem strange or unusual to others. The cheese tomato man is an embodiment of this idea, as he's not afraid to express himself through unusual fashion choices (the pie on his head) or unconventional food preferences. At the same time, there is a sense of mystery and surrealism surrounding the character, as the singer doesn't know where he comes from or where he is going.
Another possible interpretation is that the song is a playful commentary on consumer culture and the commodification of food. The cheese tomato man's obsession with baked goods can be seen as a critique of our society's endless appetite for novelty and variety, often at the expense of quality and authenticity. The fact that he's described as "crazy" and "insane" can be read as a critique of the stereotyping and marginalization of people who don't conform to mainstream norms and expectations.
Overall, Cheese Tomato Man is a fun and memorable song that showcases The Adicts's irreverent style and playful attitude towards music and life.
Line by Line Meaning
Cheese tomato flan
The title of the song, which refers to a pastry dish made with cheese, tomatoes, and egg mixture.
Crazy little man
Describing the man the singer saw as crazy but endearing.
Quiche lorraine
Another type of pastry dish, which suggests that the man may have had a penchant for baked goods.
He's insane
Reiterating that the man was very eccentric and not necessarily mentally stable.
Cheese tomato flan
Repeating the title of the song, possibly as a catchy chorus or refrain.
I saw a man on the street
Setting the scene for the encounter with the strange man.
He was smiling he was sweet
Describing the man's friendly demeanor and appearance.
He had a thing going on
Implying that the man had a unique style or way about him.
All about vol-a-vons
Suggesting that the man was preoccupied with pastry or baked goods.
The man could be french
Speculating on the man's nationality based on his love of quiche and vol-au-vents, which are commonly associated with French cuisine.
And he was sitting on a bench
Providing further details about the man's location during the encounter.
With a pie on his head
Describing an absurd aspect of the man's appearance or behavior, although it may be metaphorical or imaginary.
And he looked at me and said
Indicating that the man interacted with the singer directly.
Where he came from I don't know
Confessing that the singer has no idea about the man's origins or background.
But he had somewhere to go
Surmising that the man had a purpose or destination to reach.
He got up and walked away
Describing how the man departed from the scene, leaving the singer to ponder their encounter.
And as he went I heard him say
Revealing that the man said something as he left, adding to the mystery or intrigue of the situation.
Contributed by Abigail V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
xbendiistraw •
This song is so great. Thank you Adicts!
Mr. Kansas
Does anybody know where the lyrics come from? I always thought it's freaking weird. I love it
juampi uk
that bass player!! =)
RV5T3M
Adicts my second favorite band! *-* 1º Ramones!!
tinacrass13
uh I know! im crazy for it!