Their first gig was to support Generation X on January 15, 1977 at The Roxy in London; their last was at Slough College on October 27, 1979. When the Adverts finally split up, T.V. Smith continued with Tim Cross forming as TV Smith's Explorers, then Cheap, and finally through the 1990s to date performing as a solo artist.
Adverts' guitarist Howard Pickup (Howard Boak, Born 1951) died in 1997 of a brain tumor.
New Church
The Adverts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe, maybe a fool for following.
The God of wisdom not of love.
But I'm riding with the new church.
I'm riding with the new church.
Relying on the new church,
And a new word.
Hang on, if you hang on to faith and meekness.
Before long it's power for the strong.
It's twisted into something evil,
something wrong.
So I'm riding with the new church.
I'm riding with the new church.
Relying on the new church,
And a new word.
So long, goodbye to the blind and the weaklings.
Be strong, I'll do what I want.
I'll follow my feelings,
I'll go where they lead me.
Strength within you, not without you.
The new church needs you.
The Adverts' song "New Church" is a critique of organized religion and its manipulation of the masses, encouraging people to abandon blind faith and embrace individuality. The lyrics suggest an awareness of the tension between tradition and progress, portraying the new church as a haven for dissenters who seek radical change. The song acknowledges the possibility that shifting to a new church may be seen as foolishness by some, but it asserts that it is better to take risks and stand up for what one believes in than to follow blindly.
The opening lines "Maybe, maybe a fool for trusting. Maybe, maybe a fool for following." suggest that people who blindly follow religious traditions are naive and foolish. The song then questions the notion that religious wisdom is synonymous with love, implying that organized religion offers little more than empty ritualism. The chorus "I'm riding with the new church, relying on the new church, and a new word" celebrates the prospects of shaping new, innovative pathways of spirituality.
The lyric "So long, goodbye to the blind and the weaklings" implies that organized religion benefits the ignorant and the powerless. The singer of the song opts for strength, individuality, and self-reliance over servitude to institutionalized dogma. The song concludes with the lines "Strength within you, not without you. The new church needs you," indicating that the new church is not a fixed institution but rather a dynamic collective of strong-willed individuals who are willing to carve out their own unique spiritual paths.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe, maybe a fool for trusting.
Perhaps I am foolish for trusting others blindly and not questioning their intentions.
Maybe, maybe a fool for following.
Maybe I am foolish for blindly following others without considering my own beliefs and values.
The God of wisdom not of love.
God is often portrayed as a source of wisdom and guidance, rather than love and compassion.
But I'm riding with the new church.
Despite the uncertainty and doubt, I am choosing to align with a new religious organization.
Relying on the new church,
I am placing my faith and trust in this new church to guide and lead me.
And a new word.
The new church offers a different perspective or interpretation of religious teachings.
Hang on, if you hang on to faith and meekness.
If you hold onto faith and humbleness, you may gain power and influence over others.
Before long it's power for the strong.
Eventually, having faith and humility can lead to a shift in power dynamics, where those who were once weak may become strong.
It's twisted into something evil, something wrong.
However, this sense of power can easily be corrupted and turned into something negative or harmful.
So long, goodbye to the blind and the weaklings.
I am saying farewell to those who are unable or unwilling to question their beliefs and follow their own path in life.
Be strong, I'll do what I want.
I am choosing to be strong in my convictions and make my own decisions.
I'll follow my feelings, I'll go where they lead me.
I am prioritizing my emotions and instinctual responses over rational thought in making my choices in life.
Strength within you, not without you.
True strength comes from within, rather than relying on external sources or validation.
The new church needs you.
The new church is seeking individuals who are willing to join their cause and become a part of their community.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TIM TV SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sara
Maybe - maybe a fool for trusting
Maybe - maybe a fool for following
The god of wisdom, not of love
But I'm riding with the new church
I'm riding with the new church
Relying on the new church
And a new word
Hang on - if you hang on to faith and meekness
Before long, it's power for the strong
It's twisted into something evil
Something wrong
So, I'm riding with the new church
I'm riding with the new church
Relying on the new church
And a new word
So long - goodbye to the blind and the weaklings
Be strong - I'll do what I want
I'll follow my feelings
I'll go where they lead me
Strength within you, not without you
The new church needs you
farangis g. and tschördy yegane arani
i love this song
Matteo Blas
Thank You for this Rare Pearl Missed in the history of our poor souls
fcjbb
Loved the Adverts from get-go.
Алексей Немченко
Still great. Thanks guys
John Doe
So awesome
Eric Kolkey
GREAT!