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.
One Chord Wonders
The Adverts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something heavy or something light.
Something to set your soul alight.
I wonder how we'll answer when you say.
"We don't like you - go away"
"Come back when you've learned to play"
I wonder what we'll do when things go wrong.
We look up and the audience has gone.
Will we feel a little bit obscure.
Think "we're not needed here"
"we must be new wave - they'll like us next year"
The wonders don't care - we don't give a damn.
The Adverts's song "One Chord Wonders" is a punk rock anthem that expresses the band's feelings towards the music industry and the constant pressure to please their audience. The lyrics are a reflection of the band's frustration with the audience's expectations and their desire to stay true to their own style. The opening lines, "I wonder what we'll play for you tonight. Something heavy or something light. Something to set your soul alight," highlights their uncertainity with the audience's reaction to their music. They are unsure of what the audience wants and what they should play. The line "I wonder how we'll answer when you say 'We don't like you - go away'" mocks the audience's fickleness towards the band and their lack of support.
The second verse portrays the band's feelings of neglect when the audience leaves halfway through their performance. It is a common feeling among many artists who give their all on stage, only to feel unappreciated and obscure when the audience doesn't respond. The lines "Will we feel a little bit obscure. Think 'we're not needed here'. 'We must be new wave - they'll like us next year'" express the band's hope that their music will eventually be appreciated by the audience, even if not in the present moment. It highlights the band's perseverance and determination to keep playing despite their doubts.
Overall, "One Chord Wonders" is a song that resonates with many artists who feel the same way about the music industry. It is a reminder to stay true to one's own style and not succumb to the pressure of pleasing others.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder what we'll play for you tonight.
Curious about the type of music the band will perform this evening.
Something heavy or something light.
Debating if the music should be fast or slow.
Something to set your soul alight.
Aiming for music that arouses strong feelings within the audience.
I wonder how we'll answer when you say.
Curious about the band's response when criticized.
"We don't like you - go away"
Expecting negative feedback from the audience.
"Come back when you've learned to play"
Being told to improve their musicianship before returning to perform.
I wonder what we'll do when things go wrong.
Wondering how the band will react to mistakes during the performance.
When we're half-way though our favourite song.
During the middle of the band's preferred piece of music.
We look up and the audience has gone.
Noticing the crowd has dispersed or lost interest.
Will we feel a little bit obscure.
Wondering if the band will become less relevant when faced with failure.
Think "we're not needed here"
Believing that the band's presence at the venue is unimportant.
"we must be new wave - they'll like us next year"
Attributing the audience's lack of interest to the fact that the band's style may not be in vogue yet.
The wonders don't care - we don't give a damn.
The band is indifferent to audience response or criticism.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Timothy Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Crucifux Records
I wonder what we'll play for you tonight.
Something heavy or something light.
Something to set your soul alight.
I wonder how we'll answer when you say.
"We don't like you - go away"
"Come back when you've learned to play"
I wonder what we'll do when things go wrong.
When we're half-way though our favourite song.
We look up and the audience has gone.
Will we feel a little bit obscure.
Think "we're not needed here"
"we must be new wave - they'll like us next year"
The wonders don't care - we don't give a damn.
Jerry Bailey
One of the most understated bands of the 70's punk movement .... Fucking Awesome !
Mr MysteryGuest
Had a live version of this song on, of all things, cassette tape. Intense. This song is great...
Phelim Heming
This was the best of first wave punk bands; and I am speaking as a hardcore Damned fan
Jeff Weeks
The Damned, just jumped on the bandwagon , established by the pistols and the clash, overrated at best
loveliness
@Jeff Weeks the damned and the adverts signed independent record while the pistols and the clash signed EMI lol
Jeff Weeks
@loveliness good point👍👍
Rab Pennie
one of the best starts to any song i've ever heard...."ONE CHORD WONDERS!!!!!!!!!"........magical band...magical times....
Handsome Chap
It doesn't get much better than this for the true spirit!
Michael Morrell
One of the very best bands of their era.
KONSTANTINOS FLAMIS
I was 14 years old. 1979. And i still listen them