Susanna Hoffs released two solo albums in the 90's (a third album remained unreleased). Vicki Peterson joined the Continental Drifters. Debbie Peterson had a short-lived career with Siobhan Maher as Kindred Spirit, while Michael Steele lived in semi-retirement in California.
The Bangles reconvened in 2000 and recorded a reunion album, released in 2003, on Koch Records called "Doll Revolution". By lucky coincidence(?) their single 'Eternal Flame' had since been covered by, and become a hit record for, Atomic Kitten which helped to rekindle interest in its original artist.
"Sweetheart of the Sun," The Bangles first album of original material since "Doll Revolution" was released September 27, 2011. The Anna Lee (Sweetheart Of The Sun) Songfacts states that the album was recorded in various home studios - those of Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs as well as the Hollywood Hills home studio of singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet, who produced the record.
They continue to play live sporadically. In January 2018, they played their first show since 2016 at Honda Center in Anaheim. It also was their first gig with original bassist Annette Zilinskas since 1983.
How Is The Air Up There
The Bangles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He thinks he's always right
Your mother watches her T.V.
Won't talk to you all night
Couldn't help sitting up so high
He's gotta find love
He's never seen a flower tree
And everyday I'll pass and say
Hey!
How is the air up there
How is the air up there
How is the air up there
According to you I just don't care
I'm falling on the ground
First time that you saw me
Said you'd hope I would change
Well, your friends took one look at me
And they sure acted strange
Haven't seen you in a month
And you wonder what it's all about
Well, next time I'm in prison, love
Come and, well bail me out
And everyday I'll pass and say
Hey!
How is the air up there
How is the air up there
How is the air up there
According to you I just don't care
I'm falling on the ground
You tried to put the blame on me
You've got a lot of nerve
You say you're so lonely, well
It's all that you deserve
When you get tired of your
Love of life in high society
Well, get some kicks and take a trip
And come on down with me
And everyday I'll pass and say
Hey!
How is the air up there
How is the air up there
How is the air up there
According to you I just don't care
I'm falling on the ground
How is the air up there...
The lyrics to The Bangles' song "How is the Air Up There" are about the divisions and differences that can exist between people of different social classes. The singer addresses someone whose father is a VIP and who is used to a life of privilege, but who is also somewhat isolated and sheltered. The lyrics imply that this person is judgmental of others who don't share their background, including the singer herself.
The song's title, "How is the Air Up There," is used ironically, as it is the singer who is actually on the ground while the person she is addressing is up high. The singer is asking this person about their privileged position, but also asserting her own perspective and independence. The lyrics suggest that the singer is someone who does not conform to the norms of the person she is addressing, and who faces criticism and ostracism as a result. However, she also maintains her own sense of dignity and self-worth.
Overall, "How is the Air Up There" is a song about the different ways that people can be divided from one another, whether by social class, personality, or behavior. The song's lyrics suggest that these divisions can be overcome through empathy, understanding, and a willingness to challenge one's own beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
Your father is a V.I.P.
Your dad is very important and thinks he knows everything
He thinks he's always right
He believes he is correct all the time
Your mother watches her T.V.
Your mom spends her time watching television and ignores you
Won't talk to you all night
She doesn't communicate with you throughout the night
Couldn't help sitting up so high
He couldn't resist climbing to a high place
He's gotta find love
He needs to discover and experience love
He's never seen a flower tree
He has never seen a flowering tree or anything similar
Or anything that close
Or anything of similar nature
And everyday I'll pass and say
Every day, I will walk by and greet them with enthusiasm saying,
Hey!
Hey!
How is the air up there
What does it feel like to be so high up?
According to you I just don't care
You think I am indifferent or unconcerned
I'm falling on the ground
I am experiencing sadness and disappointment
First time that you saw me
The initial time you laid eyes on me
Said you'd hope I would change
You expressed the desire for me to transform
Well, your friends took one look at me
However, your buddies judged me based solely on my appearance
And they sure acted strange
And their conduct was odd and uncomfortable
Haven't seen you in a month
I haven't seen or heard from you in 30 days
And you wonder what it's all about
You are perplexed or curious as to why this is happening
Well, next time I'm in prison, love
If I end up behind bars again in the future, dearest
Come and, well bail me out
Come and post my bail to release me
You tried to put the blame on me
You attempted to attribute fault to me
You've got a lot of nerve
You are displaying incredible bravado or confidence
You say you're so lonely, well
You claim to be very alone, but
It's all that you deserve
It's what you have earned or what you are worthy of
When you get tired of your
When you grow weary of your
Love of life in high society
Lifestyle filled with comfort and luxury
Well, get some kicks and take a trip
Then go have some fun and explore somewhere new
And come on down with me
And descend to a lower altitude with me
Contributed by James A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sam Bradley
Totally love Annette, to me, she was the best thing about the early Bangles, such a talent, harmonica, bass, & any other instruments, even though she never sang with the group, she is an excellent singer when you hear the stuff she did with her other groups like Blood On The Saddle ".This song showcases Annette's harmonica abilities 🎼🎸
Dark Shadow
What a joy this song is. Harmonicas rule. Cheers Annette. I loved the songs on 3x4. I hope they record again.
Spam Houston
HA! I had this in vinyl! I bought it at the Wherehouse in the Centerpoint Mall in Oxnard Ca in 1984! Great stuff!
M. Valentine Smith
i wish i still had my copy. Forgot the name of the record store, 1982, Telephone Rd. Ventura Ca.. (!) It changed names and owners over the years.
Lord Protector
I still have mine on vinyl. I bought it in circa 1988 on Illegal records.
BeeUndercover
I still have mine, bought it in Amsterdam somewhere in the 80's :)
Miracle Tire
The Bangles were the opening act for Sparks in a show I attended at the Anaheim Convention Center in 1983, and they performed this song then. They went on to outshine Sparks.
Edward Serrato
I haven't heard this song since high school!!! Annette you are so beautiful especially with your voice 💐🌹❤️!!!
Chris Hunter
Very Who ish/ Yardbird ish- with an 80s touch thrown in! I like it- never heard it and refreshing
Tom Missouri
@robert m. - "The Changing Times" version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8px0UoGXyWg More of the '60s bubble gum sound quality in it.