They were formed in Wallasey, England in 1988, with singer/guitarist Sice aka Simon Rowebottom, guitarist/songwriter Martin Carr, bassist Timothy Brown and original drummer Steve Hewitt. Hewitt was replaced by Rob Cieka following their first release, the extremely rare Ichabod and I.
In 1992, the band released Everything's Alright Forever but it was 1993's Giant Steps that finally brought the band to a mass audience, in the UK at least. They were on the illustrious Creation Records label with other British greats like the Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, and My Bloody Valentine.
The Boos never were quite able to break in the US, even with the poppier 1995 Wake Up!. The album brought critical acclaim to the band, but was not promoted by their US domestic label, Columbia, and the band was subsequently dropped. During this time, Sice put out a solo album, First Fruits under the name Eggman. 1996 also saw the Boo Radleys bring about another change, the heavier C'mon Kids. The band split in 1999, just months after the release of Kingsize.
Martin Carr went on to form Brave Captain, putting out several albums. Despite a pledge to never play again, Sice formed a new band, Paperlung, in 2005.
More info can be found on their website: http://www.booradleys.co.uk/
Butterfly McQueen
The Boo Radleys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leave my things just where they are
I didn't think it would go this far
Makes no sense no sense at all
That's why this bird must fly away
Finally broke the rule!
Butterfly you made me say
I'd never hurt you willingly
But it's time this bird must fly away
Bird must fly today
Butterfly away
(butterfly speaks)
What am I supposed to do now that
Love's gone away, take my life, take
My air, release me from this
Body, I'll go anywhere!
I feel you rising Butterfly McQueen
The lyrics of The Boo Radleys's song Butterfly McQueen depict the emotions of a person who has finally decided to leave their partner. The singer has had enough of the relationship and wants to fly away like a bird. The first line of the song, "I've finally broke your cool" suggests that the person has been struggling to get through to their partner for some time. Perhaps, the partner was not expressing their feelings, and the singer has finally managed to make them show some emotion.
The chorus talks about the singer's decision to leave despite having promised their partner that they would never do so. The lyrics read, "Butterfly you made me say, I'd never leave but I can't stay." The butterfly in this context is used as a symbol of transformation, and the person feels that they need to fly away and start anew. The lyrics delivered by the butterfly suggest that the relationship has become unbearable and that they want to be released from their physical and emotional burden. The whole song seems to be a metaphor for the transformational process that people go through when they have to end a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I've finally broke your cool!
I've finally made you show a reaction!
Leave my things just where they are
Don't touch my belongings!
I didn't think it would go this far
I didn't expect things to escalate to this level!
Makes no sense no sense at all
This situation is completely nonsensical and confusing!
That's why this bird must fly away
That's why I have to leave now!
Finally broke the rule!
I finally made a decision against your wishes!
Butterfly you made me say
You made me say something that I didn't want to!
I'd never leave but I can't stay
I didn't want to leave, but I don't have any other option!
I'd never hurt you willingly
I never intended to hurt you on purpose!
But it's time this bird must fly away
It's time for me to leave!
Bird must fly today
I have to leave today!
Butterfly away
I'm leaving, Butterfly!
What am I supposed to do now that
I don't know what to do now that!
Love's gone away, take my life, take
Love is gone and I feel like my life is over!
My air, release me from this
Let me go and breathe my own air!
Body, I'll go anywhere!
I'll go anywhere as long as I can get away from this situation!
I feel you rising Butterfly McQueen
I can sense your presence, Butterfly McQueen!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARTIN JAMES CARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
delta0921
Haven't heard this song in a while, brings back good memories. I remember when this album came out, I knew it was a masterpiece then and listening to it now only confirms it. Pure Joy!
ian lewis
Great tune, always reminded me of Love's Forever Changes. Wow, I forget how good this is, thanks for posting!
jabbso Maldoon
That is so true - a real rush at 1.45. Such a great album, it needs to be listened from beginning to the end ala Pet Sounds!
Brett Adams
absolute masterpiece
stephenn harle
Great guitar work here.
Laubotje
this song always reminds me of spiritualised
Glen U.
OK, the part at about 1:45 where it kicks in is pure brilliance, even if the buzz is a bit muted here. Oh, how I miss the Boos.
Richo
Incroyable ..!
Shoegazer 303
01:45 Noise Poetry.. 👍♥️
T’Challa Campbell
This band is ligit a mix of Beatles and MBV