The Buggles' sound was characterised by a deliberately synthetic quality in keeping with the technological subject matter of their songs. The group had a smash hit with the first single from their debut album The Age of Plastic. Song Video Killed The Radio star famously provided the 1st music video ever played on MTV (on August 1, 1981).
The novelty value of their most popular song has led to the Buggles being perceived as being a one-hit-wonder. They did release three further singles, but none came close to emulating the success of their debut track. Specifically, "The Age of Plastic" reached #16 in the UK, "Clean Clean" stalled at #38, and "Elstree" failed to enter the top 40. Still, they've been well received by the later cult audience of new wave revival devotees.
After joining progressive rock group Yes for their 1980 Drama album and tour and then recording the second Buggles album Adventures in Modern Recording, in 1981, The Buggles members parted ways to explore other projects. Horn has been a highly successful record producer (working with ABC's The Look of Love, Yes' Owner of a Lonely Heart, Frankie Goes To Hollywood's Relax, Rod Stewart's Down Town Train, Pet Shop Boys' Always On My Mind, Seal's Kiss From A Rose, LeAnne Rimes' Can't Fight The Moonlight and many more) while Downes has served as a key member of the supergroup Asia. Both of them have revisited their Buggles material to enthusiastic audiences.
Fade Away
The Buggles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's go, boys!
Fade away
Fade away
Hey!
Fade away
Fade away
Hey!
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Fade away
Fade away
Hey!
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it tonight
Hey!
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it tonight
Hey!
Fade away
Fade away
I've been seen with the captain's daughter
Someone pushed me into the water
Here I go again
A-ahh...
No more tea for the broken-hearted
Someone pushed and the engine started
Here we go again
A-ahh...
Ask my shadow
Learn to fade away
Ask my shadow
Learn to fade away
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Fade away
Fade away
Hey!
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it tonight
Hey!
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it tonight
Hey!
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it tonight
The Buggles’ song “Fade Away” is a call to be released from the mundane and the ordinary, and to fade away into something new and exciting. The song starts with a call to action, urging the listeners to go on a journey with the band that will lift them from the monotony of life. The repeated phrase “fade away” is a mantra or an invitation to escape the mundane, and it is followed by a series of exhortations to do something different, to let go, and to start anew.
The first verse speaks of the singer being seen with the captain’s daughter and then being pushed into the water. This is likely a metaphor for trying something new and exciting, taking risks, and not being afraid of what others might think. The second verse speaks of the engine starting, which could be interpreted as starting something new, something powerful that has the potential to drive one to a better future. The repeated line “Ask my shadow, learn to fade away” is another reminder to let go and fade away, to release oneself from the limitations of the mundane, and to find freedom in the unknown.
The song is an anthem for daring to dream and taking risks to achieve them. The call-and-response structure of the song, along with the upbeat tempo, makes it an ideal candidate for a sing-along, and its memorable refrain invites listeners to internalize its message and find inspiration to follow their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey!
Addressing the listeners in a friendly or energetic manner.
Let's go, boys!
Encouraging the listeners to join in and participate.
Fade away
Fade away
Hey!
Fade away
Fade away
Hey!
A repeated chorus about disappearing or fading away.
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Fade away
Fade away
Continuation of the chorus with a meaningless, repetitive phrase.
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it tonight
Hey!
Urging the listeners to act quickly, possibly in a reckless or spontaneous way.
I've been seen with the captain's daughter
Someone pushed me into the water
Here I go again
A-ahh...
Describing a situation where the singer has been caught in a compromising or dangerous position.
No more tea for the broken-hearted
Someone pushed and the engine started
Here we go again
A-ahh...
Reflecting on a previous disappointment or heartbreak, followed by a sudden and unexpected change or start of an event.
Ask my shadow
Learn to fade away
Suggesting that the listener can learn to disappear or blend in like a shadow.
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Lala-lala-lala-lala-lala-la
Fade away
Fade away
Repetition of the meaningless phrase and chorus.
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it tonight
Hey!
Repetition of urging the listeners to act quickly and join in on the excitement.
Contributed by Parker B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Patrick-lj1dk
I understand now why Yes wanted them/him (?) Excellent 👏