The Buggles were a UK electropop / new wave group that formed in 1977, cons… Read Full Bio ↴The Buggles were a UK electropop / new wave group that formed in 1977, consisting of Trevor Horn (vocals, bass guitar, guitar) and Geoff Downes (keyboards).

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.

Island
The Buggles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Island
Island
Island, island
Is-land

Island
Island
Island, island

Is-land

Island
Island
Island
Island

Island
Island

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Island" by The Buggles are quite simple, consisting only of the word "island" repeated several times throughout the song. However, even with this minimalistic approach, the song can have various interpretations, with the main theme being the idea of isolation and being disconnected from the rest of the world. The repetition of the word "island" emphasizes this idea, suggesting that the person is stranded on an island or feeling like they are in one.

Furthermore, the song can also be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling alone or misunderstood, with the island representing a person's individuality, as something that sets them apart from others. This individuality can make them feel alone, but also gives them their unique identity. In this sense, the song can be seen as a celebration of the self, encouraging people to embrace their differences and to be proud of who they are.

Line by Line Meaning

Island
We are talking about an island, a small isolated piece of land surrounded by water.

Island, island
We are emphasizing the fact that there is only one island and it is standing alone in the vast ocean.

Is-land
By separating the word into two syllables, we are stressing the idea of isolation and loneliness that comes with being on an island.

Island
Once again, we are reminding the listener of the central topic of this song - an island.

Island, island
We repeat the same phrase to keep the focus on the island and its uniqueness in the middle of the ocean.

Is-land
We continue to stress the isolation and solitude that comes with being on an island, especially when surrounded by water on all sides.

Island
We use this line to drive home the concept of the island and its effect on those who are living on it.

Island
By repeating the word one more time, we are bringing the listener's focus back to the island and its importance in the song.

Contributed by Aria G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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