The band initially released three studio albums in the 1980s, to solid critical acclaim. After their third release, Strange Times, in 1987 they abruptly disbanded following the sudden death of band manager Tony Fletcher. The Chameleons were, for all practical purposes, extinct for well over a decade before releasing - to the delight and even disbelief of its ardently loyal fan base - a final studio album in 2001, entitled Why Call It Anything. The band quickly dissolved once again in 2003 due to personal differences, after a successful reunion tour which took them across Europe and the United States. Though having never attained the level of commercial success or fame enjoyed by their contemporaries (e.g. U2, Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division), The Chameleons' early impact can still be felt throughout much of popular music today.
Dave Fielding went on to form The Reegs who released a couple of ep's . Then in 2003 formed Coconut Dogfuck a trance techno dance act with Ralph on percussion, Paul Didge on didge and Dave playing guitar and dulcimer . They released an ep and played festivals and gigs around the uk . Andy Clegg Keyboards with the Chameleons also joind Mark and Andy Whittikar to form Sun and the Moon. Both Andys also played with Manchester Band B.F.G.
Indiana
The Chameleons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah I get what you're after
Visions of something
It turns out to be
Shades of Limboland and MTV
Don't rationalise
Your sentence lies so tenderly
Morons they wanted more, more, more
I saw her lead the dance across the floor
Amongst the flowers and ivory towers of long ago
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
I see what you are after
You feel it in my laughter I know
I know it's late but I don't want to go.
The fragrance and the radiance and the afterglow.
The afterglow.
I don't want to go.
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Oh Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
Hey, hey, hey Anja
The Chameleons UK's song Indiana tells the story of a girl named Anja, who seems to have a magnetic and mysterious presence that draws everyone in, including the singer. The opening line "I see what you see, yeah I get what you're after" suggests that the singer understands Anja's allure and what she represents, perhaps a desire for something more, something magical, or an escape from reality. However, as the lyrics continue, it becomes clear that the singer is struggling to fully comprehend what Anja represents, as she is depicted as a multi-faceted, ever-changing character - just like a chameleon, perhaps. Her "shades of limboland and MTV" suggest that she is both out of reach and yet somehow familiar, blending different realities and perhaps representing a form of rebellion or nonconformity.
Despite this confusion, the singer seems to be drawn to Anja, even as others are pulled in by her as well. The lines "she was a girl who could turn you in time" and "morons they wanted more, more, more" suggest that Anja's allure is not just unique to the singer, but instead represents something universally appealing. Yet, the singer still perceives Anja as unique and enchanting, leading the dance "amongst the flowers and ivory towers of long ago."
As the song continues, the singer's fixation on Anja grows stronger, with lines like "you feel it in my laughter, I know" suggesting a deeper connection or understanding between them. The repeated refrain of "hey hey hey Anja" feels like a plea, a desperate desire to somehow capture Anja's essence or hold onto this fleeting moment forever. The mention of fragrance and radiance and afterglow further emphasizes this sentiment, as the singer seems to want to hold onto Anja's image and feeling even as she begins to fade away. In the end, the singer resists the urge to leave, wanting to hold onto this fleeting moment with Anja for just a little while longer.
Line by Line Meaning
I see what you see
I understand and can relate to what you are seeing or experiencing
Yeah I get what you're after
I comprehend your desires and motives
Visions of something
Imagery of a particular concept or idea
It turns out to be
Upon inspection or further investigation, it reveals itself as
Shades of Limboland and MTV
Different aspects of a state of confusion and the influence of popular culture
Don't rationalise
Do not make an effort to explain or justify what is happening
Your sentence lies so tenderly
Though what you say may not be true, it is expressed in a way that is gentle and kind
She was a girl who could turn you in time
She had a transformative power, capable of changing and influencing people and situations over time
Morons they wanted more, more, more
A group of foolish people who constantly seek more than what they already have
I saw her lead the dance across the floor
I witnessed her take charge and direct the movement of a particular situation or circumstance
Amongst the flowers and ivory towers of long ago
Within a distant past, surrounded by beauty and grandeur
Hey, hey, hey Anja
A call or reference to a specific person named Anja
You feel it in my laughter I know
I am aware that my laughter expresses my emotions and feelings to you
I know it's late but I don't want to go
Even though the time is late, I do not wish to leave
The fragrance and the radiance and the afterglow
The scent, the brightness, and the lingering feeling of a particular experience
I don't want to go
I want to remain in this moment and not leave
Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ThymePeace90
Greatest band ever!
@osheal
brilliant song!!!!
@froger76
Tune
@dinorino2
I truly love the Chameleons but I must say: This album was one level bellow their stuff from the 80s
@duantorruellas716
dinorino2 4 levels lol
@airbagabe
Agreed. They took a weird brit-pop sounding turn with this one. I'd rather have it than not, but I don't re-listen to this one -- I've listened to the others hundreds of times.
@thenameisbond
@31531552 completely agree!
@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan
Only half-decent song on this album