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.
Intrigue in Tangiers
The Chameleons Lyrics
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Oh when it's summer and the skies are glass
I just have to make the evenings last they're always flying past
Oh when it's raining and the skies are black
Oh when it's raining and the skies are black
I just have to hear the thunder roll and hear the lightning crack
With fading powers,we sit for hours by a television screen
Oh brother can you hear my voice?
Oh brother can you hear my voice?
Every second that you cling to life you have to feel alive
Well it's an easy thing to sell your skin
It's an easy thing to sell your skin
With the devil banging on the door , you always let him in.
With fading powers, we dream of hours that'll never come again
Old defenders are themselves defenceless when the mad attack the sane
What can you do, when you see no future in front of you?
Food for the few
So many it seems, stand in front of you
I see my face reflected there in a sweating brow.
You hate what you see, but what can be done when there's no way out
No way out
Now brother can you hear my voice
Brother can you hear my voice
Every second that you cling to life you have to feel alive
And now it's summer and the skies are glass
When it's summer and the skies are glass
I just have to make the evenings last, they're always flashing past
So there we cower
We sit for hours by a television screen
With funny cigarettes and talk for hours of the places that we've seen
But when you sleep
But when you sleep
Where do you go?
Where do you go?
But when you sleep
But when you sleep
Where do you go?
Where do you go?
I don't know
I don't know
The Chameleons' song "Intrigue in Tangiers" begins by contrasting two different types of weather and the emotions they evoke. The first two verses describe the singer's desire to hold onto summer evenings that feel fleeting, and to revel in the excitement of thunderstorms. The third verse shifts focus to the present, where the singer and their friends engage in a kind of escapism through drugs and conversation about their past travels.
The song becomes more introspective in the next verse, with the repetition of "Oh brother can you hear my voice?" suggesting a plea for connection and understanding. The lyrics turn darker with the line "it's an easy thing to sell your skin," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for sacrificing one's integrity or safety to survive. The final verses return to the theme of fading energy and hopelessness, with the lyrics questioning the possibility of a future and the reality of inequality.
The song seems to be a meditation on different forms of escape and their limitations, whether it's through weather, drugs, or memory. The repeated question "where do you go?" implies that there may not be a satisfactory answer. The lyrics contain a sense of longing and frustration, and ultimately underscore the need for human connection and the search for meaning in a world that can feel oppressive and hopeless.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh when it's summer and the skies are glass
During the warm, sunny season, when the sky is clear, I feel the need to make the most of the moments because they tend to pass by quickly.
I just have to make the evenings last they're always flying past
I have an urge to extend the evenings and savor every moment since they seem to slip away too fast.
Oh when it's raining and the skies are black
During the rainy season, when the sky is dark, I just have to listen to the sound of thunder and lightning.
I just have to hear the thunder roll and hear the lightning crack
I have an attraction to the sound of thunder and lightning, so I want to listen to them when I get the chance.
With fading powers,we sit for hours by a television screen
With our energy dwindling, we spend hours sitting in front of the TV, watching shows and movies.
With funny cigarettes and talk for hours of the places that we've seen
We smoke unusual cigarettes and have deep conversations about the places we have visited or the experiences we have had.
Oh brother can you hear my voice?
Hey, brother, are you listening to me talking to you?
Every second that you cling to life you have to feel alive
Whenever you hold on to life, you should feel truly alive every moment to make it worthwhile.
Well it's an easy thing to sell your skin
It's effortless to sell your body or your identity to others.
With the devil banging on the door , you always let him in.
Even though it's harmful, we tend to let the devil or evil things into our lives.
With fading powers, we dream of hours that'll never come again
As our abilities decline, we reminisce about moments or events that we can never get back.
Old defenders are themselves defenceless when the mad attack the sane
People who were once defenders can't defend themselves when the insane attack the sane.
What can you do, when you see no future in front of you?
When you don't see any positive prospects for your future, what actions can you take?
Food for the few
Most people struggle to have enough food, while only a handful can enjoy plenty of it.
So many it seems, stand in front of you
Numerous individuals appear to be standing in your way.
I see my face reflected there in a sweating brow.
I see my reflection on someone's sweating forehead.
You hate what you see, but what can be done when there's no way out
I dislike what I see, but when there are no options or solutions, what can I do?
No way out
There doesn't seem to be any potential way out of the situation.
And now it's summer and the skies are glass
Now, once again, it's summer with a clear blue sky.
I just have to make the evenings last, they're always flashing past
Again, I feel the desire to extend the evenings and enjoy them since they seem to pass by quickly.
So there we cower
We are afraid and crouch down.
But when you sleep Where do you go?
When you're asleep, where do you think you go?
I don't know
I have no idea.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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