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.
On The Beach
The Chameleons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hearing nature talking
I thought I heard her calling
Hush now don't you cry
Figure in the sky
Can't stop myself from shaking
My mind at last is waking
Figures in the sky
Hadn't time to analyse
What I saw before my eyes
But nothing would surprise me
Here on our beach
Far away from you all
I thought I heard her calling
Unsure of what we're facing
The precious time we're wasting
I'll always be embracing
Figures in the sky
The Chameleons' song "On the Beach" is a dreamy, introspective track that deals with themes of nature, spirituality, and personal growth. The opening lines, "The Autumn leaves were falling / Hearing nature talking / I thought I heard her calling / Hush now don't you cry," create an immediate sense of calm and tranquility, as if the singer is taking a moment to pause and reflect in the midst of a chaotic world. The repeated phrase "Figure in the sky" hints at a sense of wonder or awe at the natural world, or perhaps the idea of some sort of higher power or presence watching over us.
As the song progresses, the singer's thoughts turn inward, with lines like "Can't stop myself from shaking / My mind at last is waking / Eight minds embracing" suggesting a sense of personal growth or transcendence. The lyrics become more abstract from here on out, as if the singer is struggling to articulate something that is beyond words. The final lines, "Unsure of what we're facing / The precious time we're wasting / I'll always be embracing / Figures in the sky," suggest a sense of uncertainty and anxiety about the future, but also a commitment to staying grounded and connected to the natural world.
Overall, "On the Beach" is a poignant, deeply felt meditation on the complexities of human existence and our place in the world. The Chameleons' dreamy, atmospheric sound perfectly complements the themes of the song, creating a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere that draws the listener in and leaves them pondering the deeper mysteries of life.
Line by Line Meaning
The Autumn leaves were falling
The leaves on the trees were changing colors and falling from their branches, indicating the changing of seasons.
Hearing nature talking
The surroundings were filled with various sounds of nature such as rustling of leaves, chirping of birds, etc.
I thought I heard her calling
He felt like there was some kind of connect with nature, like it was calling for him.
Hush now don't you cry
He is comforting himself as if there is no reason to be scared.
Figure in the sky
He sees a shape possibly in the clouds or something like it.
Can't stop myself from shaking
He is experiencing fear or nervousness of some kind.
My mind at last is waking
He is starting to realize or understand something.
Eight minds embracing
Possibly referring to eight people or he could be talking about emotions. This is left to interpretation but possibly could mean different thoughts reconciling and making sense inside the mind.
Figures in the sky
The same shape from earlier is still present.
Hadn't time to analyse
He hasn't had the chance to properly understand what is happening.
What I saw before my eyes
He is trying to make sense of what he is experiencing.
But nothing would surprise me
He is trying to tell himself or others that he is open to any possibility and wouldn't be surprised. Possibly to avoid judgement from people.
Here on our beach
He is referring to the place where he currently is, possibly indicating some kind of comfort or familiarity.
Far away from you all
He could be distancing himself from people, possibly for personal reasons or just to be alone.
Unsure of what we're facing
He is admitting a lack of understanding or knowledge of what he is experiencing.
The precious time we're wasting
He feels like time is slipping away and is possibly stressing about it.
I'll always be embracing
He is willing to continue with experiencing whatever is happening, not backing down or trying to resist.
Figures in the sky
The shape from earlier still not gone.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bruno Lopes
The Autumn leaves were falling
Hearing nature talking
I thought I heard her calling
Hush now, don't you cry
Figure in the sky
Can't stop myself from shaking
My mind at last is waking
Eight minds embracing
Figure in the sky
Oh, figure in the sky
Figure in the sky
Figure in the sky
Hadn't time to analyse
What I saw before my eyes
But nothing would surprise me
Here on our beach
Far away from you all
Far away from you all
I thought I heard her calling
Thought I heard her calling
Unsure of what we're facing
The precious time we're wasting
I'll always be embracing
Figures in the sky
Figure in the sky
Figure in the sky
Figure in the sky
Figure in the sky
Figure in the sky
Figure in the sky
nickthepostpunk
30 years listening to this song and it is just as beautiful, sad, and uplifting now as all that time ago.
Victory Mansions
If I remember correctly M Burgess said something along the lines of how he was tripping once and saw an angelic figure in the sky, then when he met his wife to be, he felt like he was seeing the exact same creature (or whatever you wanna call it). I'm guessing that must of meant this song is referencing the two situations. I may have this completely wrong chronologically btw.
jonathan A
Mark Burgess just played this in a sold out garage Tacoma workshop . Alone, stories, love, beauty, anger and joy in one magical performance. Figure in the Sky~
Yougotobelieve
I must have played this a million times. still love it.
John Periard
The greatest 3-note guitar solo in music history compliments of the amazing Dave Fielding. You dont have to play a lot to SAY a Lot.
Joe DeSimone
I listened to these guys back in the day...a 15-16 year old, what the heck did I know? My older bros were jamming this and I loved every minute of it. Years later I didn't realize how freakin great this band really was! I search for every possible live track and show they ever did. Never disappointed!
M Sena
Absolutely extraordinary in every way.
Howard Paul
these are The Chameleons.....1 of a kind
Yougotobelieve
My favorite song of all-time.
nickthepostpunk
It's hard to choose, but I am very sympathetic to your point!!