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.
P.S. Goodbye
The Chameleons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've seen too many crazy sights
I didn't want the scars to show
In those moments only mothers know
You know in retrospect it seems
There's always danger in your dreams
Like an actor stealing scenes
All the thoughts you fight to hide
Lady passion lady pride
Sisters side by side
Talking while our tongues are tied
La da da
Da da da da
The Chameleons' song P.S. Goodbye is a reflective piece that delves into the singer's past experiences and the emotional toll it has taken on them. The opening lines, "I've had too many crazy nights, I've seen too many crazy sights, I didn't want the scars to show," suggest that the singer has lived a life of chaos, potentially engaging in risky behavior that has left them with emotional scars. This sentiment is reinforced in the line "there's always danger in your dreams," which could mean that the singer's aspirations and desires have led them down a troubled path.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the singer's youth and the magic moments they experienced during their teenage years. The line "all the magic moments in your teens" highlights the idea that the singer's younger years were filled with hope and excitement, but that those feelings have since faded. The final verse brings the spotlight back to the present moment, as the singer navigates the complex emotions of "lady passion" and "lady pride." They seek solace in the company of their "sisters," who share in their struggles but who they are unable to communicate with effectively. The song ends with a cryptic "la da da" refrain, perhaps suggesting that the singer is resigned to their uncertain and complex emotional state.
Line by Line Meaning
I've had too many crazy nights
I've experienced too many wild and unpredictable nights
I've seen too many crazy sights
I've witnessed too many strange and unusual things
I didn't want the scars to show
I didn't want others to see the emotional wounds and pain I carried
In those moments only mothers know
In those vulnerable moments, only a mother could fully understand and comfort me
You know in retrospect it seems
Looking back, it appears that there was always potential danger in pursuing our dreams
There's always danger in your dreams
Dreams can be risky and unpredictable endeavors
Like an actor stealing scenes
Like an actor who steals the spotlight, we often obsess over the standout moments of our lives
All the magic moments in your teens
All the enchanting and formative moments that occur during adolescence
All the thoughts you fight to hide
All the inner thoughts and feelings that we struggle to conceal from others
Lady passion lady pride
A reference to the powerful and complex emotions that women are often expected to suppress
Sisters side by side
A depiction of the camaraderie and solidarity between female friends or family members
Talking while our tongues are tied
Sharing our deepest desires and fears despite feeling tongue-tied and at a loss for words
La da da
A nonsensical vocalization that serves as a musical interlude
Da da da da
A continuation of the nonsensical vocalization
Contributed by Jayden A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.