Former members of the band include guitarist John Baker (1989-1991), vocalist Baz Ketley (1989) and keyboardist Rob Collins (1989-1996), who died in a car accident during recording of their fifth album.
The band are credited for their expansive sound, ambiguous lyrics of frontman Tim Burgess and for their participation in the Britpop movement, when their most acclaimed albums were released
Feel the Pressure
The Charlatans UK Lyrics
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Never had to be so shy about it
Now you're keeping secrets babe
How could you act so mean?
Am I old enough
Am I young enough
Am I tough enough
To feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure
I guess you called me everything
Every name in the book
But remember who's the king
Who could have thought you could act so mean?
You can look at me
And see all the cracks,
All of my failings, all the guts that I lack
Let me see you smile ya know
I'm all you got
Am I old enough
Am I young enough
Am I tough enough
Am I lean enough
To feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure
Who is the girl in the tight black dress?
Pressing all your buttons, pretending she's an heiress
Now she's leaving town with someone else
I guess I'll get some rest
Am I old enough
Am I young enough
Am I tough enough
Am I lean enough
To feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure
Am I old enough
Am I young enough
Am I tough enough,
Am I lean enough to feel the pressure,
Feel the pressure,
Feel the pressure,
Feel the pressure
The song "Feel The Pressure" by The Charlatans UK is a heartbreaking ballad about being betrayed by someone close to you. The first verse starts with the singer reminiscing about how the person he used to know would tell him everything and was open with him. However, the second verse reveals that something has changed, and the person is now keeping secrets, leaving the singer feeling hurt and confused. The chorus repeats the question "Am I old enough, am I young enough, am I tough enough, am I lean enough to feel the pressure?" as the singer tries to figure out why this betrayal is happening.
The third verse introduces another character, a girl in a tight black dress, who is pressing the person's buttons and pretending to be someone she's not. The singer admits defeat and says he'll get some rest, but the chorus once again repeats the question, suggesting that the betrayal still weighs heavily on the singer's mind. The song ends with one last chorus, with a subtle change in the lyrics at the end, as the singer drops the "tough enough" question, accepting that he may not be strong enough to endure the pressure of this betrayal.
Overall, "Feel The Pressure" is a powerful and emotional song that captures the pain of being let down by someone you thought you knew. With its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, it's a standout track on The Charlatans UK's self-titled album.
Line by Line Meaning
Used to tell me everything
You used to confide in me and share every detail, no matter how personal
Never had to be so shy about it
You were never afraid to open up and show vulnerability around me
Now you're keeping secrets babe
You've become more guarded and distant, withholding information and emotions from me
How could you act so mean?
Your recent behavior has been hurtful and disrespectful
Am I old enough
Do I have enough life experience and maturity
Am I young enough
Am I still full of energy and vigor
Am I tough enough
Do I have the resilience and strength to endure challenges
Am I lean enough
Do I have the focus and determination to succeed
To feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure, feel the pressure
To handle the stress and weight of responsibility, to prove myself and meet expectations
I guess you called me everything
You've insulted and criticized me in every possible way
Every name in the book
You've thrown every insult and slur at me that you can think of
But remember who's the king
I am the one in charge here, the one with power and control
Who could have thought you could act so mean?
I never expected you to be this cruel and hurtful
You can look at me
You can see my flaws and weaknesses
And see all the cracks,
You can see all the places where I am vulnerable or damaged
All of my failings, all the guts that I lack
You can see all the areas where I fall short or lack courage
Let me see you smile ya know
I want to see you happy and content, despite the challenges we face
I'm all you got
I am the only one here to support and protect you
Who is the girl in the tight black dress?
Who is this attractive and seductive person catching your eye?
Pressing all your buttons, pretending she's an heiress
She's manipulating and teasing you, trying to make you feel wealthy and powerful
Now she's leaving town with someone else
She's gone, seduced someone else and left you behind
I guess I'll get some rest
I'll take this opportunity to recover and take a break from the stress of the situation
Contributed by Aaron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.