In 1981, a fan of the Clean founded the Flying Nun label to release their first single, "Tally Ho." A follow-up track off one of their early EPs, "Beatnik", also achieved success, as did the second single, "Getting Older". The Flying Nun label went on to be New Zealand's biggest independent record company, championing the Dunedin Sound, a loosely-connected style of music largely produced by bands from this southern city. Others on the label included The Chills, The Verlaines, The Bats, and Sneaky Feelings.
During much of the 1980s, The Clean disbanded, and during this time the Kilgour brothers worked together on an experimental album and EP using the deliberately punning titles "The Great Unwashed" and "Clean Out of Our Minds". Reforming in the late 1980s, the band explored a slightly poppier vein of music while still retaining their experimental edge.
In June 2008 a live album recorded during the 2007 New Zealand tour was released in New Zealand on Arch Hill Records, entitled "Mashed". A new studio album, titled Mister Pop was released on September 7, 2009 on Arch Hill, and on September 8 in the United States on the Merge label.
In December 2009, The Clean announced their first European dates in more than 20 years, supporting the cult U.S band Pavement at Brixton Academy on the 10th of May. They also played at the Pavement curated ATP at Butlins Minehead on the 14th of May. Other dates on the tour included Amsterdam (May 22), Hamburg (May 23), Berlin (May 25) and Barcelona's Primavera Sound festival May 29).
Linger Longer
The Clean Lyrics
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Linger little longer
Ski on covered ground
Looking for a star
Could be any star
Could be in a movie
Looking like that
We should go far
If your at my side
Don't get in the sunlight
If your at my side
Keep it that way
Even in my past
I would linger longer
Sometimes in the past
I would even stay
Linger Longer
Linger Longer
Linger Longer
The Clean's song “Linger Longer” is a dreamy, introspective track that seems to explore themes of nostalgia, longing, and the fleeting nature of time. The opening lines, “Sitting waiting around/Linger little longer” set the tone for the song's meandering, meditative quality. The singer seems to be in a state of limbo, waiting for something uncertain, probing for meaning in the world around them. They continue, “Ski on covered ground/Looking for a star/Could be any star/Could be in a movie,” suggesting a sense of restlessness, a search for something unnameable.
The phrase “Looking like that/We should go far” could be interpreted as the singer addressing a companion or a lover, suggesting that they have the potential to achieve great things together. However, they also caution, “If you're at my side/Don't get in the sunlight,” which could be read as a warning against getting too caught up in the superficial aspects of fame and success. Instead, the singer seems to value the simple pleasures of being together, choosing to “linger longer” in each other's company. They express a desire to hold onto the present moment, explaining, “Even in my past/I would linger longer/Sometimes in the past/I would even stay.”
Overall, “Linger Longer” is a poignant, wistful reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the people and moments that matter most.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting waiting around
I am currently not doing much and just waiting for something to happen.
Linger little longer
I would like to stay in this moment for a bit longer.
Ski on covered ground
I am moving forward despite the obstacles in my way.
Looking for a star
I am seeking something special and unique.
Could be any star
There are many options and possibilities to choose from.
Could be in a movie
This star could be in the fantasy and imagination of others.
Looking like that
With this attitude and outlook, we have the potential to succeed.
We should go far
We have a chance to achieve great things and make progress.
If your at my side
If we are together and supporting one another.
Don't get in the sunlight
Do not become distracted or sidetracked by temptations.
Keep it that way
Let's maintain this connection and continue to work as a team.
Even in my past
Despite my previous experiences and mistakes.
I would linger longer
I still want to hold onto these moments and cherish them further.
Sometimes in the past
There were moments where I stayed and did not want to leave.
Linger Longer
Let's not rush and take time to appreciate the present.
Linger Longer
Stay here with me and enjoy this moment a bit more.
Linger Longer
Let's hold onto this feeling and memory, even if it's just for a little longer.
Contributed by Caroline K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.