A debut self-financed single, Red Planet, was released in 1979, and this led to a contract with Polydor Records. Their debut Polydor single, Independence Day, arrived in 1980 and, though it didn't chart, its sparse, urgent tone helped it become a minor classic. This was closely followed by a debut album, Waiting For A Miracle, which received good reviews but didn't sell well. Nonetheless, the label kept faith with the band, and in 1981 they delivered a fierce, uncompromising sophomore LP, Sleep No More. This second album is widely regarded as a masterpiece that had a major influence on bands such as U2 (who toured with the band) and latterly Editors and Interpol. The album was reissued on CD twice, in 1995 by RPM Records and in 2006 by Renaiscent, with different track listings (see below). Sleep No More produced no singles, but it had the highest UK chart ranking for any Comsat album, peaking at #51. A third album, Fiction, followed in 1982, and this featured a more commercial sound, but it only clipped the UK top 100. It would become the band's final Polydor LP.
Nonetheless, the band signed a contract with Jive, which had released pop hits by Tight Fit and A Flock Of Seagulls. Jive promised to promote the band more actively than Polydor, but they required the band to tone down their trademark sound, and use synthesisers and electronic drums prominently in the mix. Their first Jive single, Will You Stay Tonight, was a lively, commercial affair, and achieved significant radio airplay. Yet it couldn't make the Top 40, and their first Jive album, a polished affair entitled Land, sold no better than the Polydor albums. Almost as an act of desperation, a re-recorded version of Independence Day was released as a single in 1984, but again the band's luck was out. They remained on Jive for one more album, 1985's 7 Day Weekend, but relationships between band and label were faltering, and they left the label soon afterwards.
Then a strange twist occurred - the band learned they had a surprise celebrity fan in smooth AOR singer Robert Palmer. Furthermore, Palmer used his influence at his label Island Records, to get them a deal for a new album. And so, their sixth album, Chasing Shadows, appeared on Island in 1987, though it was neither a critical or commercial success. Meanwhile, the band's streak of bad luck was continuing - they ended up being sued by an American company who manufactured satellites. By coincidence, they had marketed a model called the Comsat Angel, and owned a copyright on the name. As a result, the band had to rename themselves The CS Angels for the US market.
As it happened, they decided to change their name anyway to Dream Command, after Kevin Bacon left. This three-piece line-up released one album, Fire On The Moon, in 1990, to little acclaim. Yet Bacon returned in 1992, and the band reverted to their original name. Signing independent deals, the rejuvenated band released two bracing albums, My Mind's Eye (1992) and The Glamour (1995) (both made with Terry Todd on bass and Simon Anderson on guitars) before finally splitting up.
Ironically, two of the band members have had more tangible success since the band broke up for good. Steve Fellows managed blues-rock group Gomez, and his stewardship helped them win a Mercury Music Prize for their debut album. Meanwhile, Kevin Bacon is now one-half of production duo Bacon & Quarmby, whose credits include Ian Brown and Finlay Quaye. Bacon & Quarmby also have a lucrative sideline in producing music for television commercials.
Independence Day
The Comsat Angels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of the intention
To stop extension into my airspace
I'll put the flags up
Pull up the anchor
And then you'll know you're in a different place
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
and I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
You've got your habits
I've got my customs
I'm sure you know it's got to be this way
No hesitation
And in the future
We'll celebrate on Independence Day
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
Hang out the flags ring in the new,
We should be dancing on the city streets
I know the tune, I know the words,
My mouth is open but I cannot speak
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
The Comsat Angels' song "Independence Day" is an intriguing commentary on the tension that arises between cultural differences and the importance of maintaining sovereignty. The track is a reflection on what it means to be an independent nation and an assertion of territoriality. Lyrically, the song speaks of a declaration of intention to cut off foreign incursion into national airspace, which could be interpreted as an allegory for maintaining boundaries between cultures.
The lyrics express a sense of standing firm in the face of unwanted intrusion, exemplified in putting up flags and pulling up the anchor. The singer of the song experiences a sense of paralysis, feeling unable to relax because they have yet to do anything, yet unable to act because they cannot relax. The repeated phrase "Independence Day" is a declaration, but also a call to action.
Musically, the song features an insistent, driving tempo that is very indicative of the post-punk era of its release in 1984. The bassline and drums carry the song forward, while the guitar and vocalist Steven Fellows' voice conveys a sense of urgency and determination, painting a picture of a world on the edge of a precipice, teetering on the brink of conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
A declaration
An announcement or statement
Of the intention
With the aim or goal
To stop extension into my airspace
To prevent anyone from crossing into my boundaries or personal space
I'll put the flags up
Displaying a symbol of my independence and strength
Pull up the anchor
Leaving behind anything that might hold me down or restrict my freedom
And then you'll know you're in a different place
Making it clear that things have changed and will not be the same
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
Feeling paralyzed or trapped in a difficult situation
Cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
Because there is a major obstacle preventing me from moving forward
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
Feeling anxious or uneasy because I haven't accomplished anything
and I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Being unable to take action due to feeling overwhelmed and stressed
You've got your habits
Acknowledging that everyone has their own way of doing things
I've got my customs
Admitting that I have my own set of traditions and beliefs
I'm sure you know it's got to be this way
Recognizing that my decisions and actions are necessary for my well-being and happiness
No hesitation
Without any reluctance or doubt
And in the future
Looking ahead towards what's to come
We'll celebrate on Independence Day
Enjoying the rewards of my hard work and independence
Hang out the flags ring in the new
Marking a new chapter or beginning with celebration and optimism
We should be dancing on the city streets
With happiness and joy displayed for all to see
I know the tune, I know the words
Feeling confident and prepared for what's to come
My mouth is open but I cannot speak
Frustration or inability to express myself despite feeling ready
Independence Day
The day that marks my freedom and new beginning
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chrisbarlow2131
I was there too. Saw The Comsat Angels support U2 at The Locarno in Hurst St Birmingham in what is now Chinatown. I was into both bands at the time. To be fair I thought both bands were brilliant that night. U2 were modest and unassuming because the world hadn't woken up to them yet - the yes men and the accountants and the private jets, being treated like God etc etc was just around the corner, and when it arrived, for me, U2 lost their innocence and hence their initial appeal. I will always always be thankful to them for Boy though. Such a breath of sweet liberating fresh air at the time.
On the other hand, The Comsat Angels were also brilliant that night. Signed to Polydor, all augured well. But it just didn't happen for them.
Looking back now, of the two bands, it is The Comsat Angels that still hold be entranced. Their music was more introspective and yet majestically dynamic within that environment. They could be so other worldly - tracks like Sleep No More typifies that, and all based round two bass notes yet it captivates you, and you find yourself not wanting to breathe until its over.
Or they could crank it up and blow everyone away with songs like Goat of The West. I could talk all night.
Bono said their music had a terrible beauty. He always did have a way with words, in this case words of truth.
@mateuscavalcante9796
A declaration
Of the intention
To stop extension into my airspace
I'll put the flags up
Pull up the anchor
And then you'll know you're in a different place
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
'cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
You've got your habits
I've got my customs
I'm sure you know it's got to be this way
No hesitation
And in the future
We'll celebrate on Independence Day
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
'cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day (4x)
Hang out the flags, bring in the new,
We should be dancing on the city streets
I know the tune, I know the words,
My mouth is open but I cannot speak
And I can't stand up and I can't sit down
'cause a great big problem stop me in my tracks
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
And I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
Independence Day (4x)
Independence Day (4x)
@Ssantana88
Vim pelo Regis, para verificar a inspiração da música"soldados" do Legião urbana.
@m.mvieira1891
Me too
Como o Régis descobre isso velho? Kkkk
@vinsuici
A Love is The Drug parece mais. Essa nem tanto.
@franciscomendonca2494
Nossa, pelo regis! Brasil terra de Banânia!
@gustavomedeiros9807
Quem é Régis?
@diegowanderley
Parece demais. Está doido, a batida é idêntica.
@adriano45843
Vim pelo Regis conferir a ''inspiração'' de Soldados'
@matthieufernandez6871
I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing
and I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax
I dare you to find a more concise and poetic description of anxiety.
@patthewoodboy
was thinking just that today , as i played this track for the first time in many years.
@ELEcomments
I suffer from severe anxiety disorder and I agree this is a very good description