The band continue to turn out promising independent artists under their cult record label Chemikal Underground.
Their first commercial release came with the inclusion of their track "Liquidation Girl" on the compilation album Skookum Chief Powered Teenage Zit Rock Angst from Nardwuar the Human Serviette. Neglecting to go the traditional route of signing to a record label, the band instead started their own, Chemikal Underground, with which to release not only their records but also those of other local bands. Chemikal Underground's first release was naturally The Delgados first single Monica Webster / Brand New Car. Despite being greatly overshadowed by the Blur/Oasis race, the single caught the attention of veteran BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel and the band quickly became one of his favourites, going on to play more than ten sessions for his show.
The cost of Chemikal Underground's second release, the single Disco Nation 45 by Bis, left the cash-strapped label unable to afford another release by The Delgados, so their next release Lazarwalker came from the London based Radar Records. Tempted by Radar to a five album deal, the band declined, instead poaching their A&R contact, Graeme Beattie, for work at Chemikal Underground.
Another single, Cinecentre followed in early 1996 as the band juggled work at the label (made all the more hectic with Bis' appearance on Top of the Pops) with several tours, and recording their debut album. The band released two more singles, this time taken from their album Domestiques released on October 28, 1996. Both singles and the album were critically lauded, with the song "Under Canvas, Under Wraps" being voted number three in John Peel's Festive Fifty.
The band released their second album in 1998. Peloton - also a cycling reference - which saw the band begin to broaden their musical palette. Including a wider range of styles and more complex arrangements the record proved a critical success. It did not sell in huge numbers, however, though the single Pull the Wires From the Wall gave the Delgados their first UK chart hit, reaching number 69. The band's close relationship with John Peel continued, with Pull the Wires From the Wall voted to number one in the Festive Fifty (it would also make the all time chart made in 2000) and other entries at 9 and 38.
The Delgados' evolution continued with The Great Eastern in 2000. The record, produced by Dave Fridmann, was heavily orchestrated and contained shifting time signatures. Again, the record was lauded by the critics but failed to significantly expand the band's following. The first single, American Trilogy, reached number 61 in the UK charts. The record was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and four of its songs reached the Festive Fifty, two in the top ten.
This pattern was extended for their fourth album, Hate, which was released on Mantra rather than the band's own Chemikal Underground label. The album's epic songs were popular among critics and festive fifty voters but a wider public still proved elusive. The song The Light Before We Land was used as the opening music for the anime Gunslinger Girl, bringing the band to a new audience.
The band returned to their own label for 2004's 'Universal Audio' - which marked something of a move away from the orchestrated sounds of its two predecessors, towards a simpler, poppier approach.
The band announced they were disbanding in April 2005 due to the departure of bass player Stewart Henderson who found it difficult "to pour so much of my energy and time into something that never quite seemed to get the attention or respect I felt it deserved". The four friends will continue to run Chemikal Underground together. Songwriters Emma Pollock and Alun Woodward are pursuing individual projects, while drummer Paul Savage will continue production duties at the band's Chem19 Studios in Hamilton and in a new studio.
The members recently announced that they've secured the rights for their BBC session performances. A double-disc containing 29 tracks was released on June 12th 2006 in Europe. A release in the USA is expected before the end of 2006.
In June 2022, the band announced that they were reforming.
Coming in From the Cold
The Delgados Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A better dream job you could never find
A set of keys and bottles heaven wide
Find yourself a seat and settle in for the ride
Raise your glass
We're going to drink now till the summer's past
So bring the hats out we all need a laugh
We can
Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you'd had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
Not to blame
No-one's telling you you're not to blame
Things around they just don't feel the same
And I don't recognise this person that still remains
Settle down
I really hope that you can settle down
Take your tent and trailer out of town
We'll find a place to roam where you could escape to
We can
Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you'd had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
Everybody's waiting for the big surprise
But nobody will notice when it does arrive
So send it on
Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you'd had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
We're coming in from the cold
And everybody's searching for someone to hold
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
The Delgados’s song “Coming in From the Cold” is a commentary on the challenges of modern life and the search for meaning and connection. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where people feel isolated and adrift, longing for a sense of belonging and security. The song encourages listeners to embrace the present moment and take control of their lives, acknowledging that the path to true fulfillment may not always be easy.
The song begins with an invitation to step inside and escape from the pressures of the outside world. The singer suggests that this is a safe and welcoming space, where people can relax and enjoy themselves without fear of judgment or criticism. The idea of a “dream job” and access to “bottles of heaven” suggests that this may be a place where people indulge their fantasies and let loose.
However, as the song progresses, the mood becomes more reflective and contemplative. The singer acknowledges that life is not always fair and that some people don’t get the opportunities they deserve. There is a sense of frustration and anger at the injustices of the world, and a desire to change things for the better. The repeated call to “try for the right kind of life” suggests that there is a path to happiness and fulfillment, but that it requires effort and determination.
Despite these challenges, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the assertion that “we’re coming in from the cold” and that there is always the possibility of finding someone to hold and connect with. This final image suggests that the search for meaning and connection is ongoing, but that there is always hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Step inside
Come in and join the group
A better dream job you could never find
The experience we offer here is exceptional
A set of keys and bottles heaven wide
We have an extensive selection of drinks and accessibilities
Find yourself a seat and settle in for the ride
Take a moment to relax and enjoy the experience we are providing
Raise your glass
Let's make a toast to the start of a great time
We're going to drink now till the summer's past
Let's enjoy ourselves to the fullest until the end of the season
So bring the hats out we all need a laugh
Let's lighten the mood and have a good time
And let the neighbours talk then make sure you lose them
Ignore any negativity and focus on enjoying the present moment
Try for the right kind of life
We should strive for a life that is fulfilling and positive
I only wish that you'd had a chance to decide
It would be ideal if you had control over your own life
Have a look around you there's no-one there
It seems like we've all been left alone
How can you call this fair
This situation does not seem fair or just
Not to blame
Don't take the blame for what has happened
No-one's telling you you're not to blame
We're not saying you're at fault for anything
Things around they just don't feel the same
Everything seems different and uncomfortable now
And I don't recognise this person that still remains
I don't even feel like myself anymore
Settle down
Take a deep breath and calm down
I really hope that you can settle down
Hopefully you can find some peace and comfort
Take your tent and trailer out of town
Go on a getaway and escape from the chaos of everyday life
We'll find a place to roam where you could escape to
We'll find a peaceful environment for you to explore and relieve stress
Everybody's waiting for the big surprise
Everyone is anticipating something exciting to happen
But nobody will notice when it does arrive
When the surprise comes, people might not even realize it's happening
So send it on
Let the surprise happen and enjoy it for what it is
We're coming in from the cold
We're stepping out of a difficult situation and entering into something new
And everybody's searching for someone to hold
People are craving emotional connection and support
Have a look around you there's no-one there
Despite the desire for human connection, it seems like no one is around
How can you call this fair
This lack of human connection and support is not fair
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-wj4tl1ql3u
Lyrics：
Step inside
A better dream job you could never find
A set of keys and bottles heaven wide
Find yourself a seat and settle in for the ride
Raise your glass
We're going to drink now till the summer's past
So bring the hats out we all need a laugh
And let the neighbours talk then make sure you lose them
We can
Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you'd had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
Not to blame
No-one's telling you you're not to blame
Things around they just don't feel the same
And I don't recognise this person that still remains
Settle down
I really hope that you can settle down
Take your tent and trailer out of town
We'll find a place to roam where you could escape to
We can
Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you'd had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
Everybody's waiting for the big surprise
But nobody will notice when it does arrive
So send it on
Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you'd had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
We're coming in from the cold
And everybody's searching for someone to hold
Have a look around you there's no-one there
How can you call this fair
@hasangonendemirler
The definition of being underrated: The Delgados.
@mmeditatio
yeah
@coreypolite9831
they remind me of Mazzy Star.
@chickenpermissiontheshaved75
Corey Polite Do tell.
@SkeligMichael
Yeah. I just wanted to write the same. They´re so underrated, it is a shame.
@manbearpig7521
How did I miss this band?
@Gospel90
I once lived in a high rise flat in between two dead end town town's. During winter I'd wake up cold in the dark to a train lead commute to work in an office with no windows. I drank black coffee and sat on my sofa and strung an unplugged stratocaster to candlelight each night. I ate noodles and cigarettes and spent a lot of the time climbing out the window onto a small balcony to stare at the sky/moon/buses. What was the best part of my day? There wasn't one. Welcome to Grey Britain.
@AbsolutelyNoSimping
A-fucking-men to that.
@JulianaSantAnah
You are a writer, bro. So beautifully written.
@tylersloeper
Her voice makes me want to cry.