One of the more popular and enduring groups of a short-lived trend, The Beat released three albums: "I Just Can't Stop It" (1980), "Wha'ppen" (1981) and "Special Beat Service" (1982), and a string of excellent singles including "Mirror in the Bathroom", the politically-charged "Stand Down Margaret" (which refers to controversial British PM Margaret Thatcher), "Save It For Later" and "I Confess".
Although the group's main fan-base was in the UK, they were also popular in Australia thanks to regular exposure on the government-owned rock radio station Triple J and the nationally-broadcast TV pop show Countdown. They had a sizeable following in the U.S., and a strong presence on that country's college radio.
After the break-up of The Beat, Dave Wakeling (guitar, lead vocals) and Ranking Roger (vocals) went on to form General Public, while Andy Cox (guitar) and David Steele (bass guitar) formed Fine Young Cannibals with vocalist Roland Gift.
Members of the band often collaborated on stage with The Specials and performed together on tracks such as "Free Nelson Mandela". In the early 1990s, Roger joined members of The Specials to form the new band The Special Beat, which released two live albums.
Ranking Roger's son, Ranking Junior, has followed in his father's footsteps. In 2005, he appeared on The Ordinary Boys' single "Boys Will Be Boys". In 2003, The Beat's original line-up, minus Cox and Steele but with the addition of Junior, played a sold-out one-off gig at the Royal Festival Hall. As of 2005, The Beat has reformed, counting Roger, Blockhead and Morton of the original line-up, with Ranking Junior also on vocals. The band is said to have the blessing of Cox, Steele and Saxa (of Desmond Dekker fame).
The Beat's lead singer Dave Wakeling also continues to tour as The English Beat, as he has done for the last three decades, with an amazing all-star ska backing band playing the hits of The English Beat, General Public, and his new songs.
Official Website: www.davewakeling.com
Rotating Heads
The English Beat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coiled up and tense, remains on the lookout
Expect to be shot or get given the bullet
Rotating head tries to look on the bright side of things
No need to guess what he's got in that briefcase
A mind like a gin-trap, one swollen ankle
The rotating head tries to stay on the bright side of things
On the right side of things
Living on tip-toe
Waiting for the next step
The wages of death
What a life for a swivelhead
Understand, underhand, underarm protection
Each new passer-by, a new wave of suspicion
In less than an hour the plane will be leaving
The lights and the cameras
Then sleep on a prayer and a wing, rotating
Living on tip-toe
Waiting for the next step
The wages of death
What a life for a swivelhead
Rotating head, look on the bright side
Coiled up and tensed, remain on the lookout
A mind like a gin-trap, one swollen ankle
The rotating head tries to stay on the bright side of things
That's the right side of things
The English Beat's song Rotating Heads is a commentary on the paranoia and high-stakes of living a life involved in espionage and politics. The lyrics use the metaphor of a rotating head to describe someone who is always looking out for danger and anticipating the next move. The line “expect to be shot or get given the bullet” highlights the constant fear and risk involved in this lifestyle. Despite this, the rotating head tries to maintain a positive outlook and look on the bright side of things, even though this can be difficult in such a murky world.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of power and connections, with the line “friends in high places” suggesting that those with influence can often avoid the dangers that the rotating head must constantly be on guard against. The line “no need to guess what he's got in that briefcase” further highlights the secrecy and mystery that surrounds this world.
The chorus of the song, “living on tip-toe, waiting for the next step, the wages of death, what a life for a swivelhead” really drives home the sobering reality of living such a life. The constantly shifting nature of the work means that no one can ever truly relax, and the stakes are so high that death is always a real possibility. The word “swivelhead” is a derogatory term for someone who is always looking around and paranoid, and really emphasizes the emotional toll that living such a life can take.
Line by Line Meaning
Rotating heads, keeps on the right side
In a constantly changing and tense environment, one must stay alert and aware to avoid danger and survive.
Coiled up and tense, remains on the lookout
Feeling anxious and cautious while keeping watch for any potential threats or dangers that may arise.
Expect to be shot or get given the bullet
Being constantly wary that danger is always present and one could become a victim of violence at any moment.
Rotating head tries to look on the bright side of things
Attempting to maintain a positive outlook despite the chaotic situation and constant danger.
Rotating heads, friends in high places
Having connections with powerful people who may offer protection or assistance in a time of need.
No need to guess what he's got in that briefcase
Assuming that the person with the briefcase is carrying important and potentially dangerous information or items.
A mind like a gin-trap, one swollen ankle
Having a sharp and quick-thinking mind, but also being physically hindered or limited in some way.
On the right side of things
Choosing to align with values and actions that are moral and just, even in the midst of chaos and danger.
Living on tip-toe
Being constantly alert and ready to react quickly in case of danger.
Waiting for the next step
Being uncertain and anxious about what may happen next in the unpredictable environment.
The wages of death
The ultimate cost and consequence of choosing to live in such a dangerous and uncertain environment.
What a life for a swivelhead
A sarcastic and rhetorical question that highlights the difficulties and challenges faced by those living in such a situation.
Understand, underhand, underarm protection
The need for various means of protection, including understanding the situation, being shrewd and cunning, and wearing protective gear.
Each new passer-by, a new wave of suspicion
Feeling wary and suspicious of anyone who enters the environment, as they could potentially pose a threat or bring danger with them.
In less than an hour the plane will be leaving
Feeling a sense of urgency and pressure to leave the dangerous environment and find safety elsewhere.
The lights and the cameras
The attention and scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye, which adds to the pressure and danger of the situation.
Then sleep on a prayer and a wing, rotating
Taking a chance on hope and faith, as well as sheer luck, in the attempt to escape danger and find safety.
Rotating head, look on the bright side
Reaffirming the need to stay positive and optimistic in the face of difficult and dangerous situations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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