In March 1988 their second independent single, “Be Still” was released on Harbour Sound Records, once again to critical acclaim. By this time, following various shifts in personnel, the band’s classic line-up was firmly established, with Nick and Robert now joined by Dermot Lynch (bass) and guitar player and multi-instrumentalist Tim Bradshaw.
In October 1989, The Fat Lady Sings released their third single “Arclight” on their own Fourth Base Record label. The critical and public interest in this song, and for the band’s follow-up single “Dronning Maud Land” (released January 1990), together with the enormous live following that they’d build up in both Ireland and the UK (they sold out both the National Stadium in Dublin and the Town & Country Club in London, an unprecedented feat for an unsigned band) attracted major label interest.
In 1990 the band signed to East West Records in London (Atlantic in America). Their first major label single “Man Scared” was released in October 1990. In May 1991, the band’s first album, “Twist” was released. This album spawned 3 more singles: a re-release of “Arclight” (April 1991), “Twist” (May 1991) and “Deborah” (August 1991).
Following a year of touring and promotional activity, taking in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the US, the band began preparations for their second album without drummer Robert Hamilton, who’d decided to leave and subsequently set up the “Peace Together” charity with another TFLS old boy Ali McMordie. (The charity went on to record and release a charity single version of the TFLS tune “Be Still” featuring Peter Gabriel, Nanci Griffith, Feragal Sharkey, Jah Wobble and Sinead O’Connor.)
The band’s second album “Johnson”, produced by Steve Osborne (and with Nic France on drums), was released in June 1993, preceded by the single “Show Of Myself”. The second single from the album, “Drunkard Logic” gave the band their highest ever chart placing in the UK, just falling short of the Top 40. The band once more threw themselves into a punishing 6 months of touring, culminating in a 3 month US stint that ended with a storming pre-Christmas show in New York punk mecca CBGBs.
In January 1994, the band split with Nick Kelly’s surprise announcement that he was quitting.
Following a self-imposed exile from the music industry, Nick subsequently achieved great critical acclaim for his first independently-released solo album, “Between Trapezes” (1997), which won him the accolade of “Best Solo Male Artist” at the 1998-99 Irish Music Critics Awards. Nick’s long-awaited follow-up album, “Running Dog”, released in January 2005, also on his own Self Possessed Records label, is already garnering similar plaudits.
Tim and Dermot both enjoyed Top 10 Chart success in America as members of the band Dog’s Eye View in 1995. Tim’s multi-instrumental and production / arrangement talents have been subsequently availed of by artists as diverse as Tanita Tikarem, Fatima Mansions and, most notably, David Gray, with whom he both tours and records on a full-time basis. Dermot’s recent playing career also includes stints with David Gray; in addition, in recent years he has also become established as one of the most sought-after tour and production managers in the UK, working with the likes of Keane, Fun Loving Criminals and Supergrass.
To celebrate the release of The Fat Lady Sings’ forthcoming double compilation album “The Fat Lady Singles (& Opera Obscura)”, the band have decided to reform for a one-off show in Dublin’s Vicar Street on Friday April 8th – the first time they will have appeared together onstage since the show in CBGB’s back in December 2003.
Who Wants You?
The Fat Lady Sings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who wants your way out?
Who wants your ghosts
And your second posts?
Who needs to know?
Who wants you?
Who's ready for your knife?
Your war stories?
Who's ready to be laid down low?
Torch I carry burns so bright
It would outshine the northern lights
But you can't see my torch tonight
You can't see the one who wants you
Who wants you?
Who wants your way out?
Who wants your lies,
Your sweet blue lies?
I do, I do, I do
Who wants you?
Who wants control?
Who'll take you plans
And rip them down
And give you a new set?
Who wants you?
Who wants it all?
Who'll take whatever
You can give him,
Take whatever you can get?
Torch I carry burns so bright
It would outshine the northern lights
But you can't see my torch tonight
You can't see the one who wants you
Who wants you?
Who wants your way out?
Who wants your lies,
Your sweet blue lies?
I do, I do, I do
Honey
If only you knew
How fearfully I want you
Who wants you?
Who wants you?
Who wants your way out?
Who wants your lies,
Your sweet blue lies?
I do, I do, I do
In "Who Wants You?" by The Fat Lady Sings, the singer is expressing their desire for someone who doesn't seem to see their worth. The opening lines, "Who wants you? Who wants your way out? Who wants your ghosts and your second posts?" indicate that the singer wants to know who values this person and all that they bring to the table. However, the following lines "Who wants your lies, your sweet blue lies?" suggest that the singer is aware that this person may not always tell the truth or be entirely transparent with others.
The use of a torch as a metaphor for love adds another layer to the song's meaning. The singer sings, "Torch I carry burns so bright, it would outshine the northern lights, but you can't see my torch tonight, you can't see the one who wants you." The intense flame of the torch represents the singer's strong feelings and love for this person, but they are unable to see it or reciprocate those feelings. The repeated line "I do, I do, I do" emphasizes the singer's desire and willingness to be with this person.
Overall, "Who Wants You?" is a call for recognition and appreciation from someone the singer deeply desires. The use of vivid imagery and metaphor highlights the intense emotions expressed in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Who wants you?
Who desires your presence in their life?
Who wants your way out?
Who desires the way you navigate life and escape challenges?
Who wants your ghosts
And your second posts?
Who desires to learn about your past experiences and see more of your creative work?
Who needs to know?
Who has a deep-seated curiosity about you?
Who's ready for your knife?
Who is prepared for your criticism or tough love?
Who wants your glories?
Your war stories?
Who desires to hear about your past accomplishments and struggles?
Who's ready to be laid down low?
Who is prepared to be humble in your presence?
Torch I carry burns so bright
It would outshine the northern lights
But you can't see my torch tonight
You can't see the one who wants you
I have a bright and passionate love for you, but you are currently unable to see the depth of my affection.
Who wants your lies,
Your sweet blue lies?
Who is yearning for you to confess your romantic feelings?
Who wants control?
Who'll take you plans
And rip them down
And give you a new set?
Who is craving control over your life and taking the liberty to give you direction?
Who wants it all?
Who'll take whatever
You can give him,
Take whatever you can get?
Who is greedy and wants to take all that you have to offer?
Honey
If only you knew
How fearfully I want you
Who wants you?
If only you knew how much I love and desire you, Who wants you?
Who wants your way out?
Who wants your lies,
Your sweet blue lies?
I do, I do, I do
I want you to escape with me and confess your love, I want you too much.
Contributed by Molly P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.