The Flying Machine is best known for its major hit single in 1969, "Smile A Little Smile For Me", which peaked at number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart (on Kapp Records' Congress record label) Their first record which was self titled was released by Janus Records in 1969. By 12 December that year they had sold a million copies of the record, and it was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. [1] The song was penned by the songwriting pairing of Tony Macaulay and Geoff Stephens. Despite originating from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the record had no presence at all on the UK Singles Chart, despite its initial release there on Pye Records.
A follow-up single, a cover version of "Baby Make It Soon", first recorded by Marmalade, achieved the U.S. Hot 100 the following year, but the group reportedly grew frustrated with their pop-oriented style. A final single, "The Devil Has Possession Of Your Mind", suggested a change of direction, but the Flying Machine split up following its release.
Bassist Colman went on to a successful career as a session musician, record producer and BBC Radio disc jockey.
Band members
* Tony Newman (born 1947, Rugby, Warwickshire, England) - vocals, guitars
* Steve Jones (born 1946, Coventry) - guitars, vocals
* Sam Kempe (born 1946, Rugby) - vocals
* Stuart Colman (Ian Stuart Colman, Harrogate, Yorkshire, 19 December 1944 - 19 April 2018) - bass, electric piano
* Paul Wilkinson (born 1948, Coventry) – drums
* Edie Andrews (born 1945, Detroit, Michigan) - background vocals
A Thing Called Love
The Flying Machine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Weighed two hundred and fourty-five pounds
He was a giant of a man brought down to his knees by love
He was the kind of man who'd gamble on luck
Look you in the eye and never back up
But I saw him crying like a little whipped pup because of love
Hold it in your hand
But like the wind it covers our land
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
This thing called love
It can pick you up (up)
It can let you down (down)
Take your world turn it all around
Ever since time nothin's ever been found
Stronger than love
Some men are like me they worry and doubt
Trouble their minds day in and day out
Too busy with living to worry about this thing called love
But when I see a mother's tenderness
As she holds her young child to her breast
Then I thank god this world's been blessed by a thing called love
Can't see it with your eyes
Hold it in your hand
But like the wind it covers our land
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
This thing called love
It can pick you up (up)
It can let you down (down)
Take your world spin it all around
Ever since time nothin's ever been found
Stronger than love
It can pick you up (up)
It can let you down (down)
Take your world spin it all around
Ever since time nothin's ever been found
Stronger than love
Ever since time nothin's ever been found
Stronger than love
The Flying Machine's song "A Thing Called Love" tells the story of a man who, despite being a giant of a man, is brought down to his knees by love. He is a fearless gambler who wouldn't back down from any challenge, but love has the power to reduce even the strongest man to tears. The singer reflects on how love is an intangible force that cannot be seen or held in one's hand, but still covers our land like the wind. Love has the power to rule the heart of any person, and it can either pick you up or let you down, turning your world all around.
The lyrics also touch upon the fact that some people, like the singer, worry and doubt about love, while others are too busy living their lives to worry about it. However, the singer acknowledges the power of love when he sees a mother's tender love for her child, a pure and selfless form of love. The song concludes by emphasizing the strength of love, which has been stronger than anything else since the beginning of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Six foot six stood on the ground
There was a man who was six feet six inches tall standing on the ground.
Weighed two hundred and fourty-five pounds
He weighed two hundred and forty-five pounds.
He was a giant of a man brought down to his knees by love
Despite being a large and powerful man, he was overwhelmed by love and brought to his knees.
He was the kind of man who'd gamble on luck
He was the type of man who would take risks and depend on luck.
Look you in the eye and never back up
He would never back down or give up, even when looking someone in the eye.
But I saw him crying like a little whipped pup because of love
Despite his toughness, he was reduced to tears like a weak and submissive puppy because of love.
Can't see it with your eyes
Love is something that cannot be seen with the physical eyes.
Hold it in your hand
Love cannot be physically held or grasped like an object.
But like the wind it covers our land
Love is intangible like the wind, but it can affect and permeate our lives and surroundings.
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
Love has the power to dominate and control the heart of any person.
This thing called love
The concept being referred to is love itself.
It can pick you up (up)
Love has the ability to lift you up and make you feel euphoric or happy.
It can let you down (down)
Love can also bring you down and cause disappointment or sadness.
Take your world turn it all around
Love has the power to completely change your life and transform your world.
Ever since time nothin's ever been found
Throughout history, nothing has been discovered to be stronger than love.
Stronger than love
Nothing can overpower or overcome the strength of love.
Some men are like me they worry and doubt
Some men, including the songwriter, tend to worry and be skeptical.
Trouble their minds day in and day out
Their minds are constantly bothered or distressed.
Too busy with living to worry about this thing called love
They are too preoccupied with the struggles and demands of life to focus on love.
But when I see a mother's tenderness
However, when the songwriter observes a mother's love and affection for her child,
As she holds her young child to her breast
As she cradles her infant close to her chest,
Then I thank god this world's been blessed by a thing called love
He expresses gratitude to a higher power that the world has been fortunate enough to experience the beauty of love.
Contributed by Hannah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
James Wilkinson
My Dad, I love you Dad x