Founde… Read Full Bio ↴The Frank and Walters are a pop/rock band from Cork, Ireland.
Founded in 1990 the group (named in honour of two eccentric Cork characters) are Paul Linehan (vocalist/bassist), his brother Niall Linehan (guitar) (replaced by Kevin Pedreschi in 2004) and Ashley Keating (drums).
Signing to the Setanta label in 1991, the group debuted with album EP1, and the lead track "Fashion Crisis Hits New York" became an indie hit. The follow-up album EP.2 was quickly forthcoming.
Shortly after signing to the Go! Discs label, The Franks partnered with producer Edwyn Collins to record the Happy Busman EP. Success in the UK was not far away, and following a tour in support of Carter USM, an Ian Broudie remix of the LP track After All reached the top twenty in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 11.
After a long sabbatical, the group returned with Grand Parade (with contributions from Gus Dudgeon), and the Indian Ocean EP in 1997. This was followed with Beauty Becomes More Than Life in 1998 and Glass in 2000. Setanta released a well received "Best of" in 2002.
In 2004 Niall Linehan left the band and was replaced by a friend of the band, Kevin Pedreschi. The band signed a new deal with FIFA Records in Ireland, and released a B-sides triple album, Souvenirs, in October 2005.
The band released a new album, Renewed Interest In Happiness, on October 27th 2006 possibly their most complete work to date.
Indian Ocean
The Frank and Walters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're drinking tea in the Taj Mahal
I know you'd love to give me devotion
But there's a place that you still want to hide
And have we been too long on the island
As we believe in all that we see
And did they send a man to the stars now
I can't see her
I can't see her
Maybe you'd like to come and live on the ocean
Maybe you'd like to come and live by the sea
If you don't mind I'll stay inside my emotion
If you don't mind I'll sail along with the breeze
They're driving down to the Bay of Biscay
I'm walking down to the side of the Lee
And there's a man who's living in Hitchcock
And there's a place where no one can be
I can't see her
I can't see her
Maybe you'd like to come and live on the ocean
Maybe you'd like to come and live by the sea
If you don't mind I'll stay inside my emotion
If you don't mind I'll sail along with the breeze
If you don't mind I'll sail along here with me
Maybe you'd like to come and live on the ocean
Maybe you'd like to come and live by the sea
If you don't mind I'll stay inside my emotion
If you don't mind I'll sail along with the breeze
If you don't mind I'll sail along here with me
(fade to end)
The Frank and Walters's song Indian Ocean can be interpreted as a reflection of escapism and the desire for change. The first verse paints a picture of people in exotic places, drinking wine in the Indian Ocean and tea in the Taj Mahal, while the singer longs for devotion. However, the second verse shows a hint of skepticism and a desire for something other than island life. The singer questions whether they've been on the island for too long and if everything they believe in is true. They reference the possibility of man reaching the stars, wondering if it was real or just a show on TV.
The chorus repeats the idea of the singer wanting to sail along with the breeze and stay in their emotion, inviting the listener to come live on the ocean or by the sea. It's as though the singer is stuck in a rut and is searching for a new beginning, a different perspective, or a way to escape the confines of their reality.
Overall, The Frank and Walters's Indian Ocean could be seen as a reminder to take a step back and reassess what's truly important in life. Sometimes, we may get too caught up in our daily routines and forget to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. The song encourages us to open our minds to new possibilities and be willing to take risks.
Line by Line Meaning
They're drinking wine in the Indian Ocean
People are relaxing and enjoying themselves in a beautiful and exotic location.
They're drinking tea in the Taj Mahal
People are experiencing the rich culture and history of India.
I know you'd love to give me devotion
I understand that you have feelings for me and want to show your love.
But there's a place that you still want to hide
You are still holding something back and are not ready to fully open up to me.
And have we been too long on the island
We may have spent too much time in one place and need a change of scenery or perspective.
As we believe in all that we see
Our perception may be clouded by our beliefs and biases.
And did they send a man to the stars now
We are questioning the possibilities and limitations of human achievement.
Or was it just a show on TV
We are questioning the authenticity and validity of what we see in the media.
Maybe you'd like to come and live on the ocean
I am suggesting that we make a big change and live a more adventurous lifestyle together.
If you don't mind I'll stay inside my emotion
I am content to keep my feelings and thoughts to myself.
If you don't mind I'll sail along with the breeze
I am happy to go with the flow and take things as they come.
They're driving down to the Bay of Biscay
Others are enjoying a different destination and mode of travel.
I'm walking down to the side of the Lee
I am taking my own path and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
And there's a man who's living in Hitchcock
There is someone who lives life in a mysterious and unconventional way.
And there's a place where no one can be
There are some places that are private and inaccessible to others.
Maybe you'd like to come and live on the ocean
I am still presenting the idea of making a big change and living a more adventurous lifestyle together.
If you don't mind I'll sail along here with me
I am inviting you to join me on this journey, but I am also content to travel alone if you are not ready.
fade to end
The song fades out, leaving the listener to ponder the themes and ideas presented.
Contributed by Miles D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@zagozago9893
Anthemic Chorus!
@gabhanachdenogla898
Da feckin berries!
@spurs99100
A Classic
@TheCriticom
Best Irish Band ever in my opinion
@crapwithnovid
second best.... oasis #1
@TheCriticom
I said Irish
@onecanmadman
Always loved this song!!
@zimbo24560
DEAD LOVE FOR THE GIRLS OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@JohnPreston888
I love this track, but could never understand why they didn't dampen the snare so that it doesn't ring. Apart from that, everything is great, the melody, the slightly weird lyrics, the vocals...it's just a pity that every time the snare sounds, there is also the discordant ping.
@davidlevy3372
Snare sound is my favourite thing about this song