History
2005–2006: Origins and The Fratellis EP
The band's name came from the criminal family in The Goonies and received their first radio playing in 2005, on central Scotland's Beat 106 (later XFM Scotland, now Galaxy Scotland) Beatscene show hosted by Jim Gellatly. They were signed by Fallout Records.
They played their first show on 4 March 2005 in the O'Henry's bar in Glasgow across the road from the Horseshoe bar. The Fratellis EP was released on 3 April 2006, featuring the tracks "Stacie Anne" and "The Gutterati?". "Creepin' Up the Backstairs" was never a single released by the band, even though a video was made for it. The first single released by the band was Henrietta, which was released on 12 June 2006 and charted at number 19 on the UK Charts.
2006–2007: Costello Music and mainstream success
Costello Music was the debut album for the Fratellis and was released on 11 September 2006. It charted at number two in the UK album charts for three weeks. The success of the album led to the Fratellis winning the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2007, an award that was voted for by BBC Radio One listeners.
The Fratellis perform in Scotland.
The Fratellis supported Kasabian in December 2006 on their UK tour before playing 10 dates by themselves in February and March 2007. The tour of the UK festival circuit, playing at Glastonbury and headlining at festivals such as NME's Rock 'n' Riot tour, OXEGEN 2007 and T in the Park 2007, amongst others. They also opened for The Police Reunion Tour in the summer of 2007 in some of the North America dates. The Fratellis also recorded some cover songs during the year including "All Along the Watchtower" for Radio 1's 40th Anniversary Double Album, Radio 1: Established 1967, and "Solid Gold Easy Action" for the soundtrack of the film Hot Fuzz, which also included the single "Baby Fratelli".
The band released their first live DVD, Edgy In Brixton, in the UK on 1 October 2007, which was recorded at the Brixton Academy in London. The DVD contains a locations included Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London. Following the release of the album, the Fratellis embarked on a full live performance of the debut album Costello Music, B-sides from various singles and a new song called "Pretty Like a Girl". Extras on the DVD include the band being asked questions by members of the Fratellis' website, and on the deluxe edition, . It was released in the United States on 30 October 2007.
2007–2009: Here We Stand
The band's filmed on 18 June 2008 at the Fillmore, San Francisco; performances of "Milk and Money", "Flathead" and "Mistress Mabel" from Abbey Road Studios and the videos for second album, Here We Stand, was first mentioned in November 2007 on the Fratellis' official website, which stated that work had begun on the album in a rehearsal space in Glasgow. The band said that they were self-producing the album and had their own studio to record in. Recording finished on 13 January 2008.
On 22 February 2008, they played a highlights from the T in the Park 2007 festival small show for fans at Queen Margaret Union to debut new songs from the upcoming album. About eight new going towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. The third single was "A Heady Tale", released on 22 December. The Fratellis released a deluxe edition of Here We Stand internationally songs from their new album were played, including "Mistress Mabel", "Acid Jazz Singer", and "Look Out Sunshine!". This performance introduced two new touring members, a guitarist, Robin Peringer and a keyboard player, Will Foster. However, after the Teenage Cancer Trust show in 2008, Robin departed the tour for unknown reasons. Will Foster subsequently played both keyboard and guitar during live performances.
The album, was released on 9 June 2008 in the UK and 10 June 2008 in the United States. The band marked the US release of the album with sold-out shows in New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles. The first single from the album,"Mistress Mabel", was released on 26 May 2008. The next single, "Look Out Sunshine!", released on 18 August 2008 and with money on 8 December. The CD included a new song titled "Moriarty's Last Stand" and the accompanying DVD which features "The Year of the Thief" (a documentary of the band on the road in the US), a live show the singles "Mistress Mabel" and "Look Out Sunshine!".
During 2009, the band did a mini-tour of Australia and Japan during February and March. The Fratellis headlined the Island Records 50th anniversary show on 27 May 2009 where they debuted their new track to be included on the Island 50: 50 Years of Island Records which was Bob Marley's "Stir It Up". The band also headlined the Hop Farm Festival 2009 on 4 July, with a gig at the Middlesbrough Empire on 3 July to prepare for the upcoming headline slot.
2009–2012: 'Indefinite' hiatus and side projects
After the Hop Farm show in 2009, the band were going to take an extended break citing exhaustion and relationships within the band turning sour after a series of prolonged touring and working together. Jon went on to form a new band with singer/songwriter Lou Hickey called Codeine Velvet Club. He released an self-titled album with the band in December 2009 and toured during late 2009 and early 2010. The band came to a finish and he decided to become a solo artist. He released his debut solo album, Psycho Jukebox in 2010 and intended to release a second, titled Bright Night Flowers in 2012 but this was shelved due to the Fratellis reuniting. It would eventually be released in 2019, in a re-recorded form after the fifth Fratellis album In Your Own Sweet Time.
Barry initially stated that he was starting his own musical project and would let Fratellis fans know about it via the Fratellis website. He didn't let fans know his musical ventures until November 2011, where he revealed he had joined Birmingham band the Twang, who he played with until August 2012 when he rejoined the Fratellis. He is also a regular on the DJ circuit, and still DJs now when he can.
Mince initially joined a heavy metal band called Throne o' Diablo, before leaving the band for unknown reasons. He would go on to join Jon's solo band as a second drummer, backing vocalist and occasional guitarist during live shows for his Psycho Jukebox tour.
2012–2014: We Need Medicine
The Fratellis played their first show since 2009 to raise money for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund on 15 June 2012, marking nearly 3 years since they last shared a stage together. They then performed at O2 ABC Glasgow on 26 September 2012 and announced a UK tour in April 2013. During the UK tour, 3 more songs were debuted live; "She's Not Gone Yet But She's Leaving", "Seven Nights Seven Days" and "Whiskey Saga". The band went on to perform dates in Oxford, Leicester and Sheffield with another date at Loopallu festival, forming a small September tour. During the tour, the band debuted 2 new tracks, "This Old Ghost Town" (previously played by and mainland Europe. With 2014, the band played festivals across the world, returning to the US, UK and Europe and also headed over to Japan before finishing the We Jon in a solo show) and "Rock n Roll Will Break Your Heart".
On 4 February 2013, the Fratellis finished recording their third album, which was to be called We Need Medicine with a release date of 7 October 2013. "Seven Nights Seven Days" was released as a single on 29 September. The album was recorded in Glasgow with Jon Fratelli and Stuart McCredie on production duties.
The band saw out 2013 with a highly successful tour of the US, UK Need Medicine album campaign with two shows in Russia in September 2014. The band released a brand new EP in September 2014 called The Soul Crush EP, which was released for free on their website.
2014–2016: Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied
During Christmas break 2013, the band started writing new material, and two of the songs debuted live in 2014. "Too Much Wine" was played on the early 2014 US tour, with "All the Live Long Day" (later to be known as "Impostors (Little By Little)") turning up later on. Upon releasing The Soul Crush EP in 2014, the band stated they would be heading to LA to record their fourth album, with Barry confirming on Twitter it was once again with Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air), producer-architect of both their debut album and of Jon's solo album Psycho Jukebox.
News stayed quiet until 1 June 2015, when the band announced their new album would be called Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied and would be released through Cooking Vinyl on 21 August 2015. The band revealed the first song from the album "Me and the Devil" through their website, and later announced the first single "Baby Don't You Lie To Me" on 29 June. Both tracks were made available as instant downloads with your pre-order of the album. The band shared a new video for "Baby Don't You Lie To Me!" on 24 July 2015.
In late 2016, the Fratellis launched a UK-wide tour to mark the 10-year anniversary of Costello Music, playing 16 shows through November and December.
2017–2019: In Your Own Sweet Time and Bright Night Flowers
In 2017, the band headlined posts since 30 April, the band confirmed on Instagram that they were in Los Angeles to record their fifth album with Tony Hoffer once again producing.
On 29 September 2017 the band announced their the Vicar's Picnic music festival 14–15 July, as well as the Lindisfarne Festival, which ran 31 August to 3 September.
On 8 May, after hinting through several fifth studio album, In Your Own Sweet Time which was released on 16 March 2018 and followed by with a UK concert tour in March 2018. The album was released on CD, LP, limited edition orange LP and cassette. They also toured the U.S. in late Spring 2018 and early Summer.
After the recording of In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon had quietly re-recorded his shelved 2012 solo album Bright Night Flowers and after the main bulk of touring was finished for In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon announced his solo album would be released in February 2019, supported with two shows in London and Glasgow. His first solo shows in 6 years featured nearly the entirety of Bright Night Flowers with only one song from his previous solo album showing up along with Fratellis' favourites "Whistle for the Choir" and "Laughing Gas" in rearranged forms and a series of covers.
Ole Black 'n' Blue Eyes
The Fratellis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe I'll give the girl a hand and a microphone
Looks like she's all alone
She can bring a friend, though she's not my kind of friend
She keeps on staring me out with her
Old black and blue eyes
And I can take her dancing just to give the girl a chance
I guess that she'll forgive me right before she tries to kill me
'Cause I sold her on yesterday's
"Come take me home", eyes
And I can take her waltzing just so she could kick my head in
Oh, I do believe I was drunk and both of my heads had shrunk
I guess her name was Tina 'cause before I'd even seen her
I was lost in her, "What's your name?"
"Just get me fucked", eyes
"Oh, take me home", eyes
And Chelsea says she's got nowhere to go
And if she does, she's gettin' there slow
And I can help her out, but I've got somewhere to be
And that's the very thing when you're dealing with me
Young soul shagger, begging me to bag her
Filthy heart and swollen hips
And she said, "Oh, my dearest
I'm not pretty, isn't it a pity
That you won't kiss these rotten lips?"
"Oh, take me home", eyes
Old black and blue eyes
And Chelsea says she's got nowhere to go
And if she does, she's getting there slow
And I can help her out, but I've got somewhere to be
And that's the very thing when you're dealing with me
The Fratellis’s song “Ole Black ’n’ Blue Eyes” is told from the perspective of a man encountering a woman with striking, blue eyes who wants to sing in his band. The song’s melody is upbeat and features a catchy guitar riff. The band has spoken about how the song draws from their stories and experiences with women from Glasgow.
The singer describes the woman as being persistent, fiercely staring him down with her “old black and blue eyes.” He takes her dancing but admits he’s not very good at being nice. He believes she will forgive him right before she tries to kill him because she falls for him easily. The singer is intoxicated by the woman’s mysteriousness, admitting “I guess her name was Tina 'cause before I'd even seen her / I was lost in her, 'What's your name?' / 'Just get me fucked' eyes.” However, it is clear that the singer is not looking for a relationship, but rather just a one-night stand.
The song’s lyrics touch on universal themes of desire and romance, but there is a hint of danger beneath the surface. The woman’s persistence and intensity, coupled with the singer’s non-committal attitude, could potentially lead to a disastrous or even violent outcome. Overall, the song’s lighthearted melody and catchy chorus mask the potentially sinister or melancholic undertones of the lyrics, making it an interesting and engaging listen.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, she wants to be a singer in the band
There's a girl who wants to be a singer and be part of the band
Maybe I'll give the girl a hand and a microphone
The singer might offer her help and a microphone
Looks like she's all alone
It seems like the girl doesn't have any friends around
She can bring a friend, though she's not my kind of friend
Although she's not the singer's type of friend, the girl can bring a friend along
She keeps on staring me out with her Old black and blue eyes
The girl persistently stares at the singer with her old-looking, bruised eyes
And I can take her dancing just to give the girl a chance
The singer can ask the girl to dance to give her an opportunity
And I was never that good at being nice when I should
The singer admits that he's never good at being nice
I guess that she'll forgive me right before she tries to kill me
The girl might forgive the singer before she seeks revenge
'Cause I sold her on yesterday's 'Come take me home', eyes
The singer convinced her with his false promises of yesterday's expression: 'come take me home'
And I can take her waltzing just so she could kick my head in
The singer can take her waltzing, but he expects some violent backlash
Oh, I do believe I was drunk and both of my heads had shrunk
The singer recalls being drunk and a bit confused
I guess her name was Tina 'cause before I'd even seen her
He thinks her name is Tina because he was already head over heels before he even saw her
I was lost in her, 'What's your name?' 'Just get me fucked', eyes
The girl had a wicked look in her eye, and when asked her name, she simply replied 'Just get me fucked'
'Oh, take me home', eyes
Her eyes pleaded with him to take her home
And Chelsea says she's got nowhere to go
The girl's name is Chelsea, and she has nowhere to go
And if she does, she's getting there slow
She's taking her time even if she had somewhere to go
And I can help her out, but I've got somewhere to be
The singer can assist Chelsea, but he's got other things to do
And that's the very thing when you're dealing with me
That's what should be expected when dealing with the singer
Young soul shagger, begging me to bag her
Chelsea is young and wants the singer to take her home
Filthy heart and swollen hips
Chelsea's heart is dirty, and her hips are voluptuous
And she said, 'Oh, my dearest I'm not pretty, isn't it a pity
Chelsea thinks she's not attractive and says it's unfortunate
That you won't kiss these rotten lips?'
She asks the singer if he won't kiss her lips, even if they're 'rotten'
'Old black and blue eyes'
Chelsea's eyes are bruised and old-looking
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: John Lawler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ArturoDavidXoticaPuebla
Well she wants to be a singer in the band
Maybe I'll give the girl a hand & a mircophone
She's all alone
She can bring a friend though she's not my kind of friend
She keeps staring me out with her black & blue eyes
And I can take her dancing just to give the girl a chance
And I was never that good at being nice when I should
I guess she'll forgive right before she trys to kill me
Coz I sold her on yesterday's
Come take me o my
I can take the the waltz just so she could kick my head in
I guess her name was Tina coz before I'd even seen her
I was lost....
Come take me o my....eye eye's...
Ole black & blue eyes.......
And Chelsea said she's got nowhere to
And if she does she's getting there slow
And I can help her out but I've got somewhere to be
And thats the very thing when your dealing with me
Begging me to bag her, and filthy heart & swollen hips
And she said o my dearest im not pretty and isn't it a pity
That you wont kiss these rotten lips
So take me o my..eye...eyes eyes
Ole black & blue eyes.......
And Chelsea said she's got nowhere to
And if she does she's getting there slow
And I can help her out but I've got somewhere to be
And thats the very thing when your dealing with me
Do do do do do do do do do....
@mcgoogan6830
Well she wants to be a singer in the band,
Maybe I'll give the girl a hand
And a microphone.
Looks like she's all alone.
She can bring a friend,
Though she's not my kind of friend.
She keeps on staring me out with her
Ole black 'n' blue eyes.
And I can take her dancin'
Just to give the girl a chance 'n'
I was never that good
At being nice when I should.
I guess that she'll forgive me
Right before she tries to kill me
'Cause I sold her on yesterday's
Come take me home eyes.
And I can take you waltzin'
Just so she could kick my head in.
Oh, I do believe I was drunk
And both of my heads had shrunk.
I guess her name was Tina,
'Cause before I'd even seen her
I was lost in her "What's your name?
Just get me...
Oh take me home eyes.
And Chelsea says she's got nowhere to go,
And if she does she's gettin' there slow,
And I can help her out but I've got somewhere to be,
And that's the very thing when your dealing with me.
Young soul shagger,
Beggin' me to bag her
Filthy heart and swollen hips,
And she said, "Oh, my dearest,
I'm not pretty.
Isn't it a pity
That you won't kiss these rotten lips?"
Oh take me home eyes.
Ole black and blue eyes.
And Chelsea says she's got nowhere to go,
And if she does she's gettin' there slow,
And I can help her out but I've got somewhere to be,
And that's the very thing when your dealing with me.
@laptophp375
Such a unique band . Making music on simple life matters. So peaceful
@SmudgyHollz
Oh my goodness!! How can a song be so addictive?? I've listened to it non-stop about ten times through! By the way, I'm really sorry, but I think I may have broken the replay button...
@user-ot5le1zn7w
this song is the most underrated song as far as I know... it should be much more famous. I can't understand the meaning of lyrics though, such a wonderful song. Love from Japan!
@RinconSiniextro
fratellis are so good making music.. they kick lots of big bands asses
@sambayliss3416
Love the fratellis, I am so happy that they are back together and finally going on tour again!!
@naibushi
2020, I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG AAAAAA, IT'S THE BEST SONG EVER
@andythepostie85
Think since I refound this song I've listened to it about 5000 times! Utter genius!
@HieuHuynhTrung
I don't know how long I've been searching for this song, probably 4 or 5 years. aww, memories... :)
@natalialupo4050
Wonderful song, makes me want to sing along and feel so good, tired and nostalgic, like when you watch the mountains run by from your backseat on a long car trip
@starkiller-8684
Love this album