Signed to RSO their self-titled album "The Headboys" 1979 achieved relative success and included the excellent single "The Shape Of Things To Come." But shortly after that success....the band disappeared, never to be heard from again!!
However, 30 years later came the news that a second album had been recorded shortly after their debut but remained unreleased. The Headboys "The Lost Album" released in December 2013 contains 10 tracks recorded for a follow-up album to their debut. Also included is a 34 page booklet jammed packed with the entire Headboys story plus tons of rare pictures! This album is dedicated to the memory of Davy Ross, Headboys drummer, who passed away in 2010.
The Shape of Things to Come
The Headboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The prophet is screaming, his head hits the ground
You should hear the warning if you read the signs
Play with your own life but don'T play with mine
The shape of things to come
There was Moses and me when the wind took the change
He hands out the menue, he moves out of range
If you knew the action, you see us so blind
The shape of things to come
You´re not invited to stay, you´re not intended to go
Can you tell the future, I don´t think so
You should hear the warning if you read the signs
Play with your own life but don't play with mine
The shape of things to come
You're living your way, I live in mine
May be tomorrow we will collide
The Headboys's song "The Shape Of Things To Come" paints a picture of a bleak future filled with religious conflict and danger. The lyrics start with the image of Jesus praying for rain, while lightning flashes around him. The prophet is screaming, but his head hits the ground – a sign of his perceived inability to gain control over the situation. The singer warns listeners to pay attention to the signs and not play with other people's lives. The "shape of things to come" refers to the grim future that the lyrics imply is looming on the horizon.
The second verse brings in another religious figure – Moses – who hands out the "menu" and then moves out of range. The singer chastises those who are blind to the action and again warns that people should not play with other people's lives. The bridge of the song is a plea for people to listen to warnings and not interfere with other people's faiths. The last verse acknowledges that people may have different ways of living, but the singer suggests that these different ways will eventually converge and lead to a collision.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus´ praying for rain, lightning flashes around
A metaphor depicting the chaos and uncertainty of the future, as even religious figures seem to be asking for destructive events to occur.
The prophet is screaming, his head hits the ground
The prophet's warning is so intense that it seems to be physically affecting him, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
You should hear the warning if you read the signs
The signs are there for those willing to see them, and it is up to individuals to heed them and take action, or face the consequences.
Play with your own life but don'T play with mine
While people are free to make their own choices, they should not put others at risk with their reckless behavior.
The shape of things to come
The future is uncertain and unknown, but there are indications that it may not be positive.
There was Moses and me when the wind took the change
A reference to a time of upheaval in history, and how even those who once seemed secure and powerful can be affected by sudden shifts.
He hands out the menue, he moves out of range
Moses, a religious leader, seems to be dispensing guidance but then disappears, leaving people to make their own choices and face the consequences alone.
If you knew the action, you see us so blind
Even if people knew what was coming, they might still be unable to change their behavior or avoid negative outcomes, due to a lack of foresight or understanding.
You´re not invited to stay, you´re not intended to go
The future is uncertain and people cannot predict whether they will succeed or fail, stay or go.
Can you tell the future, I don´t think so
The future is unknown and unpredictable, making it impossible to accurately forecast what will happen.
You should hear the warning if you read the signs
A repeated reminder, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the world around us and taking heed of indications that things may not be going well.
You're living your way, I live in mine
People have their own individual ways of living and making choices, and they should respect the autonomy and freedom of others to do the same.
May be tomorrow we will collide
There may come a time when people's differing attitudes or behaviors come into direct conflict, with unpredictable outcomes.
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@iainforbes7143
Never heard this song before in my life, the 70’s and 80’s was my era, it is brilliant, why did I not hear this song , I was living in Scotland aged 22 and listened to a lot of different bands, this is a great song, lyrically not to deep but what a sound.....
@davidcarney1827
I first heard it back in 79. I was in my buddys garage down in LBI IN NJ
@paulwilson2651
They are from Edinburgh.
@nashburnette7247
It charted on The Hot-100
at #67 in late 1979.
@michaelatkins3819
I was in Philly and was 17 in 79. I don't remember it either, but I also don't think it's that good. This is the same time Yes came out with Tormato, seems like a Yes/Genesis knock off. Genesis had amazing stuff, plenty of other amazing bands which made this forgetful.
@andynaz5631
They played this song back in Arizona in 79-80 at a small radio station that was listed in Rolling Stone as one of the top 10 radio stations in the US.
@theokrieger1
Still amazing in 2022 !! who else agree !?!?
@colonelangus3157
I live in Boston, it's 1979..I am 17 and blown away with song,so dam unique. Anyone remember the MOTORS " Airport" song,it came out around same time. 78,79. AWESOME years..VH day view album came out also..CARS" CANDY O....GREAT memories:)
@punjabi49
Just a phenomenal song that I remember from back in the day.
@monkeypoo47
I don't always listen to the Headboys...but when I do...the neighbors do too.
Brilliant build from the opening riff to the anthem that it is. Just genius.