At its formation the band consisted of Paul Heaton (vocals), Stan Cullimore (guitar), Ted Key (bass) and Chris Lang (drums). The band's membership changed frequently throughout its existence. Ted Key was replaced by Norman Cook (who later became internationally famous as big beat musician Fatboy Slim) and drummer Chris Lang was replaced by Hugh Whitaker, former drummer with The Gargoyles, who in turn was replaced with Dave Hemingway. The band split in 1988.
The band often referred to themselves as "the 4th best band in Hull," referring to Kingston upon Hull, the city in England where the band formed in 1983. (The three bands that were "better" were Red Guitars, Everything but the Girl, and The Gargoyles.)
In 1986, the band broke through with the single Happy Hour, which reached No. 3 in the UK charts helped by a claymation animated pop promo of a type that was in vogue at the time. At the end of the same year, they had a No. 1 single with a cover version of Isley Jasper Isley's Caravan of Love.
The band released three albums: London 0 Hull 4, The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death, and the greatest bits compilation Now That's What I Call Quite Good. A new collection, Best of the Housemartins, was released in 2004, and was available in a expanded edition with a DVD collecting their music video clips.
The Housemartins lyrics were an odd mixture of Marxist politics and born-again Christianity, reflecting Paul Heaton's beliefs at the time.
The band split in 1988, but the members have since remained friends and worked on each other's projects. Norman Cook has enjoyed significant success with both Beats International and then as Fatboy Slim, while Heaton, Hemingway and roadie Sean Welch formed The Beautiful South. Stan Cullimore has become an author of children's books. Despite repeated requests from fans, they have never reformed.
In 1993, former drummer Hugh Whitaker was convicted of assault after attacking his business partner James Hewitt with an axe. Whitaker was subsequently released from prison and now resides in Leeds, where he occasionally drums with local band Percy. Whitaker is also a member of The Malkies fronted by Alistair Hulett.
I'll Be Your Shelter
The Housemartins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems more than you can afford
And you feel, you feel you need a friend
Someone to share the load
And when your skies grow cloudy
I want you to know got a friend that's true
Just like a shelter, in a time of storm
When your dreams are scattered
Just like the windblown sand
And you feel, you feel you need a friend
I'll be there, reach out your hand
And when the tempest is raging
I want you to know got a friend that's true
Just like a shelter, in a time of storm
I'll see you through, that's what I'll do
I'll see you through your bad times
I'll see you through your fears
I'll see you through your hang-ups
Honey I'll dry all your tears
And when the tempest is raging
I want you to know got a friend that's true
Just like a shelter, in a time of storm
I'll see you through, that's what I'll do
I will see you through, I will see you through
I will see you through, I will see you through
When my load got heavy, did you see me through
When my load got too hard to bear, did you see me through
What would you do, what would you do
What would you do, what would you do
If you're living on the dole and there's no sugar in your bowl
All you need to do is give a little knock
Don't despair, he'll be there with his loving and his care
Marx will work for us right around the clock
He's alright, he's alright
He's alright, he's alright
The Housemartins’ “I’ll Be Your Shelter” is a song about finding refuge and support in trying times. The lyrics express the need for companionship and a friend to help shoulder the burdens of life. The lines “And when your skies grow cloudy, I want you to know got a friend that's true, Just like a shelter, in a time of storm, I'll see you through, that's what I'll do,” speak to the need for a steadfast presence during tough times. The song’s themes highlight the importance of mutual support and trust in friendship.
Furthermore, the lyric “When your dreams are scattered/Just like the windblown sand/And you feel, you feel you need a friend/I'll be there, reach out your hand” addresses the ways in which we all need support and encouragement when our plans may not come to fruition. The song's main message is that we are never alone and that it is okay to ask for help from our friends in moments of vulnerability.
Overall, “I’ll Be Your Shelter” is a comforting ode to the power of friendship, empathy, and support in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
In times when you're troubled
When you are facing problems and difficulties
Seems more than you can afford
When it appears to be more than what you can handle
And you feel, you feel you need a friend
When you desire the support of a friend
Someone to share the load
Someone to help you carry or handle the burden
And when your skies grow cloudy
When things are not going well and become uncertain
I want you to know got a friend that's true
I want you to remember that you have a true friend
Just like a shelter, in a time of storm
I will provide you with refuge when you face tough times
I'll see you through, that's what I'll do
I will support you until you make it through
When your dreams are scattered
When your hopes, goals or aspirations have been ruined
Just like the windblown sand
Just like the sand that the wind carries away without any control
I'll be there, reach out your hand
I will be there for you, just extend your hand towards me
And when the tempest is raging
And when a strong and violent storm is occurring
I want you to know got a friend that's true
I want you to know that I am a loyal friend
I'll see you through, that's what I'll do
I will stand by your side and guide you through it all
I will see you through your bad times
I will support you during your hard times
I'll see you through your fears
I will help you overcome your fears
I'll see you through your hang-ups
I will assist you in resolving your personal issues
Honey I'll dry all your tears
I will comfort you and ease your pain and sorrow
When my load got heavy, did you see me through
When I was struggling, did you support me?
When my load got too hard to bear, did you see me through
Did you provide me with assistance when the situation became unbearable?
What would you do, what would you do
If I were in trouble, what support would you give?
If you're living on the dole and there's no sugar in your bowl
If you are poor and struggling to make ends meet
All you need to do is give a little knock
Just ask for help and someone will come to your aid
Don't despair, he'll be there with his loving and his care
Don't give up hope, as someone will be there to offer love and support
Marx will work for us right around the clock
A reference to Karl Marx's idea of communism where everyone works for a common good
He's alright, he's alright
He is dependable and trustworthy
He's alright, he's alright
He is reliable and trustworthy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Realsongs
Written by: Diane Eve Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jorgesouza8488
Thilha sonora de #LOOKING #Teamrichie 😂😂😂🙃😍👬👏👏🇧🇷
@Jackie_Sung
Looking brought me here =D
@MrYewnork
Top tune the Housemartins were very under rated.
@SnowysBed
the best vocal range ever
@wastetime3767
Really no comment on the most beautiful song and singer.
@VUandChips
I love the moment all the other instruments start.
@gar1558
beautifully sung.
@kevins7704
looking ;D