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.
Johannesburg
The Housemartins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think I'd see the light shine through
And please don't greet me on the street
I'd like to see a world without you
Please don't change your uniform
And start to mourn the thousands dead
And please wear what you've always worn
And don't be drawn by what I've said
'cause I've found there's nothing more
That I could say to you
Nothing I could do to change your mind
Change your ways and your tune
So please don't feel you have to sway
Or move away from how you feel
And please say what you mean to say
And always stay with a heart of steel
In The Housemartins's song "Johannesburg," the lyrics express a desire for liberation from imposition and subjugation while also acknowledging the power of the oppressed. The lyrics caution the listener against revealing their soul to the singer, fearing that the singer will see the light shining through and expose their vulnerability. The line "I'd like to see a world without you" is significant, as it suggests that the singer wishes to live in a world free from oppression.
Similarly, the song also implores the listener to be themselves unapologetically and not to change their ways to fit society's normative standards. While the singer acknowledges the weight of social issues such as mourning the loss of thousands of lives, he still asks that the listener remain true to themselves in the face of adversity. The final lines of the song encourage the listener always to speak their mind and keep a heart of steel.
Overall, the song conveys an unadulterated message of hope and liberation, urging the listener not to conform to the world's standards but instead to remain authentic to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Please don't show your soul to me
I'm not the one to confide in, I'm not the one who will understand. You're better off keeping your emotions to yourself.
I think I'd see the light shine through
If you did show me your soul, I wouldn't be able to help but see the goodness in you.
And please don't greet me on the street
I don't want to have to interact with you outside of necessary social norms.
I'd like to see a world without you
I don't care for your presence and I'd be better off without you.
Please don't change your uniform
Don't switch your behavior or follow new trends just because it's what you think is expected.
And start to mourn the thousands dead
Don't let current events shape how you think or act and mourn only for those you genuinely care for.
And please wear what you've always worn
Stay true to your identity and what makes you comfortable.
And don't be drawn by what I've said
Don't let what I say influence your actions or views. Stay true to yourself.
'cause I've found there's nothing more
In my life, I haven't discovered anything more meaningful than being myself and staying true to my values.
That I could say to you
There's nothing I can say to convince you to change your ways or thoughts.
Nothing I could do to change your mind
I can't change your beliefs or opinions no matter what I do.
Change your ways and your tune
I can't make you act or think differently than you already do.
So please don't feel you have to sway
Don't pretend to agree with me or change who you are just to please me.
Or move away from how you feel
Stay true to your genuine feelings and don't try to conform to what others are doing or thinking.
And please say what you mean to say
Don't hold back your thoughts and speak your mind freely.
And always stay with a heart of steel
Remain strong and confident in your beliefs, even if others try to change them.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAN PETER CULLIMORE, PAUL HEATON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mcmwg1975
Still one of my favourite songs of all time.
@andredoherty3573
I loved the Housemartins. Paul Heaton is a legend. Bring back the Housemartins!
@jujuug5411
This song reminds me of my friend Rob, we would take drives and listen to the Housemartins, miss you Rob 😔 🙏
@edwardpope2379
This song could be used as a protest to so many things that are happening in this world of our. I have always been drawn to protest songs and this is one I listen to regularly. Thank you for posting it R. C, Davies
@shrew972
So great
@brownskins7304
Always loved this song and sung it with my good friend wiffa for well over 20 years when the guitar comes out. Also reminds me of My old mate Capper who emigrated to SA just after apartheid.. Love you both fellas.