Rhythm guitarist Dave Pritchard, bass guitarist Greg Masters and drummer Roger Spencer were the core of a band initally known as Billy King and the Nightriders, then later known as Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders and briefly as just The Nightriders.
In 1966 they advertised for a new guitarist/vocalist, Jeff Lynne applied and joined the band. After releasing one single they changed their name to Idle Race. Under Jeff Lynne's leadership they released two albums that sold poorly, despite support from John Peel and Kenny Everett.
In 1970, Jeff Lynne decided to join The Move so he and Roy Wood could work on what would eventually become Electric Light Orchestra
The remaining members of The Idle Race recruited 2 new members and released one further album. After Greg Masters left the group they became The Steve Gibbons Band.
Follow Me Follow
The Idle Race Lyrics
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And the reason for their leaving is not easy
Follow me follow
Follow me too far away
Follow me follow
Where you will go
And they'll all be friends together now they're leaving
See how they try to be hap-py when they're leaving home
But the captain of the shinybird won't wait now
Follow me follow
Follow me too far away
Follow me follow
Where you will go
See how they go, on the wings of a shiny bird
And the reason for their leaving is not easy
Follow me follow
Follow me too far away
Follow me follow
Where you will go
Follow me follow
Follow me too far away
Follow me follow
Where you will go
The Idle Race's "Follow Me Follow" is a melancholic tune that tells a story of people leaving their homes to start a new journey. The lyrics suggest that they are leaving on a shiny bird, but it is not clear what this shiny bird means. It could refer to a mode of transportation or a metaphor for a journey towards a brighter future. The uncertainty of the reason for their leaving is evident throughout the song. The emotion of the song is quite poignant, and the music adds a sense of nostalgia that makes the listener feel the sadness of goodbye. The song's message is a mix of melancholy and hope, and it ends on a hopeful note, with the line "where you will go."
The repeated lines of "Follow me follow" suggest that the singer is encouraging the people to leave and follow their dreams, even though it is difficult. The line "See how they try to be happy when they're leaving home" indicates that leaving their homes is not easy for them, but they are putting on a brave face to move on. The chorus encourages them not to be afraid to follow their dreams, to go "too far away" if they must, and to chase after where they will go.
Overall, "Follow Me Follow" is a heartfelt, impactful song about the beauty and sadness of leaving home for a new adventure. Its endearing melody and touching lyrics make it a classic song that has resonated with many generations since its release in 1968.
Line by Line Meaning
See how they go, on the wings of a shiny bird
Witness their departure on the wings of an airplane.
And the reason for their leaving is not easy
Leaving home is never simple and it's hard to understand why.
Follow me follow
Come along with me and follow my lead.
Follow me too far away
Join me on a journey to a distant place.
Where you will go
We'll venture to an unknown destination together.
And they'll all be friends together now they're leaving
The travelers will bond during their shared experience of leaving home.
See how they try to be happy when they're leaving home
The travelers attempt to remain joyful despite the sadness of departing home.
But the captain of the shiny bird won't wait now
The plane's pilot is ready to leave and won't delay the flight.
Contributed by Gabriella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.