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.
Imposters Of Life's Magazine
The Idle Race Lyrics
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How do you know, what you see Is it seen, is it?
Impostors of life's magazine
Impostors of life's magazine
How do you know, how do your friends forsake you?
Your name from their memories has gone
If so, do not despair
Just read the magazine my friend
Your name is printed there
Impostors of life's magazine
Impostors of life's magazine
Touch your friends girl, will he mind, will his mind, will it?
Feel your friends think, in their thoughts They're with you, are they?
Impostors of life's magazine
Impostors of life's magazine
You may be left out in the cold If so, do not despair
Just read the magazine my friend
Your name is printed there
Impostors of life's magazine
Impostors of life's magazine
Impostors of life's magazine
Impostors of life's magazine
The Idle Race's "Imposters of Life's Magazine" is a thought-provoking song that deals with the theme of perception and reality. The lyrics touch on the idea of how one's perception of the world and their surroundings may not always be accurate, as evidenced by the lines "How do you know, what you feel, is it real?" and "How do you know, what you see, is it seen, is it?". The song also speaks about the idea of friends who betray and forget, symbolizing the fickleness of relationships.
The title of the song, "Imposters of Life's Magazine," refers to how the images and stories we see in magazines can sometimes be misleading, and how a person's perception of themselves and their own life can be heavily influenced by the media. This is reinforced by the chorus which repeatedly emphasizes "Impostors of life's magazine."
The lyrics also suggest a sense of comfort in reading the magazine, implying that it is a way to escape reality and find solace in a fabricated world. The line "Just read the magazine my friend, your name is printed there" highlights the notion that even if a person feels forgotten or left out, they can find validation in the media.
Overall, The Idle Race's "Imposters of Life's Magazine" is a poignant and reflective song that questions the nature of perception and reality, and how the media can have a significant impact on personal relationships and self-image.
Line by Line Meaning
How do you know, what you feel Is it real, is it?
Questioning the validity and authenticity of one's emotions and feelings in this world.
How do you know, what you see Is it seen, is it?
Questioning the reality and authenticity of one's perception and vision in this world.
Impostors of life's magazine
Referring to the fabricated and idealized image of lifestyles and personalities depicted in media.
How do you know, how do your friends forsake you?
Questioning the loyalty and genuineness of one's companionship in this world.
Your name from their memories has gone
Suggesting that relationships in this world are often shallow and short-lived, as people tend to forget each other quickly.
You may be left out in the cold
Feeling isolated, excluded, and unimportant in this world, as no one seems to truly care.
If so, do not despair
Advising the listeners to not give up hope and remain positive in the face of adversity.
Just read the magazine my friend
Suggesting that the listeners can find solace and inspiration in the media, and escape from the harsh reality of life for a while.
Your name is printed there
Highlighting the possibility of achieving fame, recognition, and validation through the media, and how it can make people feel important and relevant.
Touch your friends girl, will he mind, will his mind, will it?
Questioning the morality and ethics of romantic relationships, and how they can strain and challenge friendships.
Feel your friends think, in their thoughts They're with you, are they?
Questioning the sincerity and depth of one's emotional connection with their friends, and how much they actually understand and care about each other.
Contributed by Muhammad B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.