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.
The Birthday
The Idle Race Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Took off her glasses let her hair down cried
She told them all at work about the day
How it is no-one came?
Wo-oh woh, oh woh-oh
She sent the invitations to her friends
They were too busy doing other things
How it is no-one came?
Wo-oh woh, oh woh-oh
She took the decorations from the wall
Was it the ladder loose that made her fall?
She told them all at work about the day
How it is no-one came?
Wo-oh woh, oh woh-oh
She had a birthday yesterday she cried
The lyrics to The Idle Race's "The Birthday" describe the disappointment and sadness of a woman who had a birthday, but no one came to celebrate it with her. The first verse suggests that she had hoped for a fun and special day, but instead ended up crying and feeling rejected. She took off her glasses and let down her hair, perhaps hoping to look attractive and happy for the occasion, but still found herself alone. The repetition of the line "How it is no one came?" reinforces this sense of confusion and disappointment.
The second verse reveals that the woman had sent invitations to her friends, but they were too busy with other things to attend. She told her coworkers about the party, perhaps hoping for some sympathy or support, but it did not change the outcome. The final verse suggests that she may have even tried to decorate her home or apartment for the occasion, only to end up feeling even more alone and forgotten. The question at the end of the verse ("Was it the ladder loose that made her fall?") is ambiguous and adds to the sense of uncertainty and sadness in the song.
Overall, "The Birthday" is a poignant and relatable song about the pain of feeling left out and forgotten, even on a day that is supposed to be special. The lyrics and melody capture the bittersweet emotions that many people feel when they reflect on birthdays or other milestones in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
She had a birthday yesterday she cried
The woman recently had her birthday and was upset about it.
Took off her glasses let her hair down cried
She removed her glasses, let her hair fall, and cried about her disappointment in the day.
She told them all at work about the day
The woman shared with her colleagues at work the story of her birthday.
How it is no-one came?
She expressed confusion and sadness at the fact that none of her friends showed up for her birthday.
She sent the invitations to her friends
The woman sent out invitations to her friends in the hopes of having a celebration for her birthday.
They were too busy doing other things
Unfortunately, her friends were occupied with other matters and couldn't attend her birthday party.
She took the decorations from the wall
After the failed birthday celebration, she removed the decorations from the walls.
Was it the ladder loose that made her fall?
She speculated whether her fall may have been caused by a loose ladder in the room.
Wo-oh woh, oh woh-oh
This is a repeated vocalization that adds emphasis to the overall feelings of sadness and disappointment expressed throughout the song.
Contributed by Liliana D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.