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.
Told You Twice
The Idle Race Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I told you once I told you twice
You gotta do just what I tell you
If you want to be my bride
If you want me 'round you must be nice
If you want me 'round you must be nice
You gotta do just what I want babe
Baby you must pay my price
Baby you must pay the price
You gotta be, be there when I need you
And I'll be satisfied
If I told you once I told you twice
If I told you once I told you twice
You gotta do just what I tell you
And I'll be satisfied, yeah
Da da da
Da da, da da da
Da, da da
Da da, da da da da
Da da da
Da da, da da da
Da da da
Da da, da da da
The song "Told You Twice" by The Idle Race appears to be a statement of expectations in a romantic relationship. The repetition of the phrase "If I told you once I told you twice" emphasizes that there are rules to follow if one wants to be in a relationship with the singer. The lyrics suggest that the person must be nice and do what the singer wants if they want to be around and have the singer's affection. The line "Baby you must pay my price" implies that the singer has a particular price for being in a relationship with them, and it seems to involve being there for them when they need it.
The song appears to be a pessimistic view of relationships, with the idea that one person has more power and control than the other. It seems to be a warning to the other person that they need to do these things to keep the relationship going, or it will not work. The song's tone is insistent and commanding, with the singer repeating the key lines several times. The 'da da da' and 'da da, da da da' refrain at the end of every stanza adds a playful element to the tone of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
If I told you once I told you twice
I have already given you advice once and reiterated that advice a second time.
If I told you once I told you twice
I have already given you advice once and reiterated that advice a second time.
You gotta do just what I tell you
You need to follow my instructions exactly.
If you want to be my bride
If you would like to become my partner.
If you want me 'round you must be nice
If you want me to be around you, you must treat me well.
If you want me 'round you must be nice
If you want me to be around you, you must treat me well.
You gotta do just what I want babe
You must perform the actions that I request, my dear.
If you want me by your side, yeah
If you desire my company and assistance.
Baby you must pay my price
My assistance and company come at a cost.
Baby you must pay the price
My assistance and company come at a cost.
You gotta be, be there when I need you
You must be available when I require your presence.
And I'll be satisfied
If you comply with my expectations, I will be pleased.
If I told you once I told you twice
I have already given you advice once and reiterated that advice a second time.
If I told you once I told you twice
I have already given you advice once and reiterated that advice a second time.
You gotta do just what I tell you
You need to follow my instructions exactly.
And I'll be satisfied, yeah
If you comply with my expectations, I will be pleased.
Da da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Da da, da da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Da, da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Da da, da da da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Da da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Da da, da da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Da da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Da da, da da da
Unspecified vocalizations.
Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.