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.
Victim Of Circumstance
The Idle Race Lyrics
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You might pay the price for someone who looks like you
It happens at some time or other
You could be a victim of a circumstance
Cross the road when someone shouts "Hello Joe"
You look around but you see a face that you don't know
It happened at some time or other
You thought, that you were the only one
That you, were unique in your ways
Once you were one but you realize there could be two
It happened at some time or other
You could be a victim of a circumstance, heah
You cross the road when someone shouts "Hello Joe"
You look around but you see a face that you don't know
It happened at some time or other
You could be a victim of a circumstance
Ay it could happen at some time or other
You could be a victim of a circumstance
Hey all, ah
Hey
The lyrics of The Idle Race's song "Victim of Circumstance" allude to the idea of being at the mercy of outside forces beyond one's control. The first stanza speaks of being made to pay for something that one didn't do, simply because they resemble the culprit. This idea of being judged based on appearance or circumstance is further emphasized in the second stanza, where the singer crosses the road upon hearing someone call out "Hello Joe," only to find a stranger's face staring back at them. The third stanza speaks to the illusion of uniqueness and individuality, and how we often forget that we are not alone in experiencing a certain circumstance.
The chorus repeats the idea that anyone could become a "victim of circumstance" at any time. Overall, the song seems to speak to the feeling of powerlessness in the face of forces beyond one's control, which can lead to a sense of isolation and anxiety. Through the use of concrete examples and relatable imagery, The Idle Race captures the universality of this experience, making the song resonate with audiences of different backgrounds and contexts.
Line by Line Meaning
You made me play for something you didn't do
I was punished for something you didn't do yourself
You might pay the price for someone who looks like you
You may be held accountable for the actions of someone who resembles you
It happens at some time or other
This situation occurs from time to time
You could be a victim of a circumstance
You may be impacted by circumstances outside of your control
Cross the road when someone shouts 'Hello Joe'
You instinctively avoid someone who calls out a name you don't recognize
You look around but you see a face that you don't know
You don't recognize the person who called out the name
You thought, that you were the only one
You believed you were unique in your thoughts or actions
That you were unique in your ways
You believed your way of life or thinking was one-of-a-kind
Once you were one but you realize there could be two
You thought there was only one person like you, but now you see there may be another
You could be a victim of a circumstance, heah
You may suffer the consequences of a situation beyond your control
Ay it could happen at some time or other
This situation may occur at any point in time
You could be a victim of a circumstance
You may be impacted by circumstances outside of your control
Hey all, ah
An exclamation or call to attention
Contributed by Mia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.