The group was formed in Liverpool in 1962 by members who had previously played in local bands such as Thunderbeats, Roy Montrose and Midnights. At times they used both spellings "Kubas" and "Koobas". In 1963 they played in the Star Club in Hamburg (Germany) and stayed there for three weeks.
In 1964 Brian Epstein signed a contract with the band and brokered them a deal with Pye Records. Their first single was "I Love Her" b / w "Magic Potion", which did not enter the charts, but the group had the opportunity to support the Beatles on their last British tour. After that, the group went on club tours around England and attracted a lot of positive press, but other singles could not assert themselves in public. In 1966 they moved from Pye to EMI - Columbia and the following year they played with The Who at the Savile Theater and toured Switzerland with Jimi Hendrix.
By 1967 the band had begun changing their sound from an R&B rooted beat to psychedelia and began to write their own material with the help of new manager Tony Stratton-Smith. In 1968 they cut a version of "The First Cut Is the Deepest" but were overshadowed by PP Arnold's version, which hit the top 20 on the UK singles chart. The Koobas never made it onto the official sales chart, but their cover of Gracie Fields hit "Sally" rose to number 21 on Pirate Radio London's Fab 40 in January 1967.
Towards the end of 1968 the group broke up.
Band members
Stuart Leathwood - rhythm guitar, vocals (1962-1968; died 2004)
Roy Morris - lead guitar, backing vocals (1962-1968)
Keith Ellis - bass guitar, backing vocals (1962-1968; died 1978)
John Morris - drums (1962-1964)
Tony O'Reilly - drums (1964-1968)
Circus
The Koobas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Circling the sawdust
Pageantry and old tradition
Brought to you in August
Watch the multi-coloured juggler
Whirl the clubs like lightening
Elephants are full of peace
All the lions are frightening
All the lions are frightening
All the lions are frightening
All the lions are frightening
My Lords, Ladies and midgets
We 'ave for your entertainment and titillation
The one, the only, Co-Co the smith
Oh yes I can
Oh no you can't
Oh yes I can
Oh no you can't
Oh yes I can
Oh no you can't
Oh yes I can
C'mon Jumbo you're late!
Oh bum, what a drag
Have I really got, to dance again
Must I really stand on this ball
Once upon a time I had dignity
Humans really make me feel small
But the children all love the Elephant
Things to tell I nod then
Everything would really be excellent
If I didn't have to dance again
Would you like to fly like a bird in the sky
To and fro, the trapeze is ever so high
Would you like to fly
Well so would I
Time to go, it's the end of the show, for another year
Time to leave, it's the end and the evenings disappeared
Time to go (time to go)
Time to go (time to go)
Time to go (time to go)
Time to....
The Koobas's song "Circus" describes the spectacle and grandeur of a traditional circus through vivid imagery and playful lyrics. The song opens with the description of the circus performers' attire, with "crimson thrones" and "golden cloaks" revolving around the sawdust. The chorus highlights the contrasting emotions evoked by the performers - from the multi-coloured juggler who dazzles the audience with his skills to the "frightening" lions, and the peaceful elephants. The lyrics also introduce the character of Co-Co the smith, who is presented as the main attraction of the circus show.
The verses sung by the Elephant add a poignant touch to the song, reflecting on the loss of dignity that comes with being a circus performer forced to entertain humans. Despite this, the Elephant acknowledges that the children love watching him perform, and he nods along to their excitement, albeit reluctantly. The song ends with the realization that the show has come to an end for another year, and it's time to leave.
Line by Line Meaning
Crimson thrones and golden cloaks
Amidst the surroundings filled with sawdust, there are fancy seats and garments that are just as fancy.
Circling the sawdust
The impressive and fancy items are arranged around the sawdust in a circular fashion.
Pageantry and old tradition
The show is filled with a sense of history and ceremony.
Brought to you in August
This event is a special occasion in the summer month of August.
Watch the multi-coloured juggler
Observe the skilled performer who is using flashy clubs that whirl around lightning fast.
Whirl the clubs like lightening
The juggler is quickly and expertly manipulating the clubs in a way that impresses the audience.
Elephants are full of peace
These gentle animals are calm and tranquil.
And all the lions are frightening
The lions are fierce and intimidating to those who see them perform.
My Lords, Ladies and midgets
The host is addressing all members of the audience, including the guests of honor and the little people in attendance.
We 'ave for your entertainment and titillation
We present to you an entertainment that will amuse and excite you.
The one, the only, Co-Co the smith
We are introducing the highly-talented and unique Co-Co the smith to the audience.
Oh yes I can
The performer has the ability to accomplish something successfully.
Oh no you can't
Someone is skeptical and doubts the performer's ability.
C'mon Jumbo you're late!
Someone is exclaiming to the elephant named Jumbo, who is running behind schedule.
Oh bum, what a drag
Jumbo is upset and frustrated due to the unexpected delay.
Have I really got, to dance again
The performer is questioning if they must continue doing the same routine over and over again.
Must I really stand on this ball
The performer is questioning if they can do something other than standing on a ball in their routine.
Once upon a time I had dignity
In the past, the performer used to have more grace and nobility in their performance.
Humans really make me feel small
The performer feels embarrassed and humiliated when people watch them perform.
But the children all love the Elephant
Despite the performer's feelings, the kids adore Jumbo and want to see more of him.
Things to tell I nod then
The performer acknowledges the children's request and keeps it in mind for future performances.
Everything would really be excellent
The performer would have a great time if they didn't have to do the same act over and over again.
If I didn't have to dance again
The performer wishes to do something other than dancing repeatedly.
Would you like to fly like a bird in the sky
The performer is asking the audience if they like to have the sensation of flight.
To and fro, the trapeze is ever so high
The performer states that the trapeze is a high and thrilling place to be.
Well so would I
The performer admits that they would also like to fly.
Time to go, it's the end of the show, for another year
The performance has concluded, and it's time for the audience to go home and wait for the next year's show.
Time to leave, it's the end and the evenings disappeared
It's now the end of the evening, and the performance is over and the audience is leaving.
Time to....
The performer is about to say goodbye to his audience.
Contributed by Sarah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.