Gary Watson, the frontman of rising Scottish band the Lapelles, has died after falling into the river Clyde in Glasgow. The singer was due to celebrate his 22nd birthday the day after the accident occurred.
According to a post on the band’s Facebook page, Watson died “as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic accident” on Saturday 13 August 2016. He had been rescued from the river after falling in, but died the following morning at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Police said the death was not suspicious.
In a statement, the Lapelles said: “It’s with shock, heavy hearts and sadness that we have to let you know the news that Gary sadly passed away this morning as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic accident last night. Today was his 22nd birthday. We are lost for words and struggling to process such a tragedy.
They added: “Gary was a creative force, a man who without his vision this band wouldn’t exist. We have lost a friend, a brother, a hero. At the moment it doesn’t seem real. We send our deepest condolences to Gary’s family and would appreciate your respect in allowing them & us some peace whilst we grieve. Forever in our hearts, with peace you go. X.”
Franz Ferdinand paid tribute to the group on Twitter, with a post that read: “We’re so sad to hear of the tragic passing of @TheLapelles Gary Watson, a lovely, talented man. Thoughts are with his family, friends & band.”
The Lapelles had been set to embark on a UK tour in October 2016.
Belt & Braces
The Lapelles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Change your name since and
Talk to me on the phone all night
Shaken me to the bone too right
Don't speak just talk a little older
When you're ready you can get down off my shoulders
Like a shot in the dark I'm here to stay
Tick tock now the sentimental's over
people looking back when I had told her
Belt and braces is all i need
Who needs nothing when i got speed
Don't speak just talk a little older
When you're ready you can get down off my shoulders
Like a shot in the dark I'm here to stay
I think I'm back from wherever I came from
I think I'm back from wherever I came from
I think I'm back, I think I'm back from where I came from
I think I'm back, I think I'm back, I think I'm back
Don't speak just talk a little older
When you're ready you can get down off my shoulders
Like a shot in the dark I'm here to stay
The Lapelles's song "Belt & Braces" brings up the feeling of youth and rebellion through its lyrics. The first verse refers to the fickle nature of relationships, with the use of "harsh words you say but you don't mean 'em" signifying an insincere and often hurtful nature towards another. The singer calls for a change in identity, suggesting they've been wronged and desperately seeking a new beginning. The second line sounds like it's referring to an ex, possibly one that left them feeling shaken to the core.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Don't speak just talk a little older" repeatedly to suggest the lack of wisdom from the people around them, calling for them to "get down off my shoulders", or likely just move on from their current position. The line "Like a shot in the dark I'm here to stay" is quite interesting, particularly with regard to the previous line. The singer has grown up, made their choices, and are confident that they've made the right ones.
The final verse, most likely, refers to the singer having some form of closure with their past experiences. The repetition of "I think I'm back from wherever I came from" may be seen as progress or a return to their true self or the place they call home. Additionally, the final chorus repeats the same lines as the first, summing up the entire song neatly. The song has quite a rebellious feel to it overall, a sense of not being tied down to anything and being free to make their own choices.
Line by Line Meaning
Harsh words you say but you don't mean 'em
You say things that may sound unkind, but you do not truly intend to be so hurtful.
Change your name since and
You have altered yourself in some way, perhaps by changing your name, and have become someone different than before.
Talk to me on the phone all night
We spoke on the phone for hours and passed the time telling each other about ourselves and our experiences.
Shaken me to the bone too right
You have affected me deeply, emotionally and have left a lasting impression.
Don't speak just talk a little older
It's not necessary to chatter endlessly, speak in a mature and thoughtful manner.
When you're ready you can get down off my shoulders
When the burden you carry on your mind and heart is ready to be put aside, you can relinquish it and move on.
Like a shot in the dark I'm here to stay
Despite uncertainty or doubt, I'm determined to stay in this situation and persevere no matter what.
Tick tock now the sentimental's over
The time to be sentimental or nostalgic is now past and it's time to move on.
People looking back when I had told her
Others will look back and remember when I explained something to her.
Belt and braces is all I need
I don't require much to be prepared or successful, I just need the basics.
Who needs nothing when I got speed
I have plenty of drive and motivation, which is all that's necessary to succeed and excel.
I think I'm back from wherever I came from
I believe I've returned to who I am at my core, after straying from that path for a while.
I think I'm back, I think I'm back from where I came from
I am starting to feel more like myself, like I've been released from a burden I was carrying.
Don't speak just talk a little older
It's not necessary to chatter endlessly, speak in a mature and thoughtful manner.
When you're ready you can get down off my shoulders
When the burden you carry on your mind and heart is ready to be put aside, you can relinquish it and move on.
Like a shot in the dark I'm here to stay
Despite uncertainty or doubt, I'm determined to stay in this situation and persevere no matter what.
Contributed by Lincoln V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@justchillout332
Great band, Gary will be always in our hearts!
@benjeyemanp1742
this is a hidden gem and a half 😍😍😍
@frankiewatson-brown1935
Banger
@zanderbawbag9214
Fantastic tune love it
@rigatone
They would have absolutely made it if Gary hadn't left us. They were close to signing a contract. The universe went wrong that night. Lovely lad, still think about him, hope his old bandmates and family are okay and it's getting easier in time