The Lapelles were one of the UK’s promising guitar bands. They had been fea… Read Full Bio ↴The Lapelles were one of the UK’s promising guitar bands. They had been featured in the NME and had performed at festivals including T in the Park and Belladrum.
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.

The Strand
The Lapelles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now I'm on my own
and my head is full of …
I'd been wondering for days for you

Time is not my friend
burn a second and it's wrong
and I knew it all along, oh well

The last chance, oh come if you want it
a second dance go mean you provoke it
no hope and no good legion now

Make plans, you said the cost for the weekend
watch the day you want it with me friend
No talk and no decision now

I see time …
I say many many things
But my heart don't let me sing for you

‘Cause you cross the bench
now I said too much
I'm on the strand
with my head in my arms

The last chance, oh come if you want it
a second dance go mean you provoke it
no hope and no good legion now

Make plans, you said it cost for the weekend

that's ok, you won't be with me friend
No talk and no decision now

Overall Meaning

The Lapelles's song "The Strand" talks about heartbreak and loss. The lead singer narrates the emotional journey of being alone and missing someone deeply. The song begins with the line "Now I'm on my own, and my head is full of," which suggests that the singer is missing someone he once had by his side. The next line, "I'd been wondering for days for you," reinforces this idea that he's been longing for this person, and the feeling is getting stronger with each passing day.

As the song progresses, the singer admits that he knew all along that he was going to lose this person. Time was not his friend, and he burnt a second, and it was wrong. The lyrics "no hope and no good reason now" suggest that he has given up hope of being reunited with this person. He then offers a second chance to this person. He says, "The last chance, oh come if you want it, a second dance go mean you provoke it." However, he knows deep down that there is no hope in restoring their relationship.

Towards the end of the song, the singer is seen on the "strand" with his head on his arms, indicating that he is heartbroken and has given up. He admits that he has "said too much," and his "heart don't let (him) sing for (you)." It's a poignant moment, where his heartache is palpable, and the listener can empathize with his feelings of loss and despair.

Line by Line Meaning

Now I'm on my own
I find myself alone

and my head is full of ...
my mind is racing with thoughts

I'd been wondering for days for you
I spent days contemplating about you

Time is not my friend
I'm running out of time

burn a second and it's wrong
Time slips away too quickly

and I knew it all along, oh well
I knew it would end like this

The last chance, oh come if you want it
This is your final opportunity, take it or leave it

a second dance go mean you provoke it
We could have another chance, but it might not end well

no hope and no good legion now
There is no positive outcome to this situation

Make plans, you said the cost for the weekend
You suggested plans for the weekend, but at a price

watch the day you want it with me friend
Spend the day you desire with me, my friend