Broudie and Rogers formed the act as the "perfect pop project", and Lightning Seeds broke through in 1989 with the psychedelic synth pop hit, "Pure", which made the UK Top 20 and was a minor hit on US pop radio and a major success on US alternative radio. In the 1990s Lightning Seeds became one of the most popular and enterprising of the era. The 1995 album Jollification was a critical masterpiece, spawning several successful singles. In 1996, Lightning Seeds provided the music and production for the official England anthem for the Euro '96 football tournament. The lyrics were written and sung by comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, and the song, "Three Lions", went straight into the charts at number one.
Since the release of 1999's Tilt the act has taken a back seat as Broudie concentrated on producing the works of others. However, in 2006, Broudie reformed the band with a selection of new members, releasing a Very Best Of album, and performing a number of tour dates. In 2009, the band released Four Winds, their first album in 10 years.
Brain Drain
The Lightning Seeds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking back at the fun we've had
But sometimes I want so much more
Than this tug of war, I'm longing for
Swinging scenes in magazines
They're just distant dreams now
Some say it feels really bad
But somehow all those paper lies
Just anaesthetise the passers by
The faceless clowns that put me down
Don't bring me down
I'm lost inside this brain drain, taking me over
Somehow, I get to play the fame game
Lost inside this brain drain, I used to long for
A call to action, a strange attraction
Somehow I'm not ready for
Feeling bored and wanting more
The radio plays like a uniform
And dips you brains in chloroform
They're so concerned, the spoken word
Seems so absurd
I'm lost inside this brain drain, taking me over
Somehow, I get to play the fame game
Lost inside this brain drain, I used to long for
A call to action, a strange attraction
It's never the way it goes
Just in time, too late to know
I've realized, I'm lost inside, I'm mesmerized
I'm lost inside this brain drain, taking me over
Somehow, I get to play the fame game
Lost inside this brain drain, I used to long for
The Lightning Seeds’ “Brain Drain” reflects the paradoxical nature of the music industry. The song speaks of the longing for fame and recognition, yet acknowledges the toxicity that comes with it. In the first stanza, the singer reminisces about the fun times they’ve had, but simultaneously desires for something more meaningful than the fleeting experiences of fame. The imagery of “Swinging scenes in magazines” that are now just “distant dreams” reflects the disillusionment that accompanies the realization that fame may not bring the fulfillment that one desires.
The second stanza delves into the negative aspects of being in the public eye. The “vicious tongues” of critics and the “paper lies” of tabloids can be suffocating and can even “anaesthetize” one’s sense of self. The singer doesn’t allow the “faceless clowns” who put them down to bring them down.
The chorus expresses the feeling of being trapped and “lost” in the “brain drain” of the music industry. The desire to be recognized and successful is simultaneously intoxicating and overwhelming. However, the singer comes to the realization that being in the industry isn’t exactly what they longed for, and the “fame game” may not be worth the cost.
Overall, “Brain Drain” is an insightful commentary on the fame and the perils of being in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I feel really glad
Occasionally, I experience genuine happiness
Looking back at the fun we've had
Reflecting on the enjoyable times we've shared
But sometimes I want so much more
However, I crave something beyond what I've already experienced
Than this tug of war, I'm longing for
More than the exhausting back and forth struggle of daily life
Swinging scenes in magazines
Images of carefree and exciting lifestyles depicted in publications
They're just distant dreams now
Now they are just unattainable fantasies
Some say it feels really bad
Some people claim it's excruciating
When those vicious tongues begin to wag
When rumors and malicious talk starts to circulate
But somehow all those paper lies
However, the lies printed on paper seem to numb people's senses
Just anaesthetise the passers by
Drugging and numbing those who hear them
The faceless clowns that put me down
The unknown individuals who criticize and belittle me
Don't bring me down
Will not get me down
I'm lost inside this brain drain, taking me over
I feel trapped and overwhelmed by this mental exhaustion
Somehow, I get to play the fame game
Yet still, I'm expected to participate in the game of chasing success and recognition
Lost inside this brain drain, I used to long for
Now, being lost in this mental fatigue is not what I hoped for
A call to action, a strange attraction
A motivation to do something, despite feeling drained
Somehow I'm not ready for
However, I don't feel prepared or excited to take on anything new
Feeling bored and wanting more
Feeling unchallenged and desiring something greater
The radio plays like a uniform
In a monotonous and repetitive manner, like a uniform routine
And dips your brains in chloroform
Making your brain feel numb and sedated
They're so concerned, the spoken word
Words are spoken with such excessive worry and caution
Seems so absurd
It all comes off as ridiculous and irrational
It's never the way it goes
Things never go as planned
Just in time, too late to know
When things finally happen, it's too late to take advantage of the opportunity
I've realized, I'm lost inside, I'm mesmerized
I've come to the realization that I'm stuck and captivated by this state of mind
I'm lost inside this brain drain, taking me over
I'm trapped, unable to escape this feeling of mental exhaustion
Somehow, I get to play the fame game
Despite feeling this way, I'm still expected to chase success and recognition
Lost inside this brain drain, I used to long for
Now, being lost in this state of mind is not what I once desired
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: IAN BROUDIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
colin ratford
So many happy memories re this tune when with my three young boys trying to dance to the intro......smiles abundance xx
atchoo22
Ian, you have brought so much joy to your listeners and I think you need to know that (though I'm sure you've about heard this a lot).
Technobutt Chia
First