The initial line-up for the debut album, entitled The Lilac Time, released in November 1987 was the two Duffys and keyboardist Michael Weston. Subsequent line-ups have revolved around the two brothers and included drummer Michael Giri, bassist Micky Harris, multi-instrumentalist Caroline Radcliffe, pianist Cara Tivey. Nick Duffy briefly left in 1990 and was replaced by guitarist Sagat Guirey. Later members post '91 split include backing vocalist & keyboardist Claire Worrall and pedal steel guitarist Melvin Duffy (no relation!).
The band's activity is intertwined with Stephen's solo career, waxing and waning as his time and attention permit. The longest gap between Lilac Time records was 8 years - 1991's Astronauts to 1999's Looking for a Day in the Night.
Now, Stephen Duffy is perhaps best known as the co-songwriter and producer for Robbie Williams, and after many years of obscurity, a series of reissues now means that the entire Lilac Time back catalogue is available to buy in the UK for the first time ever. His three later solo albums (1993's Music in Colors, 1995's Duffy & 1998's I Love My Friends) have also been reissued with extra tracks.
From 2003 to 2009 the band released records as Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time and has stabilised with the permanent line-up of Stephen Duffy, Nick Duffy and Claire Worrall (who married Stephen Duffy in 2008). Michael Giri, Micky Harris and Melvin Duffy supplement the line-up on rare occasions they play live.
April 2015 sees the return of The Lilac Time name in the form of a new album, entitled No Sad Songs.
Fields
The Lilac Time Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been sleeping in the hedgerow
I've been looking for a friend
I've been looking for a friend
I'd like to know
And if you'd like to know
You know you know what I mean
I know I know how you feel
I know what you feel is real
You've been riding in the garden
In the darkness of
You ride a lot like me
You've been riding on the horses
In the blackness oh
That touched the trees
You know…
The Lilac Time's song "Fields" can be interpreted as a yearning for connection and companionship amidst a seemingly solitary existence. The lyrics describe the singer's experience of living in the fields and sleeping in the hedgerows, suggesting a life secluded from society. The repeated phrase "I've been looking for a friend" reinforces this sense of isolation, as the singer longs for someone to share their life with. The sentiment is further emphasised in the line "And if you'd like to know," implying that the singer is hopeful that someone out there is searching for them too.
The chorus of the song adds to this feeling of connection, with the lines "You know you know what I mean / You know you like where I've been / I know I know how you feel / I know what you feel is real." Here, the singer is telling the listener that they understand the longing for companionship, and that they share that feeling. The repetition of "you know" and "I know" creates a sense of mutual understanding, as if to say that the singer and the listener are not so different after all.
In the second verse, the imagery shifts to riding in a garden and on horses in the darkness. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life, with the horses representing the highs and lows. The line "You ride a lot like me" suggests that the singer and the listener have similar experiences and outlooks on life, which could be the foundation for a strong friendship or relationship. The final line "You know" implies a shared knowledge or understanding between the two, further reinforcing the sense of connection.
Overall, "Fields" is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of loneliness, companionship, and the human desire for connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been living in the fields
I have been residing in the countryside, surrounded by nature.
I've been sleeping in the hedgerow
I have been sleeping outdoors, amidst the bushes and shrubs.
I've been looking for a friend
I am searching for companionship and a true friend.
I'd like to know
I am curious and interested in learning more.
And if you'd like to know
If you are interested, I am open to sharing more information.
You know you know what I mean
You understand and relate to my point of view.
You know you like where I've been
You appreciate my experiences and my way of life.
I know I know how you feel
I empathize with your emotions and understand your perspective.
I know what you feel is real
I believe that your emotions and experiences are genuine and valid.
You've been riding in the garden
You have been strolling leisurely in the garden.
In the darkness of
In the midst of darkness and shadows.
You ride a lot like me
Your approach to life and experiences is similar to mine.
You've been riding on the horses
You have been horseback riding.
In the blackness oh
In the deep darkness and obscurity.
That touched the trees
The darkness was so dense that it seemed to blend with the trees.
You know…
You understand what I mean and can relate to my experiences.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEPHEN DUFFY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind