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.
Trinity
The Lilac Time Lyrics
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Her windswept hair and family Ford
Padlocked gates the red brick shade
Tall hedges of her green city
Out worn maps of consciousness
Sometimes have to be redrawn
Draw me in your arms to you
I don't know what to do about trinity
The Lilac Time's song "Trinity" is a cryptic and complex song that requires deep analysis to fully understand its meaning. The lyrics highlight the singer's struggle to comprehend the concept of trinity, which seems to be an enigmatic symbol of the singer's existential confusion. The first verse suggests a hint of nostalgia for a place by the ocean, but the locked gates and tall hedges imply a sense of isolation and separation. The "outworn maps of consciousness" suggest that the singer is trying to navigate a world where the old maps no longer apply, implying a sense of confusion and disorientation.
In the chorus, the singer seems to be asking someone to bring them comfort and peace, asking them to draw them into their arms. The use of the word "Trinity" is ambiguous but can be interpreted as an allusion to the religious concept of the Holy Trinity, which suggests that there might be a spiritual dimension to the song's meaning. The song's structure and lyrics suggest that the singer is searching for answers to the questions that they cannot fully comprehend.
Line by Line Meaning
Calling card an ocean view
A reminder of a beautiful sight, like an ocean view, can be like a calling card that prompts memories.
Her windswept hair and family Ford
The image of a woman with tousled hair leaning against a vintage Ford car can evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
Padlocked gates the red brick shade
The singer describes a place of seclusion, where access is limited, and the surroundings are cool and shadowy.
Tall hedges of her green city
The hedges that surround a green city represent barriers that separate people and their personal spaces.
Out worn maps of consciousness
Mental maps and perceptions can become outdated and need revision or updating to stay relevant.
Sometimes have to be redrawn
Mental maps and perceptions need to be reassessed, revised, and updated continuously to remain in sync with changing circumstances and perspectives.
Draw me in your arms to you
The singer expresses the desire to be drawn close to their beloved's embrace for comfort and solace.
I don't know what to do about trinity
The artist is uncertain and at a loss regarding what can be done to solve the issue of Trinity which is left ambiguous.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEPHEN DUFFY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind