Manchester England
The Lords Lyrics


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Manchester England England
Across the Atlantic Sea
And I'm a genius genius
I believe in God
And I believe that God
Believes in Claude
That's me that's me
Claude Hooper Bukowski
Finds that it's groovy
To hide in a movie
Pretends he's Fellini
And Antonioni
And also his countryman Roman Polanski
All rolled into one
One Claud Hooper Bukowski

Now that I've dropped out
Why is life dreary dreary
Answer my weary query
Timothy Leary dearie

Oh Manchester England England
Across the Atlantic Sea
And I'm a genius genius
I believe in God
And I believe that God
Believes in Claude
That's me (that's he)
That's me (that's he)




That's me (that's he)
That's me

Overall Meaning

The Lords's song "Manchester England" is a catchy tribute to the city of Manchester, England, which is famous for its art, music, and culture. The lyrics tell the story of Claude Hooper Bukowski, a character who loves to hide in the movies and pretend to be famous film directors Fellini, Antonioni, and also Roman Polanski, all rolled into one. This is a nod to the city's thriving film scene and the role it played in the 1960s cultural revolution.


The line "Now that I've dropped out, why is life dreary dreary, answer my weary query, Timothy Leary dearie" is a reference to Timothy Leary, a prominent psychologist and writer who was a proponent of the use of psychedelics to explore the human mind. The line suggests that Claude has dropped out of society and is looking for answers to his existential questions. The chorus repeats the idea that Claude is a genius who believes in God and that God believes in him. This repetition reinforces Claude's character as a self-proclaimed genius who is seeking validation in the world around him.


The song was written by the British songwriter Tony Hiller, who was also the songwriter behind the Brotherhood of Man's smash hit single "Save Your Kisses for Me." "Manchester England" was recorded by The Lords, a German beat band, in 1968. The song was a modest hit in Germany and other parts of Europe, but it didn't chart in the UK. Despite this, the song has since become something of a cult hit and an anthem for the city of Manchester.


Line by Line Meaning

Manchester England England
Acknowledging the city of Manchester and its location across the Atlantic Ocean.


Across the Atlantic Sea
Referring to the distance between Manchester and the United States.


And I'm a genius genius
Describing the singer's self-perception as exceptionally intelligent or creative.


I believe in God
Asserting the artist's belief in a higher power or deity.


And I believe that God
Continuing to express the artist's religious beliefs.


Believes in Claude
Suggesting that the singer, Claude, is favored or supported by God.


That's me that's me
Confirming that the previous line refers to the singer, Claude.


Claude Hooper Bukowski
Introducing the artist's full name.


Finds that it's groovy
Expressing the artist's positive attitude towards a particular mindset or lifestyle.


To hide in a movie
Relating the idea of finding solace or escape in cinema.


Pretends he's Fellini
Imagining the singer's ability to emulate or impersonate the famous film director, Federico Fellini.


And Antonioni
Continuing to reference notable Italian filmmakers with whom the artist identifies.


And also his countryman Roman Polanski
Mentioning the Polish-French director, Roman Polanski, who shares a national background with the singer.


All rolled into one
Emphasizing the singer's composite identity and creative influences.


One Claud Hooper Bukowski
Reasserting the singer's name and identity.


Now that I've dropped out
Indicating that the artist has left school or traditional education behind.


Why is life dreary dreary
Expressing the artist's sense of disillusionment or boredom with life.


Answer my weary query
Appealing for someone to respond to the singer's heartfelt question or concern.


Timothy Leary dearie
Addressing the countercultural figure, Timothy Leary, who was an advocate for psychedelic drugs and alternative lifestyles.


That's me (that's he)
Repeating the phrase from earlier in the song to reinforce the artist's identity as Claude.


That's me (that's he)
Further reinforcing the artist's identity.


That's me (that's he)
Concluding the song with a final assertion of the artist's name and identity.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Wolfgang Pein

Dieser Titel ist von der Single b-side 1969! Ein guter Titel!

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