The Magnets music is founded on the sounds they can make from their mouths alone. Genius vocal percussionist Andy provides the groove. From bass drum to high hat, he produces entire drum tracks with his mouth. Fraser adds the bass, while James, Michael, Nic and Steve provide the layers of harmony and lead vocals on top.
Born in London out of an amalgamation of friendships, college shows and luck, the band released their debut album Giving It All That' on EMI in 2001, an independent second album Another Place followed, and the group are currently negotiating a major German distribution deal for their forthcoming third album. Both albums were recognised at the a cappella 'Grammies', the CARAs (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards), winning the awards for best song in 2001 and 2003, alongside several other nominations.
In their element live, a Magnets concert presents a unique combination of musical sophistication, showmanship and soul. Performing for up to two hours, the show is a synthesis of the bands award winning original material, and their a cappella take on classic songs by artists such as Elvis, The Turtles, and the Jackson 5. However, The Magnets are not too cool to party, and the songs are spiced with humour, dancing, audience participation, and of course Andy Lips Frosts house destroying vocal drum solo.
Performing 160 shows a year in 2003 and 2004, the group have enjoyed support tours with Tom Jones, West End star Michael Ball, Lisa Stansfield and Geri Halliwell. They receive frequent invitations to play prestigious events in the UK and Europe, including the Queen's Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace and the BBC Proms in Hyde Park.
Other career highlights include a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004, and official functions for Prime Minister Tony Blair, and German Chancellor Gerhardt Schroeder. The group have also become a favourite party band for the rich and famous, such as super model Elle Macpherson, Liz Hurley, Billionaire Phillip Green, media mogul Richard Desmond, and Hugh Grant.
The Magnets make regular TV and radio appearances in the UK, including peak time shows such as Parkinson, GMTV, Blue Peter, the Generation Game, Songs of Praise, MTV, Star For A Night, The Kelly Show, and Open House, as well as Loose Ends on Radio 4, and sessions on Radio 2. The band also play several charity and schools concerts every year, supporting causes such as the Teenage Cancer Trust and Children In Need, and promoting live music in education.
In Europe, and particularly Germany, The Magnets are well known as accomplished headliners at arts festivals and theatres, and made a breakthrough into the mainstream with several national TV appearances in the second half of 2003. In recent months the group have also broadened their horizons to Moscow, Israel, Singapore and China.
There was also a short lived Japanese punk rock band called the Magnets who only released one CD in 1989, entitled "Searching for Truth"
I Can't Go For That
The Magnets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where does it stop
Where do you dare me to draw the line
You got the body, now you want my soul
Don't even think about it
Say no, go
Yeah, I'll do almost anything that you want me to
Chorus:
But I can't go for that' no' no can do
But I can't go for that' no' no can do
But I can't go for that' no' no can do
I can't go for that, can't go for that, can't go for that, can't go for that
I can't go for being twice as nice
I can't go for just repeating the same old lines
Used the body now you want my soul
Oooh forget about it and say no, go
Yeah, I'll do anything that you want me to
Yeah, I'll do almost anything that you want me to
Chorus
Got my body and my mind and my soul
I'm guessing the truth is that I really don't know
The only thing I know is that I lose control
'Cause you're a beauty and a cutie and I can't let go
The lying the crying I just can't take
Why can't you be true girl with me girl' you have to be fake
I gotta be strong carry on to make it me and you
I can't go for that sorry, no can do
Yeah, I'll do anything that you want me to
Yeah, I'll do almost anything that you want me to
Chorus 3x
The Magnets's song I Can't Go For That is an upbeat track that explores the complications and challenges that come with trying to maintain a healthy relationship. The lyrics speak to a situation where one partner is trying to push the other into doing things they're not entirely comfortable with, whether it's sexually, emotionally or otherwise. The song opens with "Easy ready willing overtime, where does it stop, where do you dare me to draw the line," which suggests that one partner is trying to push the limits of the other's boundaries. The second stanza, "You got the body, now you want my soul, don't even think about it, say no, go," further highlights this power dynamic in the relationship, where one partner is attempting to control the other.
The chorus of the song, "But I can't go for that, no can do," is a clear expression of the singer's reluctance to go along with what the other partner is suggesting. The repetition of the phrase "no can do" highlights the inevitability of conflict and the singer's resolve not to be pushed any further. The lyrics also explore the idea that the singer is aware of their own vulnerability in the situation, and that their partner's beauty and charm make it difficult to resist their advances. Despite this, the singer makes it clear that they won't compromise their own boundaries, and that they're willing to walk away from the relationship if necessary.
Overall, The Magnets's song I Can't Go For That addresses many themes that are relevant to relationships, including boundaries, power dynamics, and the courage to stand up for oneself. Through their music, the band encourages listeners to be aware of their own limits and to speak up when someone tries to push them past those limits.
Line by Line Meaning
Easy ready willing overtime
I am willing to work hard for you and put in extra effort
Where does it stop
I wonder how far you will push me
Where do you dare me to draw the line
I want to know your limits, where you will say 'no more'
You got the body, now you want my soul
You have physical attraction to me, now you want emotional control as well
Don't even think about it
I won't let you have my soul
Say no, go
I won't give in to your demands
Yeah, I'll do anything that you want me to
I am willing to please you
Yeah, I'll do almost anything that you want me to
I have my limits, but I still want to make you happy
But I can't go for that' no' no can do
I won't let you have my soul, no matter what
I can't go for that, can't go for that, can't go for that, can't go for that
I am firm in my decision to not give you my soul
I can't go for being twice as nice
I won't let you take advantage of my kindness
I can't go for just repeating the same old lines
I want you to be genuine and not just say things to manipulate me
Used the body now you want my soul
You have already taken something from me, now you want more
Oooh forget about it and say no, go
I won't give in to your demands and you should move on
Got my body and my mind and my soul
You have physical, emotional, and spiritual access to me
I'm guessing the truth is that I really don't know
Even though you have access to me, I don't fully understand you
The only thing I know is that I lose control
Being with you makes me lose my sense of self
'Cause you're a beauty and a cutie and I can't let go
I am physically attracted to you and can't resist
The lying the crying I just can't take
I am tired of your dishonesty and emotional manipulation
Why can't you be true girl with me girl' you have to be fake
I want you to be real with me and not pretend to be someone else
I gotta be strong carry on to make it me and you
I need to be firm in my boundaries and make our relationship work
I can't go for that sorry, no can do
I won't let you continue to manipulate me emotionally
Contributed by Mia T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.