The band's lineup consisted of John Brady (vocals, keyboards), Heidi Kure (vocals), Phil Allen (drums), Tom Gould (guitar), Bobby Carr (guitar, violin) and Mike Pursey (bass, later of Dead or Alive).
The Moderates also recorded a John Peel session on 25 March 1981 at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios, produced by Dale Griffin (Mott the Hoople). The session was transmitted on 20 April that year.
Black And White
The Moderates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They all have something, something they need
You wanna take a stand first take a knee
But you might want to stop for the things unseen
If there was a moment if there was a day
If there was a time and a place would you say
All the emotions you build up inside
You cant turn and go, you cant run and hide
'Cause I see the scars you'll have your whole life
And I, I can tell you how much I need you
But you wont understand
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Your emotional state is so black and white
For the sake of your family you're going to have to try
'Cause if you fall away then you'll die
The heart of the father means well for the sun
But the weight that it puts on my heart is a ton
When you retreat to that state of mind
It takes us all back, to stand in that line
Hopping and praying that you would pull through
Believe me when I say we're thinking of you
We're thinking of the way that you used to be
Humor and joy filled the room when you speak
But those are just memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
The Moderates's song Black and White presents a powerful message about the difficulties that families face when dealing with emotional struggles within their members. The first lines of the song showcase a group of people considered outcasts in our society, such as beggars, liars, cheaters, and thieves, and claim that they all have something they need. This statement emphasizes that everyone has their own struggles, and we should not be quick to judge others. The lyrics then urge the listener to take a stand, but to first take a knee and acknowledge the things that need to be addressed.
The second verse speaks directly to an individual who is struggling with emotional turmoil by saying, "Your emotional state is so black and white." The writer recognizes that it is important to seek help and not try to hide or deny the painful feelings. The chorus repeats the sentiments of the song and emphasizes the need to connect with others to survive hardships and not to try to face them alone.
Furthermore, the song reflects on the memories of the past when the family unit was intact, and everyone was happy. The lyrics express the love that the writer has for the memories and the person they used to be. The lines "God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family" evoke a sense of loss and wishful thinking of returning to happier times. The song's underlying message is that we should not be quick to judge others, should always ask for help when needed, and value the connections with our loved ones, which can provide support and comfort during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Beggars and liars, cheaters and thieves
People who beg, lie, cheat, and steal, still have things they need.
You wanna take a stand first take a knee
Before you make a stand, take a moment and think about the things you cannot see.
But you might want to stop for the things unseen
Reflect on the things that cannot be seen before making a decision.
If there was a moment if there was a day
If there was a specific time and place.
If there was a time and a place would you say
If you were given the opportunity to express what you feel at that specific time and place, would you speak out?
All the emotions you build up inside
All of the feelings that you keep bottled up within.
You cant turn and go, you cant run and hide
You cannot just run away from your problems and escape from what troubles you.
So don't try and tell me it's alright
Don't pretend that everything is fine when it is not.
'Cause I see the scars you'll have your whole life
I can see the pain and suffering that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
And I, I can tell you how much I need you
I can express how much I rely on you and how important you are to me.
But you wont understand
You might not fully comprehend how much you mean to me.
Your emotional state is so black and white
You are either very happy or very sad, with no in-between emotions.
For the sake of your family you're going to have to try
You need to make an effort for the sake of your family and loved ones.
'Cause if you fall away then you'll die
If you give up and let go, you will lose a part of yourself.
The heart of the father means well for the sun
The father means well for his son and always has the best intentions.
But the weight that it puts on my heart is a ton
But the burden it places on his heart is a heavy one.
When you retreat to that state of mind
When you go back to that mental state of being.
It takes us all back, to stand in that line
It takes us back to a negative state of mind and an unpleasant time.
Hoping and praying that you would pull through
We are all hoping and praying that you can surpass your current state.
Believe me when I say we're thinking of you
Know that we are all thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts.
We're thinking of the way that you used to be
We are all thinking of the way you were before you changed.
Humor and joy filled the room when you speak
You used to bring laughter and happiness when you spoke.
But those are just memories
Those moments are now just memories and things of the past.
God I love the memories
I cherish those memories and hold them dear.
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
When we were still together as a family, I felt so close to you and our bond was strong.
Those are just melodies
Those moments are just tunes or thoughts now.
God I love the melodies
I still love to reminisce about those moments and have them as a part of me.
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
When we were still together as a family, I felt so close to you and our bond was strong.
Writer(s): Taylor Joshua William
Contributed by Hudson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
sarah
[Verse 1]
Beggars and liars and cheaters and thieves
They all have something, something they need
You wanna take a stand first take a knee
But you might want to stop for the things unseen
[Verse 2]
If there was a moment if there was a day
If there was a time and a place would you say
All the emotions you build up inside
You can't turn and go, you can't run and hide
[Pre-Chorus]
But those are just memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
[Chorus]
So don't try and tell me it's alright
‘Cause I see the scars you'll have your whole life
And I, I can tell you how much I need you
But you won't understand
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Your emotional state is so black and white
For the sake of your family you're going to have to try
‘Cause if you fall away then you'll die
[Verse 3]
The heart of the father means well for the sun
But the weight that it puts on my heart is a ton
When you retreat to that state of mind
It takes us all back, to stand in that line
[Verse 4]
Hoping and praying that you would pull through
Believe me when I say we're thinking of you
We're thinking of the way that you used to be
Humor and joy filled the room when you speak
[Pre-Chorus]
But those are just memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
[Chorus]
Don't try and tell me it's alright
‘Cause I see the scars you'll have your whole life
And I, I can tell you how much I need you
But you won't understand
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Your emotional state is so black and white
For the sake of your family you're going to have to try
‘Cause if you fall away then you'll die
[Pre-Chorus]
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
[Outtro]
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
The Moderates
Thank you guys so much for your support!! We love you all.
Brighton and Hove Lad
I LOVE THIS
LIME WARRIØR CAT
This song is tottaly a great one. Hardly make me a song FELL SOMETHING,this one is just all.
kaevonni
I love you
Makayla Blakeslee
The Moderates I’m so sad🥺 I love your guy’s music so much but I can only find one album of it:( I love every single song you have produced. Is there any chance of you guys coming out with more?
Layne Vaughn
@Makayla Blakeslee sorry don't know if you exist anymore but they're now the band half•alive, thank you for being here
sarah
[Verse 1]
Beggars and liars and cheaters and thieves
They all have something, something they need
You wanna take a stand first take a knee
But you might want to stop for the things unseen
[Verse 2]
If there was a moment if there was a day
If there was a time and a place would you say
All the emotions you build up inside
You can't turn and go, you can't run and hide
[Pre-Chorus]
But those are just memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
[Chorus]
So don't try and tell me it's alright
‘Cause I see the scars you'll have your whole life
And I, I can tell you how much I need you
But you won't understand
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Your emotional state is so black and white
For the sake of your family you're going to have to try
‘Cause if you fall away then you'll die
[Verse 3]
The heart of the father means well for the sun
But the weight that it puts on my heart is a ton
When you retreat to that state of mind
It takes us all back, to stand in that line
[Verse 4]
Hoping and praying that you would pull through
Believe me when I say we're thinking of you
We're thinking of the way that you used to be
Humor and joy filled the room when you speak
[Pre-Chorus]
But those are just memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
[Chorus]
Don't try and tell me it's alright
‘Cause I see the scars you'll have your whole life
And I, I can tell you how much I need you
But you won't understand
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Your emotional state is so black and white
For the sake of your family you're going to have to try
‘Cause if you fall away then you'll die
[Pre-Chorus]
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
[Outtro]
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Don't try and tell me it's alright
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just the memories
God I love the memories
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
Those are just melodies
God I love the melodies
God, you felt so close to me when we were still a family
vivshields
This band has quickly become one of favorites, I can't wait to see where they'll go one day. They deserve to make it big wow
Tenyah Gates
vivshields they went to go copy twenty one pilots ....they are called "half alive"
nina k
Tenyah Gates they don't really 'copy'