They began recording during the mid-80s, picking up the name 'Baseball Boys' as a reference from a gang of hooligans from the cult film 'The Warriors'. Changing things around to 'The Outfield', perhaps a hint of their later American success due to their affinity for U.S. culture, they released their first album, titled 'Play Deep', in 1985 through Columbia Records. Picking up critical acclaim for their melodic rock sound, the album reached #9 on the Billboard 200 list and ended up reaching triple platinum status in America. As remarked by an Allmusic reviewer, the band had a knack for making "a harmonious chorus that is overly smooth and rock savvy." Their single "Your Love" reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as #7 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, and it soon became their 'signature song. It has went on to be featured in a number of 80s-themed compilation albums, and over a thousand covers and remixes by other artists have been released physically and/or online. Other singles "Say It Isn't So" and "Everytime You Cry" also made it into the top 20 on Mainstream Rock chart.
Though possibly peaking too early, the band continued to record and tour through the 80s and then into the early 90s as the Anglo-American pop rock and power pop scenes evolved. While their second album, titled 'Bangin'', hit the top 20 on the Billboard 200 list had both singles hit the top 40 on the Mainstream Rock chart, the group began losing their popular audience by their third album, 'Voices of Babylon', came out in 1989. Though receiving critical acclaim, the rock mainstream seemed to have shifted considerably underneath them. Drummer Alan Jackman left, and, now as a duo, they recorded 'Diamond Days' in 1991. After the disappointing response to their 1992 album 'Rockeye', which represented a shift towards progressive rock and arena rock, the group essentially disbanded for much of the 90s.
They resumed touring in 1998, and thereafter the band released two live albums via their website. The group's comeback album, 'Any Time Now', was released by Sidewinder Records in March 2006 and constituted a comeback to their traditional pop rock sound. In mid-2009, the Outfield entered a London studio to begin recording their seventh studio album. Titled 'Replay', it saw a June 28, 2011 release, with the band's cult following enjoying deliberately retro sounding songs such as "California Sun". Their music popping up in various places (from Katy Perry recording a Outfield cover titled "Use Your Love" to the 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' video game using their music), the guys had somewhat of a resurgence of interest at the tail end of their career. Although popular interest in the band waxed and waned since their 80s musical heyday, their group maintained a devoted fan base among followers of the power pop genre for many years.
Guitarist and songwriter John Spinks died in July 2014, succumbing to liver cancer after a long and tough battle. He was 60. The group released a statement saying: “We are relieved that his passing was peaceful and painless.” After taking a few years off from music, lead singer/bassist Tony Lewis released a solo album in 2018 but died on 19 October 2020 in his house near London.
Everytime You Cry
The Outfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not the one who talks about your hair
I'm not the one to show you how I feel inside
I'm not the one to say how much I care
[Chorus]
Every time you cry I cry just a little bit
Cry just a little bit
Cry just a little bit more
I know it's late, I guess I should have called today
I know you're tired of waiting by the phone
I know you say-you just don't know how long you'll wait
I know that you can't live your life alone
[Chorus]
In a world where you think there's no one but you
But every time you need someone to dry your eyes
You call my name and know that I'll be there
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
The Outfield's song "Everytime You Cry" is a poignant and emotional ballad about unrequited love. The lyrics speak to the pain and heartache of loving someone who doesn't feel the same way. From the opening lines, the singer makes it clear that he doesn't want to control or change the person he loves. He's not interested in superficial things like clothes or hairstyles – he just wants to be there for her, to support her and help her through life's ups and downs.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with the singer admitting that every time his love interest cries, he feels her pain on a deep level. He's there for her every step of the way, even if she doesn't fully realize it. This theme of sacrifice and unselfish devotion is very evident in the song, as the singer is willing to endure his own emotional pain for the sake of the woman he loves.
In the third verse, we see the woman struggling with her own feelings about the relationship. She's tired of waiting for the man to make a move, but she also can't imagine living her life without him. The singer understands her insecurities and is patient and reassuring, even as he suffers in silence. The final repetition of the chorus drives home the message that this is a love that will never die, even if it's not reciprocated in the way the singer would like.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not the one to tell you what clothes to wear
I respect your choices and let you be yourself.
I'm not the one who talks about your hair
Your beauty doesn't rely on my compliments.
I'm not the one to show you how I feel inside
I may not express my emotions openly, but they're there.
I'm not the one to say how much I care
My actions speak louder than words, and they show my love.
Every time you cry I cry just a little bit
I empathize with you and share your pain.
Cry just a little bit
Your tears make me emotional too.
When you say goodbye, I die just a little bit
Your absence hurts me and makes me feel lost.
Cry just a little bit more
I urge you to let your emotions out, I'm here for you.
I know it's late, I guess I should have called today
I acknowledge my mistake and apologize for it.
I know you're tired of waiting by the phone
I understand your frustration and will not make you wait.
I know you say-you just don't know how long you'll wait
I'm patient and will not push you to do anything.
I know that you can't live your life alone
I know that you need companionship and support.
In a world where you think there's no one but you
I know you may feel lonely, but you're not alone.
But every time you need someone to dry your eyes
I'll be there to offer comfort and wipe away your tears.
You call my name and know that I'll be there
You can always count on me, and I'll always be there for you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOHN FREDRICK SPINKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cjennons
I just heard the sad news that Tony Lewis passed away. Condolences to his wife and family. Thanks for the music. One of my favorite 1980s groups.
@iris-solrocker3481
Igualmente descanse en paz Tony 😟
@stephwishteyah7877
Tony Lewis will be greatly missed as we say our final Farwell to another great Artist of the 80's
@brittanijill2977
Yes rip 😔😔😔😔
@taniaflores777
2😄
@roxannechavez9054
I, myself just seen his passing on those we've lost in 2020. He was just in the states this past yr. I wish I could've seen/ heard him in concert. With J. Spinks creative writing skills and T. Lewis unique Awesome voice! They've created a cool sound to always wanna keep listening to and never grow tired of! They will always be apart of my 80's jam tunes that I go to! RIP Tony Lewis and John Spinks. 🕯✝️❤🎶
@markwalch6065
The harmonics in this band are criminally underrated.
@AJJ7610
One of the best songs of the '80's. This entire album was amazing.
@redskies4530
Hi I Recommend a song Called 'The bond Villain' By Robert Nix
@matthewkester3677
yes, all of Play Deep was epic, and Banging was great too