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.
Somewhere In America
The Outfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You might not win but you can't lose tonight
Just watch this fairy tale unfold
You won't believe all the things you've been told
Young or old
Somewhere in America
Somewhere in America tonight
Another town another place
Another name but you don't know the face
A joker deals and makes the rules
A game of chance a game that was made for fools
Like me and you
Somewhere in America
Somewhere in America tonight
Tonight
Don't wave a flag unless it's white
Don't make a noise unless you're prepared to fight
Wrong or right
Somewhere in America
Somewhere in America tonight
Somewhere in America
Somewhere in America tonight
The Outfield’s hit song, “Somewhere in America,” is a commentary on the game of life that people play every day. The first verse talks about playing the game and taking chances because, while you may not always win, you can’t lose if you don’t try. The chorus repeats the idea that this game can be played anywhere in America, by anyone from any part of the country. The second verse is a reminder that life can be unpredictable, with new places and new people coming into your world at any time. The joker referred to deals the deck and makes the rules, which can seem like a game made for fools, but it’s really just the way the universe operates for all of us.
The song also contains a message to people to be careful and not to stand up needlessly. In the final chorus, the band sings, “Don’t wave a flag unless it’s white/Don’t make a noise unless you’re prepared to fight/Wrong or right.” These lyrics are warning people not to be careless by claiming something of value or taking a stance on an issue, unless you have thought about the consequences of the action. The song is essentially saying to take calculated risks and to be a smart player in the game of life. You have to know when to assert yourself and when to sit back and let the game go on.
Line by Line Meaning
Just play the game and throw the dice
Take a chance regardless of whether the outcome will be in your favor or not.
You might not win but you can't lose tonight
There is no downside to taking risks, as tonight is a moment for playing without consequences.
Just watch this fairy tale unfold
Observe this magical experience transpire before your very eyes.
You won't believe all the things you've been told
The story that is being presented is so amazing it may seem unbelievable.
Young or old
This experience could be for anyone, regardless of age.
Another town another place
The location is constantly changing, but the experience remains the same.
Another name but you don't know the face
The people involved may be strangers, but their identities do not affect the experience.
A joker deals and makes the rules
The person in charge (the joker) determines the course of the experience.
A game of chance a game that was made for fools
This experience is based on luck and those who participate could be viewed as foolish.
Like me and you
Everyone involved, including the listeners, could be considered foolish for playing along.
Don't wave a flag unless it's white
Do not display opposition unless you are prepared to surrender or be defeated.
Don't make a noise unless you're prepared to fight
Do not cause a disturbance unless you are willing to face the consequences.
Wrong or right
The morality of the situation is irrelevant, as the only thing that matters is the experience itself.
Somewhere in America
This experience could be happening anywhere in the United States.
Somewhere in America tonight
This experience is happening right now.
Tonight
Emphasizing the immediate nature of the experience.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: J SPINKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Sacramone
Such an underrated band. Every song in their catalog is a pleasure to listen to. I'm 68 and still a fan.
Pit Shants
Criminally underrated
leandro1ization
gran banda este es el sonido real rock pop ingles de esta banda que para mi es la mejor banda de todos los tiempos.
Cory Davis
One of the most underrated bands ever!
Benoit Vanhees
Soooooooooo damned catchy ! Shame on the people who don't know more about this band than Your love ! So sad about Spinks's death, band won't be the same anymore.
William Schmidt
Rest in peace, Tony and John. Your music was and still is great to listen to. Wish I could have seen you play in person. One of my favorite bands. They were very underrated.
Lee Edward
Rest peacefully, Mr. Lewis. You were awesome...
Sky Watcher
You can't play this song one time. A great song!
powerwindow2
wow. i never knew this band was so deep. i popped one of their songs into you tube and took a bath. all i can say is WOW. the only other musical persona that can equal this is joe jackson. i am not trying to start an argument, but these guys are talented
Ashkan92
they shaped my teenhood.. i grew up listening to these legends and i thank god for this.. they added alot of depth to my personality.. sadly tony passed away today.. may he rest in peace