The band recorded two LPs for Epic, a self-titled album released in 1980 and "Crystal Tips and Mighty Mice," which was originally scheduled to be released in 1981, but shelved and not officially released until 2008 by Cherry Red.
The Photos had a punk-inspired new wave sound which, along with the jaunty vocals of Wu, often garnered comparisons to Blondie.
Irene
The Photos Lyrics
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Your looking very chic today Irene
You say you love them with a passion
You stood him up again Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
Oooo, oooo, Irene When she doesn't get her way she cries
When she's got nothing to say she lies
You've done too much I'm afraid to say Irene
Yes of course I love your new lipstick Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
You're always telling lies Irene, Irene
You say you love me with a passion Irene, Irene
You stood him up again Irene, Irene
Discotheques and drinking is not fun
Another one dear, you know I'm your number one
Abortion job when she was sixteen
But you get your own way now Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
Oooo, oooo, Irene, Irene Oooo, oooo, Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
The Photos's song "Irene" is a commentary on a girl who seems to be obsessed with fashion and her own desires. The lyrics suggest that Irene is unreliable and selfish. She clearly has a strong affinity for fashion, indicated by the line "She wears all the latest fashions." The singer of the song also compliments Irene on her appearance, saying "Your looking very chic today Irene," showing how Irene values her appearance greatly. Despite this, she seems to have a habit of standing people up, and not keeping her word.
The chorus emphasizes Irene's selfishness and tendency to manipulate situations to her favor. The line, "When she doesn't get her way she cries" illustrates that she is not accustomed to being told no, and will use emotional tactics to get what she wants. Additionally, the line "Discotheques and drinking is not fun" suggests that while Irene may seem like she is having fun, the reality is that she is not truly enjoying herself. Rather, she is using these activities for social status and attention. The song ends on a melancholy note, with the mention of Irene having an abortion when she was sixteen, implying that her self-centeredness may have caused her to make difficult choices in the past.
Line by Line Meaning
She wears all the latest fashions
Irene is always dressed in the newest and trendiest clothing.
Your looking very chic today Irene
You look very stylish and elegant today, Irene.
You say you love them with a passion
You express your fervent love for fashion and clothes.
You stood him up again Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
Once again, you cancelled on a date with him, Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene.
Oooo, oooo, Irene When she doesn't get her way she cries
Irene cries when things don't go her way, as expressed by the repeated 'ooo's.
When she's got nothing to say she lies
Irene often fabricates things when she doesn't know how to respond.
You've done too much I'm afraid to say Irene
You've done too much wrong, and I'm hesitant to tell you, Irene.
Yes of course I love your new lipstick Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
I repeatedly reassure Irene that I like her new lipstick, even though it's not necessarily true.
You talk much too much Irene, Irene
You talk excessively, Irene, Irene.
You're always telling lies Irene, Irene
You frequently tell falsehoods, Irene, Irene.
You say you love me with a passion Irene, Irene
You claim to love me passionately, Irene, Irene.
Discotheques and drinking is not fun
Partying at clubs and drinking isn't enjoyable.
Another one dear, you know I'm your number one
Assuming you're referring to another drink, you know I'm your favorite, Irene.
Abortion job when she was sixteen
You had an abortion at sixteen years old, Irene.
But you get your own way now Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
You now have control over situations and can get what you want, Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene.
Oooo, oooo, Irene, Irene Oooo, oooo, Irene, Irene, Irene, Irene
The repeated 'ooo's and 'Irene's emphasize the existence of Irene's crying fits and frequent cancellations of plans with others.
Writer(s): Steven Lloyd Eagles, Wendy Yates, Oliver James Harrison Copyright: Cherry Red Songs
Contributed by Kayla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.