The Prodigy first emerged in the underground rave scene in the early 1990s and achieved popularity and worldwide recognition with UK number one singles such as "Firestarter" and "Breathe", both singles coming from their UK and US chart topping album The Fat of the Land (1997). A third single from the album, “Smack My Bitch Up”, was also successful. They earned titles like "the premiere dance act for the alternative masses" and "the Godfathers of Rave", and remain one of the most successful electronic acts of all time. They have sold an estimated 25 million records worldwide, and won numerous music awards during their career, including two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Kerrang! Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, and received two Grammy Award nominations.
The Prodigy were founded in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett. He had taken piano lessons in his youth and gained the ability to play difficult passages in just a few run-throughs. After he decided to pursue a music career, Howlett met dancer and vocalist Keith Flint in mid-1989 at a rave at which Howlett was DJing. After Flint requested Howlett make a mix tape for him, Howlett obliged, returning a cassette several days later with a collection of his own songs on the other side. Howlett had scratched the word "Prodigy" onto the cassette, the same name as the Moog Prodigy analogue synthesiser, and Howlett's moniker. The tape was well-received by Flint and keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill who developed new dance sequences to the music and suggested to Howlett they begin a group together. They were soon joined by MC and vocalist Maxim, then known as Maxim Reality, and female dancer and vocalist Sharky, a friend of Flint's. Together they became the first line-up of the Prodigy.
On 4 March 2019, Keith Flint was found dead at his home in Essex, just weeks after playing six live dates in Australia and New Zealand. On 5 March, the band announced on Twitter that "all forthcoming concerts in 2019 would be canceled, effective immediately".
Following Flint's death, fans began using the Twitter hashtag "Firestarter4Number1" on various social media platforms to get "Firestarter" to top the British singles charts again. This was done out of respect for Keith Flint and to raise awareness of suicide among men.
On 20 August 2019, one day before his 48th birthday, Liam Howlett posted on the band's official Instagram page, saying he is "back in the studio making noise [...] brand new Prodigy tunes are gonna roll", referring to his intention to keep on releasing music under the Prodigy moniker.
Along with the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, the Prodigy have been credited as pioneers of the big beat genre, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. The Prodigy, however, is not considered entirely representative of the genre as their production "often reflected the more intelligent edge of trip-hop, and rarely broke into the mindless arena of true big beat" according to AllMusic. The Prodigy are also considered alternative dance, techno, electronica, breakbeat hardcore, and rave.
Liam Howlett cited early electro as a big influence, mentioning tunes like "Clear" by American music group Cybotron and "Al Naafiysh" by Hashim. Liam Howlett also cited The Bomb Squad, Public Enemy, and Rage Against the Machine as influences.
Colours
The Prodigy Lyrics
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For the noise
Wake the dogs up
Call your voice
Are you ready
For the war
Bring your colours
To the flour
[Repeat: x4]
(I can see the look in your eyes)
Show your colours
With your colours
To the flour [Repeat: x3]
Wake yourself up
Sirens on
Cause we are fighting
So eciting now it's on
Are you ready
For the war
Show your colours
With your colours
To the flour
(I can see the look in your eyes) [Repeat: x4]
Show your colours
With your colours
To the flour [Repeat: x2]
(I can see the look in your eyes) [Repeat: x5]
Show your colour! [Repeat: x4]
Show your colours
With your colours
To the flour [Repeat: x2]
The Prodigy’s “Colours” lyrics refer to the energy and excitement of a battle or war. The first verse instructs the audience to raise their fan and make noise, to wake the dogs up and call their voice. It sets the tone for the rest of the song which is focused on the energy and movement of war. The lyrics then compel the audience to get ready for the conflict and bring their colours to the fore, or to the front lines of the battle. The chorus is repetitive, asking the audience to show their colours, or true selves, on the battlefield.
The second verse continues with the theme of waking up and activating when the sirens sound, something that is reminiscent of an actual war. The lyrics build up the momentum and excitement with a call to arms, reminding the audience that it's time to fight. The words “Are you ready for the war” is repeated throughout the song, creating a feeling of anticipation and excitement.
The repeated phrase “I can see the look in your eyes” is meant to emphasize the intensity of the moment. The lyrics suggest that everyone has been preparing for this moment and the intensity in their eyes reflect the passion they have for the cause. Lastly, the song ends with a direct call to show your true colours, to be true to oneself and not hide in the background during the war.
Line by Line Meaning
Raise your fan up
For the noise
Get ready to make some noise and show your support.
Wake the dogs up
Call your voice
Get everyone alert and vocal about what's to come.
Are you ready
For the war
Are you prepared to give your all and fight for what you believe in?
Bring your colours
To the flour
Bring your individuality and uniqueness to the forefront.
Show your colours
With your colours
To the flour [Repeat: x3]
Don't be afraid to show who you truly are and let it shine.
Wake yourself up
Sirens on
Cause we are fighting
So exciting now it's on
Get yourself prepared, the battle is coming and the adrenaline is high.
Show your colours
With your colours
To the flour
Be proud of who you are and let it be on display.
(I can see the look in your eyes) [Repeat: x4]
There's a fierce determination in your eyes, you're ready to take on anything.
Show your colour! [Repeat: x4]
Let your true self be seen and heard.
Show your colours
With your colours
To the flour [Repeat: x2]
Celebrate your individuality and don't be afraid to show it off.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOHN FREDERIK FORTIS, LIAM HOWLETT, IAN ALEC HARVEY DENCH, KEITH FLINT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind