The Furs initially used Martin Hannett as a producer, but their initial self-titled album from 1980 was eventually produced by Steve Lillywhite. The LP quickly established the band on radio and was a top 20 hit in the UK. The album also found success in Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Australia. The US version of the album was re-sequenced, but failed to have as strong a commercial impact.
The Furs found success in the U.S. market with the 1981 release, titled 'Talk Talk Talk', which made its impact on the US album charts and received critical acclaim worldwide. In the UK, the album was a solid hit which spun off two charting singles, "Dumb Waiters" and the original version of "Pretty in Pink". The latter song served as inspiration for the 1986 John Hughes film of the same name, and was re-recorded for the platinum-selling soundtrack.
In 1982, the band was reduced to a four-piece with the departures of Morris and Kilburn. (Ex-Birthday Party drummer Phill Calvert would briefly join the group around this time.) The band's remaining members moved permanently to New York, where they recorded the album Forever Now with producer Todd Rundgren. This album contained "Love My Way", a breakthrough Top 40 hit in both the US and the UK. Ely left the band after this release, though he would return for the 1988 single "All That Money Wants" and the 1989 album Book of Days.
The Furs' 1984 release Mirror Moves was produced by Keith Forsey, and featured the songs "The Ghost in You" and "Heaven". Both charted in the UK, and "Heaven" became the band's highest charting UK hit at the time -- but inexplicably, "Heaven" was never released as a single in America. Instead, Columbia Records opted for "Here Come Cowboys", despite both international success and heavy MTV airplay on "Heaven." "Here Come Cowboys" failed to chart, but "The Ghost In You" was a hit on the US pop charts. The band had become popular in Canada as well, CFNY, Toronto's new wave radio station, listed Mirror Moves as the #1 LP of 1984.
By this time, the band had become somewhat of a staple on US college and modern rock radio stations. As well, they were building mainstream success, fairly consistently placing singles in the pop charts on both sides of the Atlantic, though they would "have more impact on future musicians than they ever did in the marketplace." In 1986, the band re-recorded a version of "Pretty in Pink", which was their biggest hit to that time in the US, and their biggest-ever UK hit.
Richard Butler later claimed that the success of "Pretty in Pink" caused the band to be pressured into entering the studio to record a follow-up release before they were ready. The result was Midnight to Midnight, an album which Butler characterized as "hollow, vapid and weak". A more overtly commercial effort than the Furs had ever recorded before, the album also featured the single "Heartbreak Beat", which was their highest charting top 40 US hit.
However, the Furs were dissatisfied with their new commercial direction, and subsequently returned to a rawer sound with "All That Money Wants", a 1988 track especially recorded for a 'best-of' collection. 1989's Book of Days saw a return to the old-school style and the temporary return of Vince Ely. 1991's World Outside was similarly more of a "back to basics" approach.
From 1988 on The Furs' chart success continued with three #1 hits on the US Modern Rock chart between 1988 and 1991.
The band splintered in 1991, with the Butler brothers going on to found Love Spit Love. After spending most of the decade apart, Butler, Butler and Ashton re-formed The Psychedelic Furs in 2000, and released a live album Beautiful Chaos: Greatest Hits Live, which also featured a new studio recording, "Alive (For Once In My Lifetime)." A DVD version of the performance included live versions of "Alive" and three other previously unreleased songs: "Anodyne (Better Days)," "Cigarette" and "Wrong Train."
Since then the Furs continue to tour the world along with former Love Spit Love drummer Frank Ferrer, ex-Information Society and World Party keyboardist Amanda Kramer and saxophonist Mars Williams who returned to the band after a stint in the late 1980s.
Showing the band's significant influence as a part of the new wave and post-punk movements, their songs have been covered by numerous other artists. Examples include Annie Lennox, Buffalo Tom, Icehouse, Powderfinger, Regenerator, and Robyn Hitchcock.
You'll be mine
The Psychedelic Furs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be surprised at all
Don't be surprised when all your days are yesterdays
Don't be surprised at all
When the new black is white
And the new low's a high
In the ticking of the time
You'll be mine
Don't be surprised when all your dreams all fade away
Don't be surprised at all
Don't be surprised when every dog has had its day
Don't be surprised at all
When the new black is white
And the new lows are high
Like a lesson learned in time
You'll be mine
Don't be surprised when all the traffic runs to rust
Don't be surprised at all
Don't be surprised when all these houses fall to dust
Don't be surprised at all
When the new black is white
And the new low's a high
In the ticking of the time
You'll be mine
Don't be surprised if they don't want you like I do
Don't be surprised at all
Don't be surprised they'll take back everything they said
Don't be surprised at all
When the new black is white
And the new low's a high
Like the ticking of the time
You'll be mine
The lyrics to "You'll Be Mine" by The Psychedelic Furs explore the theme of expectation and inevitability in life. The repeated refrain of "Don't be surprised" serves as a reminder that certain events and experiences are bound to happen, and we should not be taken aback when they occur.
The first verse suggests that every second of our lives has its purpose and place. It emphasizes that we should not be surprised when we find order and meaning in the passing of time. Additionally, it hints at the idea that our understanding of what is considered "normal" or "expected" can shift, represented by the phrases "the new black is white" and "the new low's a high." Despite these changes, the lyrics assert that the person being addressed will ultimately belong to the singer ("You'll be mine").
In the second verse, the focus turns to the transient nature of dreams and the passage of time. It encourages the listener not to be surprised when their aspirations fade away or when others have their moments of success. This highlights the inevitability of change and the realization that not everything we hope for will come to fruition. The repetition of the line "You'll be mine" reinforces the idea that the singer sees themselves as a constant presence in the listener's life, despite the ups and downs.
The third verse suggests a sense of decay and fragility in the world. The image of traffic running to rust and houses falling to dust conveys the impermanence of material things and the relentless passage of time. Once again, the lyrics emphasize that we should not be surprised by these inevitable changes and that the person being sung to will remain connected to the singer ("You'll be mine").
Finally, the last verse touches on the theme of betrayal and the possibility of others breaking promises. It warns the listener not to be surprised if others do not value or desire them in the same way the singer does. The repetition of the refrain and the imagery of time ticking reinforce the idea that despite any setbacks or disappointments, the singer believes the listener will ultimately belong to them.
Overall, the lyrics of "You'll Be Mine" convey a sense of resilience in the face of life's uncertainties. It encourages acceptance of inevitable changes and maintains the belief that a connection between the singer and the listener will endure, regardless of external circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be surprised when every second has its place
Prepare yourself for the inevitable order and structure in every moment of life
Don't be surprised at all
Do not let yourself be taken aback by this reality
Don't be surprised when all your days are yesterdays
Accept the passing of time and the transient nature of your existence
When the new black is white
When the accepted norms and standards are reversed
And the new low's a high
Even the depths of despair can hold great heights of joy
In the ticking of the time
Within the constant progression of time
You'll be mine
I will claim you as my own, regardless of the changing circumstances
Don't be surprised when all your dreams all fade away
Be prepared for the gradual loss of your aspirations
Don't be surprised when every dog has had its day
Understand that everyone will eventually have their moment of glory
When the new lows are high
Even the most challenging experiences can lead to great achievements
Like a lesson learned in time
Similar to knowledge gained through experience
Don't be surprised when all the traffic runs to rust
Do not be taken aback when things lose their value or significance
Don't be surprised when all these houses fall to dust
Expect the eventual decay and destruction of material possessions
Don't be surprised if they don't want you like I do
Do not be shocked if others do not desire you as deeply as I do
Don't be surprised they'll take back everything they said
Expect others to retract their promises or statements
Like the ticking of the time
Similar to the consistent passage of time
You'll be mine
I will always consider you as mine, despite any contrary circumstances
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Richard Butler, Tim Butler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheGAK62
This is my favorite song from this terrific new Psychedelic Furs album! One request guys..... Please don't wait 29 more years for the next album!
@1dudeleek
This voice has been carrying me for decades and as we age together this journey has become more and more interesting
@plenty2say
It's been 33 years since I bought the Midnight to Midnight album ON CASSETTE TAPE. My friends bullied me cuz I wasn't listening to rap music but I said "F-CK YOU I'M REAL'. 33 years later the Furs are and I'M STILL TRUE TO THIS! And I know everyone here is too. REAL STYLE REAL MUSIC NEVER FADES!
@raymondsison9186
Quite a unique voice among other new wave singers...
@raymondsison9186
@plenty2say i listen to new wave and rap. Ur friends are wrong to mock u with ur preferred genre. But rap is also music. Not all "rappers" make real music though.
@monkeyrevolution1964
INDEED
@MichaelCarmichael
Don't be surprised at all when you receive a cosmic message from the Psychedelic Furs that changes your life forever. This is my favorite track on Made of Rain, and I love the other two intensely.
@Lillith_Luna
Yes!!! The Furs are back!! Iâm so excited for this album. Definitely a needed plus for this week. Thank you! I absolutely love Richardâs voice. Itâs sublime. đ€đ€
@williamreilly3172
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@eatmyanger
I believe we have a winner here. This is fantastic guys!