1. The Riot… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two acts/bands called The Riot Squad.
1. The Riot Squad were a pop group from London, initially managed and produced by Larry Page and later, for their reunion, by Joe Meek. Members included Graham Bonney (vocals), Ron Ryan (guitar), Len Tuckey (guitar), Mark Stevens (keyboards), Mike Martin (bass), Mitch Mitchell (drums), Rodger Crisp, Terry Clifford, Butch Davis, Derek "Del" Roll. Their only constant member was to be Bob Evans (saxophone), who, after the band split for the first time, "reunited" The Riot Squad with all new musicians.
In early 1967 they were joined by David Bowie, who at the time was recording material for his self-titled debut album. The band consisted of six members: Bowie (lead vocalist, guitar, tenor saxophone), Rod Davies (guitar), Croke Prebble (bass), Bob Evans (saxophone, flute), George Butcher (keyboards) and Derek Roll (drums). This incarnation recorded several as-yet unreleased tracks, including a cover of the The Velvet Underground's "I'm Waiting for the Man" and a Velvets-influenced Bowie original called "Little Toy Soldier".
2. The Riot Squad was also a 'gabber' trance German techno band.
Silly Boy Blue
The Riot Squad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People are walking the Potala lanes
A preacher takes the school
But one boy breaks a rule
Silly Boy Blue, blue
Silly Boy Blue
Cannot dissolve all the work you've not done
A chela likes to feel
That his overself pays the bill
Silly Boy Blue, blue
Silly Boy Blue
You wish and wish, and wish again
You've tried so hard to fly
You'll never leave your body now
You've got to wait to die
La la la la la, la la, la la la
La la la la la, la la, la la la
La la la, la la la
La la la, la la la
Silly Boy Blue, blue
Silly Boy Blue
Child of Tibet, you're a gift from the sun
Reincarnation of one better man
The homeward road is long
You've left your prayers and song
Silly Boy Blue, blue
Silly Boy Blue
Silly Boy Blue
Silly Boy Blue
The song Silly Boy Blue by The Riot Squad has deep and insightful lyrics that can be interpreted in a few different ways. It seems to be about a young boy in Tibet who is struggling with the expectations placed upon him by society, religion, and his own desires. The first verse describes the mountains of Lhasa, which is the capital of Tibet, and how people are walking the Potala lanes, which is a reference to the Potala Palace that is located there. This sets the scene of a place that is steeped in tradition and religion. The preacher takes the school, which may represent the hold that religion has on the education system. However, one boy breaks a rule, suggesting that there is someone who is trying to break free from these constraints.
The second verse mentions yak butter statues that melt in the sun, which could represent people who are unable to withstand the pressures put upon them by society and religion. The chela likes to feel that his overself pays the bill, which may be a reference to the idea of a higher self that will take care of things as long as you believe in it. However, the repeated refrain of Silly Boy Blue suggests that this young boy is not yet enlightened and is perhaps making foolish choices.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the struggles of finding oneself amidst the expectations of society and religion. It suggests that the journey to enlightenment is fraught with difficulties and that it can be hard to find one's own path.
Line by Line Meaning
Mountains of Lhasa are feeling the rain
The mountains of Lhasa are receiving rain, and the people are experiencing it.
People are walking the Potala lanes
The people are strolling down the Potala lanes.
A preacher takes the school
A religious leader has taken over the school.
But one boy breaks a rule
However, one kid has disobeyed a rule.
Silly Boy Blue, blue
The foolish boy dressed in blue.
Yak butter statues that melt in the sun
The art made of yak butter is melting under the sun.
Cannot dissolve all the work you've not done
This can't undo all the work that you have yet to do.
A chela likes to feel
A disciple likes to experience
That his overself pays the bill
That a higher self is paying the bill.
You wish and wish, and wish again
You keep wishing but it's of no use.
You've tried so hard to fly
You have done all that you could to soar.
You'll never leave your body now
But now, you cannot leave your body.
You've got to wait to die
You have no choice but to wait till you die.
La la la la la, la la, la la la
Singing La la la la la, la la, la la la.
Child of Tibet, you're a gift from the sun
Kid from Tibet, you are a present from the sun.
Reincarnation of one better man
A reincarnation of a much better individual.
The homeward road is long
The path leading home is long.
You've left your prayers and song
You have left your prayers and music.
Silly Boy Blue
The foolish boy wearing blue.
Silly Boy Blue
The foolish boy wearing blue.
Contributed by Cole G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.