In mid-1977 the band moved to the UK, where it became apparent that they and their label had different ideas as to how they should be marketed. EMI planned to sell The Saints as a typical punk band complete with ripped clothes. The Saints insisted on wearing collared shirts and sweaters, and left their hair long. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Chris Bailey, guitarist Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay on drums with Kym Bradshaw and later Algy Ward on bass.
Kuepper, Hay and Ward left the band in 1978, but Chris Bailey continued touring and recording as The Saints with a revolving line-up of musicians throughout the 80's including the late Janine Hall on bass. The Saints' commercial breakthrough into the US came in 1986 with the album "All Fools Day", with the video for "Just Like Fire Would" receiving airplay on MTV.
After releasing a couple of records under his own name, Bailey reformed The Saints in 1996. Once again without any of the other founding members but they have reunited occasionally to perform live. The Saints music could often be heard in the background during episodes of Neighbours in the 1990's!
The current line-up is:
Chris Bailey - Guitar and vocals
Caspar Wijnberg - Bass
Peter Wilkinson - Drums
Other bands:
2) A Reggae Band.
3) Polish klezmer band from Cracow.
4) Saints (sans The) is an experimental group from Goleta, CA.
5) '60s British band recorded by Joe Meek.
6) An American 60's uptown soul group.
Private Affair
The Saints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you heard them all on the telephone
& now you're telling everybody
a major coup in the business zone
We got new thoughts new ideas it's all so groovey
it's just a shame that we have seen the same old movies
So you think that you got a first in fashion
new uniforms we all look the same
a new profit in the same old game
We got new thoughts etc etc...
& you think you can run & hide what you've done
don't you know no one cares after the first million
The lyrics to The Saints's song Private Affair delve into the idea of artificial innovation and the lack of true originality, both in the music industry and in society at large. The song begins with the singer addressing someone who claims to have all the answers - answers obtained simply from a phone call. This suggests that the person in question may not have any real insight or understanding of the situation, yet is eager to spread their supposed knowledge around.
The singer then goes on to discuss the concept of "new thoughts" and "new ideas", but reveals that underneath the surface these things are not as groundbreaking as they seem - in fact, they are simply new versions of old ideas. The line "it's just a shame that we have seen the same old movies" highlights the idea that even something as seemingly fresh and new as a new thought or idea is still influenced by past experiences and ideas.
The song then shifts towards critiquing the fashion industry and the concept of conformity. The idea of "new uniforms we all look the same" speaks to the idea of following trends and being part of a larger group, rather than having true individuality. This is further emphasized by the line "a new vogue for the now generation", suggesting that people are always looking for the next big thing to make them fit in with the crowd. Overall, the song critiques the superficiality and lack of authenticity in society, while also hinting at the idea that true innovation and creativity can still occur in spite of this.
Line by Line Meaning
You say that you got the answers
You claim to be knowledgeable and confident in your beliefs.
you heard them all on the telephone
You've come to your conclusions from unreliable sources and gossip.
& now you're telling everybody
You're eager to share your opinions openly and loudly.
a major coup in the business zone
You're boasting about a significant accomplishment in the industry.
We got new thoughts new ideas it's all so groovey
We have come up with fresh and exciting concepts that are impressive.
it's just a shame that we have seen the same old movies
Unfortunately, your ideas are unoriginal and have already been done before.
So you think that you got a first in fashion
You believe you've achieved a breakthrough in fashion design.
new uniforms we all look the same
Your so-called innovation actually results in conformity and uniformity.
A new vogue for the now generation
You're claiming to have set a new trend for the present generation.
a new profit in the same old game
You're only interested in making money using the same old methods.
We got new thoughts etc etc...
Reiterating our original idea that we have creative and unique concepts.
& you think you can run & hide what you've done
You believe you can conceal your actions and escape accountability.
don't you know no one cares after the first million
Other people won't care about your success beyond its financial value.
Contributed by Micah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.