Original personnel were singer/guitarist Hugh Cornwell (from Kentish Town, London), keyboardist/guitarist Hans Wärmling (from Sweden, replaced within two years by Brighton-born keyboardist Dave Greenfield), London-born bass guitarist Jean-Jacques Burnel and drummer Jet Black (real name Brian Duffy), a native of Ilford, Essex.
They began as a sinister sounding, hard-edged pub rock group, but eventually branched out to explore other styles of music. The Stranglers were, beginning in 1976, tangentially associated with punk rock, due in part to their opening for The Ramones' first British tour. The Stranglers were also associated with new wave music as well as gothic rock, but their idiosyncratic approach never fit completely within a musical genre.
In August 1990, founding member Cornwell left the band to pursue a solo career. In his autobiography, Cornwell states that he felt the band was a spent force creatively, and cited various examples of his increasingly acrimonious relationship with his fellow band-members, particularly Burnel. The remaining members recruited two replacements, including John Ellis, who had opened for the band in the 1970s as a member of The Vibrators, and singer Paul Roberts.
Interest in The Stranglers resurfaced when, in 2001, singer Tori Amos covered their song "Strange Little Girl" and titled the album it was featured on Strange Little Girls. "Golden Brown" was also used in the hit film Snatch by film director Guy Ritchie and extensively in the Australian film He Died With A Felafel In His Hand. Their hit "No More Heroes" was covered by Violent Femmes and used for the film Mystery Men. "Peaches", finally, also appears prominently in another British movie, Sexy Beast by director Jonathan Glazer.
The Stranglers had a critical and popular renaissance in 2004 (together with their first top 40 hit for 14 years - "Big Thing Coming") with the acclaimed Norfolk Coast album and a subsequent sell-out tour. The follow-up album, Suite XVI, was released in September 2006 (the title is a pun on "Sweet 16" and also a reference to the fact that it is the band's 16th studio album).
During the recording of Suite XVI Paul Roberts left the band to pursue his solocareer. Guitarist Baz Warne, who replaced John Ellis in 2000, became the main vocalist.
A quite rare Hugh Cornwell audio interview may be listened to on http://www.jasonwrightonline.com/
Laughing at the Rain
The Stranglers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you're in this game
It's if the price you pay
Hey what's it all about anyway?
When you're losing sleep
'cause the ghosts won't hide
If you can't compete
Shame do you think that you can
Pick up all the pieces
You say the sun don't shine
That's when you'll find me
Laughing at the rain
Just like a dice the big wheel spins
I'm telling you now that there's
Nothing to gain
If you lose or you win
Relax there's nothing you can do
About it anyway
Well there's an open road
If you don't look back
So forget your bets and get on that track
Hey you haven't got the time to waste
Repeat chorus
A word with the leader at token of faith
But just by the look you've got
Nothing to show
For the prayers you gave
Angel you haven't got the strength to fly
Bye bye
You've got broken wings
But they will heal in time
So let me take you down
Where the sun don't shine
Laughing at the rain
Laughing at the rain
Oh I wish it would rain
Oh I wish it would rain
The opening verse of "Laughing at the Rain" is an introspective look at the mental and emotional toll of participating in the "game" of life. The face being seen as a "shade of grey" could symbolize the lack of vibrancy or joy in the situation. The idea that "the price you pay" is agreeing to play the game suggests that there may be sacrifices made, or challenges faced, that can become exhausting. The question, "what's it all about anyway?" underscores the existential questioning that can arise in such a scenario.
The second verse offers a solution to the mental and emotional burden of the game: stepping outside. Sleeplessness and ghosts are two things that can become consuming to a person's mental and emotional state, and the suggestion to "take a walk outside" is a call to remove oneself from these draining factors. The line "shame do you think that you can pick up all the pieces" suggests that sometimes things happen beyond our control, and the best way to move forward is through acceptance rather than fighting it.
The chorus of "Laughing at the Rain" delivers a message of resilience and positivity. Even though the situation may feel hopeless, the singer declares "that's when you'll find me laughing at the rain." Essentially, no matter what the circumstances, the singer chooses to see the positive, even in the midst of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I see a face, a shade of grey
I notice a face, appearing dull and lifeless, conveying a negative feeling.
When you're in this game
When you're dealing with this particular situation.
It's if the price you pay
It comes at a cost.
Hey what's it all about anyway?
What is the fundamental purpose of all this?
When you're losing sleep
When you are unable to rest.
'cause the ghosts won't hide
Since the apparitions are not concealed.
If you can't compete
If you cannot stand up to the challenge.
Take a walk outside
Go outdoors and give yourself some space.
Shame do you think that you can
How ridiculous do you believe you are?
Pick up all the pieces
Mend everything that is broken.
You say the sun don't shine
You claim there is no brightness in your life.
That's when you'll find me
In that exact moment, you'll find me.
Laughing at the rain
I am merrily acknowledging this depressing scenario.
Just like a dice the big wheel spins
Fate randomly determines the outcome of fate.
I'm telling you now that there's
I am affirming at this moment that there is.
Nothing to gain
You get nothing in return.
If you lose or you win
Regardless of the outcome.
Relax there's nothing you can do
Calm down as you are powerless to alter the situation.
About it anyway
In any case, it does not matter.
Well there's an open road
There is a chance to leave and begin fresh.
If you don't look back
As long you do not reflect on the past.
So forget your bets and get on that track
Disregarding your predictions and commence a new journey.
Hey you haven't got the time to waste
You must begin anew as you cannot afford to waste any time.
A word with the leader at token of faith
Having a conversation with the frontrunner as a demonstration of hope.
But just by the look you've got
Simply by your appearance.
Nothing to show
There is no evidence of anything to demonstrate.
For the prayers you gave
In exchange for supplications.
Angel you haven't got the strength to fly
You do not have the capability to soar, my friend.
Bye bye
Goodbye.
You've got broken wings
Your wings are damaged.
But they will heal in time
With time they will be restored to their original state.
So let me take you down
Allow me to guide you.
Where the sun don't shine
To a place which is devoid of cheerfulness.
Laughing at the rain
Merrily acknowledging this depressing scenario.
Laughing at the rain
Merrily acknowledging this depressing scenario.
Oh I wish it would rain
I desire a downpour to arrive.
Oh I wish it would rain
I desire a downpour to arrive.
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.