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/
No Mercy
The Stranglers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sweating buckets hoping that you get it right
Will it be as tough tomorrow, have to wait and see
Life shows no mercy
Every day your love is getting warmer
Just look at her and love her, did you get it right?
Will she soothe your brow with kisses, only meant for thee?
She'll show no mercy
And when you hold her close to you
Just when you're feeling good, it's true
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Everybody has some secret wishes
Just keep your fingers crossed, maybe they'll all come true
But don't worry if they just remain a fantasy
Life shows no mercy
Everybody seems the same all over
The search is on for love and comfort constantly
If it comes your way tomorrow, count yourself lucky
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
And when you hold her close to you
Just when you're feeling good, it's true
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
It shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy
The Stranglers' song No Mercy is a commentary on the harshness of life and the challenges of relationships. The lyrics describe the daily struggles of working hard to get ahead, but never being certain if tomorrow will be any easier. The line "life shows no mercy" is a central theme of the song, driving home the idea that life can be unforgiving and unpredictable.
The second part of the song shifts focus to relationships, specifically the complexities of romantic love. The lyrics suggest that though we may try to perfect our love, there is never a guarantee that it will be reciprocated in the same way. The line "she'll show no mercy" seems to suggest that the woman in the song may be fickle or unpredictable in her affections.
Ultimately, the song suggests that life is full of ups and downs, and that we must learn to cherish the good moments while bracing for the bad. The repeated refrain of "life shows no mercy" drives home this message and leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Every day you're working like a slave
Every day you put in the effort and work hard
Sweating buckets hoping that you get it right
You put your all into it, hoping that your hard work pays off
Will it be as tough tomorrow, have to wait and see
You never know what tomorrow will bring, but you have to keep going regardless
Life shows no mercy
Life can be brutal and unforgiving at times
Every day your love is getting warmer
You are falling deeper in love every day
Just look at her and love her, did you get it right?
Do you love her the way she deserves to be loved?
Will she soothe your brow with kisses, only meant for thee?
Will she comfort you with affection?
She'll show no mercy
She will not hold back when it comes to her love
And when you hold her close to you
When you are wrapped in her embrace
Just when you're feeling good, it's true
Just when things are going well
Everybody has some secret wishes
Everyone dreams and aspires for something hidden in their heart
Just keep your fingers crossed, maybe they'll all come true
Hold onto hope that your wishes will come true
But don't worry if they just remain a fantasy
Don't be upset if your dreams never come to fruition
Everybody seems the same all over
Everyone is searching for the same things
The search is on for love and comfort constantly
The search for love and contentment is never-ending
If it comes your way tomorrow, count yourself lucky
If love finds you, treasure it
Life shows no mercy
Life can be tough and will not hesitate to throw you curveballs
Life shows no mercy
Life can be harsh
Life shows no mercy
Life can be unforgiving
Life shows no mercy
Life can be brutal
It shows no mercy
Life is merciless
Life shows no mercy
Life can be difficult and challenging
Life shows no mercy
Life can be unyielding
Life shows no mercy
Life does not take it easy on anyone
Life shows no mercy
Life can be merciless and callous
Life shows no mercy
Life does not care about your struggles
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jean Jacques Burnel, Hugh Alan Cornwell, Brian John Duffy, David Paul Greenfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@elisaserrano1807
Lyrics
Every day you're working like a slave
Sweating buckets hoping that you get it right
Will it be as tough tomorrow, have to wait and see
Life shows no mercy
Every day your love is getting warmer
Just look at her and love her, did you get it right?
Will she soothe your brow with kisses, only meant for thee?
She'll show no mercy
She'll show no mercy
And when you hold her close to you
Just when you're feeling good, it's true
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Everybody has some secret wishes
Just keep your fingers crossed, maybe they'll all come true
But don't worry if they just remain a fantasy
Life shows no mercy
Everybody seems the same all over
The search is on for love and comfort constantly
If it comes your way tomorrow, count yourself lucky
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
And when you hold her close to you
Just when you're feeling good, it's true
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
It shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy
@raymondjean1195
No Mercy
The Stranglers
Every day you're working like a slave
Sweating buckets hoping that you get it right
Will it be as tough tomorrow, have to wait and see
Life shows no mercy
Every day your love is getting warmer
Just look at her and love her, did you get it right?
Will she soothe your brow with kisses, only meant for thee?
She'll show no mercy
She'll show no mercy
And when you hold her close to you
Just when you're feeling good, it's true
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Everybody has some secret wishes
Just keep your fingers crossed, maybe they'll all come true
But don't worry if they just remain a fantasy
Life shows no mercy
Everybody seems the same all over
The search is on for love and comfort constantly
If it comes your way tomorrow, count yourself lucky
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
And when you hold her close to you
Just when you're feeling good, it's true
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
It shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy (no mercy)
Life shows no mercy
@scottculli7851
Thank you for more of these great rockers
@stammorai
One of the best things I loved about them,is their ability to sing about every dark matter/aspect of life with such hauntingly happy melodies.Then again,they're Brits,so...One of the best bands ever.And,Dave...we miss you man...
@barbera501
Loved em for 40 yrs... Part of the soundtrack to my life ❤️
@lorrainemcauley3550
Omg 😱 me too xx love them always 😊x
@darkelf2674
Mine too….
@Nttmf
It’s a track that doesn’t get any recognition. But the lyrics are fantastic.
@AngryPostmanStockholm
Underrated band, so many great songs and lovely attitude
@christinasharratt9709
My very favourite punk group,when I went to big school.So clever talented and sexy what a mix.
@AngryPostmanStockholm
@@christinasharratt9709 Yes, they have a big library and many lyrics are very clever, funny, critical and sung with an attitude i love (Reminds of Godfathers... damn ain't they also Australian?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHdCo9YXTOs&list=OLAK5uy_ln4tP16szYckMgUlzNNrsC_SIdQ0cbQ4E
@kelterskelter4
Punk Scholars.