The band's initial line-up consisted of singer/bassist Julian Cope, Mick Finkler on guitar, Gary Dwyer on drums and Paul Simpson on keyboards. They were managed by Bill Drummond and signed to his Zoo label. An early version of the band, which included Ian McCulloch on vocals, was known as A Shallow Madness.
The band released their first single, Sleeping Gas in February of 1979. Soon after, Simpson left the band and was replaced by Zoo label co-owner, David Balfe. Their next single Bouncing Babies inspired a tribute song of its own: I Can't Get Bouncing Babies by the Teardrop Explodes - an ode to the difficulty of obtaining a copy of the song.
Finkler was fired by Cope during the recording of their debut album Kilimanjaro and was replaced by Dalek I Love You guitarist Alan Gill. The LP was a moderate success; it reached number 24 on the British pop charts.
In 1981, the group was at the height of its popularity. In January, they hit # 6 on the British charts with the Reward single and in April they broke the top 20 with Treason. During this period, there were numerous line up changes: Alfie Agius was brought in on bass, Jeff Hammer replaced Balfe on keyboards and Troy Tate replaced Gill on guitar.
Expectations were high for the band's second album, Wilder. The first single Passionate Friend performed reasonably well (#25 UK), but the album itself was unsuccessful, limping to 29 on the charts, disappearing shortly afterwards.
When the band reconvened to record their third album, they were reduced to the trio of Cope, Dwyer and a reinstated Balfe. Tensions were high – Cope wanted to write ballads and quirky pop songs, while Balfe was more interested in recording synth-based dance music. Cope eventually dissolved the band in 1982 in the middle of the sessions. The material was later released in 1990 under the title Everybody Wants to Shag .... The outtakes show a mix of synth/dance pop, dominated by Balfe's keyboards on songs like Count to Ten and Run for Cover and more gentle pop on songs like Soft Enough For You, that prefigure the direction of Cope's early solo career.
Went Crazy
The Teardrop Explodes Lyrics
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I look up and I look down
They told my friends it was a secret
But it’s rumored that some of us went crazy
So I packed all my clothes and I went on back home
I was standing on the tarmac ready to go
Then I looked al around and I looked all around
And I looked all around and I went crazy
But I sincerely sad and resigned
I look up and I rest sometime
Then I think for a while and I sit for a while
And I sing for a while and I go hazy
Oh I go
If you have a daughter bounce her on your knee
If you have a son send the blighter off to sea
If you have a daughter bounce her on your knee
If you have a son send the blighter off to sea
If you have a daughter bounce her on your knee
If you have a son send the blighter off to sea
If you have a daughter bounce her on your knee
If you have a son send the blighter off to sea
Oh yeah
Well fun and games and laughter for the chosen few
Here comes your nose and here comes you
Je suis suicide, je suis pain
J'avais indecision here we go again, I’m going
Oh we’re in love with beauty
We’re in love with health
We’re in love with mental health
I’m going crazy
The Teardrop Explodes's song Went Crazy paints a vivid picture of a person who is mentally unstable and struggling to cope in the face of secrecy and rumors. The opening lines suggest that the singer feels isolated and perhaps paranoid, as they are constantly looking sideways and up and down. They reveal that something has happened and that some of their friends went crazy, but this information was meant to be kept a secret. Nevertheless, the rumors have spread, causing the singer to become increasingly unstable.
The second verse sees the singer resigning themselves to their situation, looking up and resting. They reflect, think and sing for a while before becoming hazy and seemingly losing control. The repeated refrain about daughters and sons suggests conflicting emotions - on the one hand, it's good to have children close, but on the other hand, sending them away is a form of escape.
The following lines talk about fun and games, but they're only for the chosen few, and the rest can't help but feel suicidal and full of pain. The song concludes with the singer declaring that they're in love with beauty, health, and mental health before admitting that they have gone crazy.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m in my room I’m looking sideways
I feel lost and uncertain about my life, and I am searching for direction.
I look up and I look down
I am desperately trying to make sense of the world around me, but I can't seem to find any answers.
They told my friends it was a secret
I am frustrated and confused by the lack of transparency and honesty in society.
But it’s rumored that some of us went crazy
People are spreading rumors about me and others who are struggling to cope with the pressures of life.
So I packed all my clothes and I went on back home
I am retreating from the world and seeking comfort and familiarity in my childhood home.
I was standing on the tarmac ready to go
I was on the verge of leaving everything behind, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
Then I looked al around and I looked all around
I am desperately searching for something, but I don't know what it is or where to find it.
And I looked all around and I went crazy
My search has led me to a state of disorientation and madness.
But I sincerely sad and resigned
Despite my turmoil, I am trying to keep a level head and find peace in resignation.
I look up and I rest sometime
I am taking a moment to breathe and calm my racing thoughts.
Then I think for a while and I sit for a while
I am reflecting on my life and trying to make sense of what has brought me to this point.
And I sing for a while and I go hazy
I am using music as a means of escape, but it is only making me feel more disconnected from reality.
If you have a daughter bounce her on your knee
I am giving advice to parents on how to find happiness and meaning in life through their children.
If you have a son send the blighter off to sea
I am suggesting that men need to experience the world and its challenges in order to find their place in it.
Well fun and games and laughter for the chosen few
I am bitter about the unfairness of life and how some people seem to have it all while others struggle just to survive.
Here comes your nose and here comes you
I am emphasizing the physical and biological aspects of humanity, as a reminder that we are all just flesh and bone.
Je suis suicide, je suis pain
I am expressing my pain and despair through the French phrases for 'I am suicide' and 'I am pain'.
J'avais indecision here we go again, I’m going
I am acknowledging my indecisiveness and how it keeps leading me back to the same place of despair.
Oh we’re in love with beauty
I am commenting on society's obsession with outward appearances and the shallow nature of our values.
We’re in love with health
I am criticizing the way we prioritize physical health over mental and emotional well-being.
We’re in love with mental health
I am questioning our understanding and treatment of mental illness, suggesting that we still have a long way to go in this area.
I’m going crazy
I am admitting that I am not okay, and that I need help in order to overcome the madness that has taken hold of me.
Contributed by Jack L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.