* Feargal Sharkey (lead vocals),
* John O'Neill (guitar),
* Damian O'Neill (guitar, keyboards and vocals),
* Michael Bradley (bass and vocals), and
* Billy Doherty (drums).
John O'Neill was the original main song writer, with his brother Damian and Mickey Bradley writing in various solo & combined variations for most of the remainder.
Sharkey's power pop tenor was distinctive, and the band regarded a tight ensemble. By 1977 they were performing their own three-chord pop punk material influenced by Nuggets-type material and Ramones, and in 1978 released their debut four-song EP Teenage Kicks on Good Vibrations. It became a hit with support from DJ John Peel, who considered that EP's title song (Teenage Kicks) his all-time favourite. The song has been covered by many including boyband Busted (at the 2003 Brit Awards), American group The Raconteurs, Swedish band [aritst]Sahara Hotnights and French band Nouvelle Vague.
The original band released four studio albums:
* The Undertones (1979)
* Hypnotised (1980)
* Positive Touch (1981)
* The Sin Of Pride (1983).
Falling sales linked to their changing musical direction and tensions within the band, leading to their split in 1983. A compilation album titled All Wrapped Up featured a woman dressed in lunch meats wrapped in clear plastic on the (non band approved) cover. Several other compilations including the superb BBC sessions CD Listening In (named after a song on their first album) (2004) exist.
The O'Neill brothers went on to form That Petrol Emotion. The Undertones reconvened in 1999, initially to play a few shows in their hometown of Londonderry, replacing singer Feargal Sharkey with a similarly warbling new recruit, Paul McLoone. Since this time, the band has continued to play a small number of gigs each year in various places around the world.
The band have also released two further studio albums:
* Get What You Need (2003)
* Dig Yourself Deep (2007)
NOTE: There is another band with this name - The Undertones, a subset of the University of Notre Dame Glee Club who sing a capella arrangements of popular songs. For more information on these guys, check out www.nd.edu/~utones.
Here Comes the Summer
The Undertones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know you drive me crazy when I'm looking at you
The summer's really here and it's time to come out
Time to discover what fun is about
Here comes the summer
Here comes the summer
Here comes the summer
Keep looking for the girls with their faces all tanned
Lying on the beaches all covered in sand
Stretching out their long legs lying in the sun
They know they're beautiful they're having fun
Here comes the summer
The Undertones' "Here Comes the Summer" is a classic summer rock anthem that captures the excitement and carefree spirit of the season. The lyrics are a simple but effective celebration of the joys of summertime, from experiencing new adventures to enjoying the beauty of the world around us. The opening verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer expressing his love and attraction for someone who drives him crazy. The summer has arrived, and it's time to make the most of it. The second verse paints a vivid and sensual picture of young women lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and reveling in their beauty.
The chorus provides a perfect summation of the song's themes, as the band joyfully exclaims, "Here comes the summer!" The repetition and singalong quality of the chorus make it an instant earworm, and the upbeat, guitar-driven melody perfectly captures the excitement of the season. Overall, "Here Comes the Summer" is a feel-good anthem that celebrates the simple pleasures of summertime, from lazy days on the beach to new romantic possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh baby baby what can I do
Expressing a feeling of helplessness and being overpowered by the alluring nature of the summer season and how it affects his emotions.
You know you drive me crazy when I'm looking at you
Acknowledging the powerful effect his love interest has on him during the summer season and how intense his feelings are for them.
The summer's really here and it's time to come out
Emphasizing the arrival of the summer season and how it's the perfect time for people to indulge in outdoor activities and enjoy the beauty and warmth it brings along.
Time to discover what fun is about
Reminding everyone to embrace the carefree spirit of summer and explore new leisure activities and adventures.
Here comes the summer
Reiterating the joyous arrival of the summer season, with its promise of fun, sun, and adventure.
Keep looking for the girls with their faces all tanned
Encouraging people to appreciate the fun vibe of summer and to seek out those who are also enjoying its pleasures.
Lying on the beaches all covered in sand
Painting a vivid picture of the typical summer scene at the beach, with people lounging around and soaking up the sun's warmth.
Stretching out their long legs lying in the sun
Capturing a beautiful moment of people relaxing and extending their legs to catch some sun rays while enjoying their time at the beach.
They know they're beautiful they're having fun
Highlighting the joy people experience when they accept and appreciate the beauty of the world around them, especially during the summer season.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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