The Vibrators recorded sessions at for John Peel at BBC Radio 1 in October 1976, June 1977, and February 1978. They were one of the pioneering punk bands that played at London's Roxy Club. They headlined in January 1977, supported by The Drones, and in February they played twice at the venue. In March 1977 the band supported Iggy Pop on his British tour. Later that year they backed ex-Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter.
The band signed to Epic Records in early 1977. Their debut album, Pure Mania was co-produced with Robin Mayhew, the sound engineer for David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust live shows, and reached the Top 50 of the UK Albums Chart. The album is well regarded by some music critics and, 17 years after its release The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music named Pure Mania one of the 50 best punk albums of all time.
Their follow-up album, V2, narrowly missed the UK Top 30. The only single to be taken from that album, "Automatic Lover", was the only Vibrators’ single to reach the UK Top 40 where it reached #35. It earned the band a TV appearance on the prime-time TV show Top of the Pops. The Vibrators’ final single on Epic, "Judy Says (Knock You In The Head)", was released in June 1978. It reached #70 in the UK singles chart. Years later it was included in Mojo magazine’s list of the best punk rock singles of all time.
A lack of further chart activity, and with only one UK Top 40 single to their credit, sees the Vibrators join the list of one-hit wonders; a list that includes other UK punk and new wave acts such as The Banned, John Cooper Clarke, The Flying Lizards, Jilted John, 999, the Radio Stars, and the Rich Kids.
During the 1980s, John Ellis recorded and toured frequently with Peter Hammill, and subsequently The Stranglers, eventually joining the latter full-time in the 1990s. Pat Collier went on to work closely with The Soft Boys, producing their seminal album, Underwater Moonlight, and Robyn Hitchcock, producing and mixing some of his solo albums (to which Knox also sometimes contributed). Despite numerous line-up changes, The Vibrators are still touring to this date as a three-piece, "Knox" and "Eddie" being the only original members.
Troops of Tomorrow
The Vibrators Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're hangin' 'round today
We're playin' tough music
'Cause it's hard times money
We need a new solution
We want it quick
We're getting frustrated
We got a bright future
We got it on the never, never
We ain't gonna live forever
We're troops of tomorrow
We're hangin' 'round today
We're playin' tough music
'Cause it's hard times money
We gotta stop that dreamin'
We've gotta pick up that gun
We're troops of tomorrow
We've got a new vision run
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I sent the troops of tomorrow
The Vibrators' song "Troops of Tomorrow" addresses the frustrations and uncertainties of youth in a difficult economic and political climate. The lyrics suggest that the generation represented by the song is eager for change and action, but feels stuck in the present moment. The first verse establishes the band as being representative of the "troops of tomorrow," a group of young people who are looking for a way to set themselves apart from the past and make a new path. However, the singer acknowledges that they are "hangin' 'round today" and playing music that reflects the difficulties of the current moment, suggesting that they feel stuck in the present.
The second verse of the song expresses the frustration that the troops of tomorrow are feeling. They need a new solution, quickly, but they are at a loss for how to make that happen. The repetition of "We want it quick/We're getting frustrated/It's making us sick" echoes the urgency that young people often feel in the face of political and economic challenges. The idea that they have a "bright future" that they can't quite grasp yet, and that they're paying for it on "the never, never" (meaning they're using credit or borrowing to make ends meet), adds to the sense of frustration and disillusionment.
The final lines of the song bring a new tone, suggesting that the troops of tomorrow need to "stop that dreamin'" and instead "pick up that gun." This could be interpreted as a call to action or a statement of despair, depending on the listener's interpretation. Either way, the band is suggesting that young people need a "new vision run" and that they are prepared to do whatever it takes to make that happen. The repetition of "I sent the troops of tomorrow" emphasizes the urgency and agency that the song embodies.
Line by Line Meaning
We're troops of tomorrow
We are a group that is looking towards the future and what it holds.
We're hangin' 'round today
Even though we are looking towards the future, we are still present and making music in the present day.
We're playin' tough music
Our music is rough and intense, reflecting the hard times we are living in.
'Cause it's hard times money
We need to make a living, and our intense music is what will bring us the most success during these difficult times.
We need a new solution
We are looking for a new way to address the problems we are facing.
We want it quick
We are eager to find a solution as soon as possible.
We're getting frustrated
Our lack of progress is causing us to become annoyed and angry.
It's making us sick
The current situation is causing us distress and we need a change.
We got a bright future
We are optimistic about what the future holds for us.
We got it on the never, never
We may not have it yet, but we are confident that good things will come.
We ain't gonna live forever
We know that our time is limited and we need to make the most of it.
We've gotta stop that dreamin'
We need to stop just imagining a better future and start taking action to make it a reality.
We've gotta pick up that gun
We need to take action and fight for what we believe in.
We've got a new vision run
We have a clear idea of where we are headed and we are determined to get there.
I sent the troops of tomorrow
I have organized our group and prepared us for the future.
I sent the troops of tomorrow
We are ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.
I sent the troops of tomorrow
We are prepared to fight for what we believe in and make a positive change in the world.
I sent the troops of tomorrow
We are the future and our time is now.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: John Ellis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andychrist5142
This is cool! I've only ever listened to The Exploited version, and I've always wanted to hear the original. I'm not disappointed!
@samcasino1535
Great Track from a Great Album by a Great Band from a Great Decade
@andreyandrey578
From Great Bretan )
@dondep
When Britain was Great.
@korkor2595
Was Miss Marple still alive then?
@RobinGarnett-bb9ct
@@dondep yes. Britain was great. Now Britain is a slum. And the reason? The nose people that destroy England and destroyed entire Europe.
Left right left right going against the k**e.
@speedycc44
This is one of the best punk albums ever recorded, I got this when it came out and it's my favourite by miles. Just Brilliant.
@MrWREV
Remember buying this the day it was released. My dad checking the lyrics after an unfortunate scenario with The Stranglers "Bring On The Nubiles"..Was 15 years old. Still great song.
@frankignoulnicolas8795
10.000.000 likes
@Xogroroth666
Oh, just what happened?
If you care to tell me, of course...