Formed in London in 1983, the Wolfgang Press comprised vocalist Michael Allen, guitarist Andrew Gray, and keyboardist Mark Cox. Allen and Cox first teamed in the group Rema Rema, which also featured Adam & the Ants alum Marco Perroni; after reuniting in the short-lived quartet Mass, the duo recruited Gray, and as the Wolfgang Press issued their cacophonous, gloomy debut LP, The Burden of Mules, in 1983. An EP trilogy co-produced by Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie followed in quick succession: while 1984's Scarecrow was a lighter, more streamlined affair, 1985's Water spotlighted ominously sparse torch songs, and the same year's Sweatbox explored deconstructionist pop. The three EPs were later collected on The Legendary Wolfgang Press & Other Stories.
The Wolfgang Press' second full-length effort, 1986's Standing Up Straight, incorporated industrial and orchestral influences into the mix, while the Big Sex EP's "God's Number" offered a soulful backing chorus, a harbinger of things to come. Indeed, after 1988's hypnotic Bird Wood Cage and its leadoff single, "King of Soul," introduced strong elements of dub, reggae, and R&B, the trio took the full plunge into the dance arena with 1991's Queer, an idiosyncratic outing admittedly inspired by De La Soul's landmark 3 Feet High and Rising; the first single, a surreal cover of the Randy Newman-penned "Mama Told Me Not to Come," was a minor hit. 1995's Funky Little Demons completed the Wolfgang Press' transition into white funk; prior to its release, however, Cox exited the group's ranks.
Lisa
The Wolfgang Press Lyrics
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Michael Allen: Drums, Percussion
Mark Cox: Organ, Percussion
Andrew Gray: Guitar, Percussion
The Wolfgang Press's song Lisa is a poetic tribute to a mysterious woman named Lisa. The lyrics are shrouded in imagery and symbolism, making it difficult to discern the exact story behind them. However, it appears that Lisa is a figure of liberation and transformation for the singer. He describes her as a "violet flame" and "a rose of the winds," potent symbols of change and freedom. The singer seems fascinated by her ability to transform and release herself from the constraints of society, which is described as a "cage" and a "puppet show."
Despite the enigmatic nature of the lyrics, the song's overall tone is one of upliftment and possibility. Lisa is depicted as a figure of hope and inspiration, someone who has transcended the limitations of her existence and created her own reality. The lyrics suggest that the singer wants to follow in Lisa's footsteps and achieve this same kind of liberation. By the end of the song, he declares his intention to "break free" like Lisa and "dance with the unknown."
Line by Line Meaning
Lisa, you're tearing up my life
Lisa, your actions are causing great distress and turmoil in my life
Lisa, Lisa, do you like me?
Lisa, Lisa, do you have feelings of affection towards me?
Everybody thinks that I'm a liar
Everyone believes that I am dishonest
So they call me in, and watch me
They summon me and scrutinize my behavior
Lisa, Lisa, do you want me?
Lisa, Lisa, do you desire a romantic relationship with me?
Even though your dad is scum,
Despite the fact that your father is despicable
I really want to meet your mom
I am interested in meeting your mother
Lisa, Lisa, do you love me?
Lisa, Lisa, do you have strong feelings of affection towards me?
My father says that it's just desire
My father asserts that my emotions are merely sexual longing
But I'm a little bit like wired
However, my feelings are intense and overwhelming
So Lisa, Lisa, do you hate me?
Lisa, Lisa, do you hold feelings of animosity towards me?
Or do you just want to go to bed with me tonight?
Or are you only interested in engaging in sexual activity with me this evening?
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
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