THERAPY? is an alternative rock/punk rock band from Northern Ireland. The b… Read Full Bio ↴THERAPY? is an alternative rock/punk rock band from Northern Ireland. The band was formed in 1989 by guitarist/vocalist Andy Cairns and drummer Fyfe Ewing. The band initially recorded their first demo with Andy filling in on bass guitar. To complete the line-up, the band recruited bassist Michael McKeegan.
With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."

Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )

Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)

Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)

Northern Ireland, 1989.

Joey
Therapy? Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Gentlemen, start your axes
It was winter, it was cold
I was bent double at the end of the road

I was lost in a world of my own
Pissing my suicide note in the snow
Yeah

Yeah
Yeah

When a white flash nearly made my heart stop
I'd stopped the world and I was getting off
It was neither, it was Joey Dunlop
I said, "this is either Jesus, aliens or cops"

Yeah
Yeah
Yeah

One day you'll go to the great big bar in th e sky
So hats off for Joey Dunlop

Everybody's free, everybody flies
Me, George Best and Hurricane Higgins
The greats will be there, you wouldn't want to miss it

Yeah
Yeah

So hats off for Joey Dunlop
Yeah

So hats off for Joey Dunlop

Overall Meaning

Therapy?'s song Joey is an homage to the Northern Irish motorcycle racer Joey Dunlop. The song opens with the line, "Gentlemen, start your axes," which is a reference to the sound of starting a motorbike. The singer then goes on to recall a cold winter's day, where he was feeling lost and contemplated suicide. However, he is jolted back to reality by a white flash, which turns out to be none other than Joey Dunlop passing by on his motorbike. The singer reflects on this moment, wondering if it was some kind of divine intervention, either Jesus or aliens or cops.

The chorus pays tribute to Joey Dunlop, who died in a motorcycle accident in Estonia in 2000. It speaks of the afterlife as a big bar in the sky, where all the greats, including George Best and Hurricane Higgins, are hanging out. The lyrics convey a sense of reverence and awe towards the legendary racer, who was known for his incredible skill and bravery on the track. The song is a powerful testament to the impact that Joey Dunlop had on the people of Northern Ireland and beyond.

Line by Line Meaning

Gentlemen, start your axes
Let's begin, let's get started with a powerful force

It was winter, it was cold
The season was winter and it was uncomfortably cold

I was bent double at the end of the road
I was exhausted and hunched over at the end of my journey

I was lost in a world of my own
I was deeply preoccupied with my own thoughts and feelings

Pissing my suicide note in the snow
I was writing down my suicidal thoughts on the ground in the snow

Yeah
An expression of agreement or confirmation

When a white flash nearly made my heart stop
I was shocked by a sudden bright light that made my heart race

I'd stopped the world and I was getting off
I felt like I was in control of the situation and could escape if necessary

It was neither, it was Joey Dunlop
The source of the light was the famous motorcycle racer Joey Dunlop, surprising the artist

I said, 'this is either Jesus, aliens or cops'
The artist was humorously trying to explain the strange situation they found themselves in

One day you'll go to the great big bar in the sky
A phrase indicating that death is inevitable and everyone will eventually pass away

So hats off for Joey Dunlop
A tribute to the famous motorcycle racer, acknowledging his contribution to the world

Everybody's free, everybody flies
Freedom and liberation are universal concepts that apply to everyone

Me, George Best and Hurricane Higgins, the greats will be there, you wouldn't want to miss it
The singer imagines themselves in the company of other legendary figures who have passed away, suggesting that it would be an unforgettable experience

So hats off for Joey Dunlop
A second tribute to the famous motorcycle racer, emphasizing his importance and legacy

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: ANDREW JAMES CAIRNS, MARTIN JOHN MCCARRICK, MICHAEL GRAHAM HOPKINS, MICHAEL ROBERT MC KEEGAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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