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.

Nice 'n' Sleazy
Therapy? Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

We came across the west sea
We didn't have much idea of the kind of climate waiting
We used our hands for guidance like the children of a preacher
Like a dry tree seeking water or a daughter
Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it

Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it, does it, does it every time
Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it, does it, does it every time

Nice 'n' sleazy does it

An angel came from outside
Had no halo, had no father, with a coat of many colours
He spoke of brothers many, wine and women, song a plenty
He began to write a chapter in history
Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it

Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it, does it, does it every time
Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it, does it, does it every time
Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Nice 'n' sleazy does it

Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Does it every time

Overall Meaning

The opening verse of Therapy?'s song "Nice 'n' Sleazy" describes a journey taken by the band members, presumably from their home to a new location. The west sea could refer to the Irish Sea, as the band hails from Northern Ireland. The uncertainty of what lies ahead is highlighted in the lyric "We didn't have much idea of the kind of climate waiting" - this could refer not only to the weather, but also to the reception the band might receive in their new location. The use of the metaphor "We used our hands for guidance like the children of a preacher" suggests that the band is seeking direction or guidance, much like children would from a religious leader. The image of a dry tree seeking water or a daughter adds to the sense of a journey in search of something.

The chorus of the song, "Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it / Does it, does it every time / Nice 'n' sleazy does it", seems to contradict the uncertainty and searching of the opening verse. "Nice 'n' sleazy" implies a certain facility or ease of movement, especially when contrasted with the earlier lyric "We used our hands for guidance". The repetition of the phrase "does it" could suggest that whatever the band is doing - perhaps playing music - is successful because of its sleazy or gritty quality.

The second verse introduces a new character, an angel who may or may not have religious connotations. The fact that the angel "had no halo, had no father" suggests that this is an unconventional figure, and the description of the coat of many colours is evocative of the biblical Joseph. The message the angel brings - of brotherhood, revelry, and creativity - is similarly unconventional, and the idea that he is writing a chapter in history adds weight to his words. The chorus is repeated twice more, underscoring the idea that "nice 'n' sleazy" is the way to go.

Line by Line Meaning

We came across the west sea
We traveled across the ocean to a new place

We didn't have much idea of the kind of climate waiting
We were unfamiliar with the weather we would face

We used our hands for guidance like the children of a preacher
We navigated our way like we were searching for spiritual guidance

Like a dry tree seeking water or a daughter
We were desperately searching like a tree without water or a lost child

Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it
Easy and carefree living is the way to go

An angel came from outside
Someone came into our lives unexpectedly

Had no halo, had no father, with a coat of many colours
This person was unique and different from anything we had encountered before

He spoke of brothers many, wine and women, song a plenty
He talked about the joys of brotherhood, love, and music

He began to write a chapter in history
His presence had a significant impact on our lives

Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Easy living is the best way to live

Nice 'n' sleazy, nice 'n' sleazy does it, does it, does it every time
Living an easy and carefree life always works out well

Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Living without a lot of worries is the key to happiness

Nice 'n' sleazy does it
Taking life easy and not worrying too much is the way to go

Does it every time
Living this way always works out for us

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN JOHN DUFFY, DAVID GREENFIELD, HUGH ALAN CORNWELL, JEAN JACQUES BURNEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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