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.
Tatty Seaside Town
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fairground's lonely banter a frightening scene
The sheer thrill of violence on a warm August night
I'd much rather run than get stuck with this fight
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Goodbye pier, town and autumn lights
The pungent smell of adrenalin
Seaside mafia met in town tonight
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
The lyrics of Therapy?'s song Tatty Seaside Town paint a vivid picture of a town that's not all sunshine and happiness, but rather a place with a certain roughness around the edges. The song opens with the singer being hassled by someone wearing "big maloney boots," indicating that violence and intimidation are not uncommon in this place. The fairground is described as "lonely" and the banter is "frightening," suggesting a sense of foreboding and unease. The singer's preference for running away instead of getting into a fight indicates that danger is never far away.
As the train pulls out of the town, the singer bids farewell to the pier and "autumn lights," suggesting that this town might only be a summer destination. The mention of the "pungent smell of adrenalin" and the "seaside mafia" suggest that there is a darker side to the town, populated by people with a taste for danger and excitement. The repetition of the chorus ("Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town") further solidifies this sense of unease, almost like the town has two distinct personalities based on the time of day.
Overall, Tatty Seaside Town is a song that captures the grittier, more dangerous side of seaside towns that are often marketed as idyllic holiday destinations. It's a reminder that not everything is as picture-perfect as it might seem, and that there are often hidden depths to even the most seemingly cheerful of places.
Line by Line Meaning
With big maloney boots on, they're hassling me
I am being harassed by people wearing large boots.
Fairground's lonely banter a frightening scene
The empty chatter at the amusement park is eerie and scary.
The sheer thrill of violence on a warm August night
The excitement of violence on a summer night is overwhelming.
I'd much rather run than get stuck with this fight
I would prefer to flee than engage in a physical altercation.
With a bunch of single tickets, the train is pulling out
I am leaving on a train with individual tickets.
Goodbye pier, town and autumn lights
I am saying farewell to the pier, the town, and the autumn lights.
The pungent smell of adrenalin
The strong scent of adrenaline is present.
Seaside mafia met in town tonight
A group of people who act like a mafia met in the seaside town.
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Whenever the sun sets, I find myself in a town by the sea.
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Whenever the sun sets, I find myself in a town by the sea.
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Whenever the sun sets, I find myself in a town by the sea.
Hey, when the sun goes down, I'm in a seaside town
Whenever the sun sets, I find myself in a town by the sea.
Contributed by Austin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.