In 1978, A&M Records released Tim Curry's debut solo album. Entitled Read My Lips, the album featured an eclectic range of songs (mostly covers) performed in diverse genre. Highlights of the album are a reggae version of the Beatles song "I Will", a rendition of "Wake Nicodemus" with full bagpipe backing, and an original bar-room ballad, "Alan".
The following year, Curry's second and most successful album was released. Titled Fearless, the LP was more rock-oriented than Read My Lips and mostly featured original songs rather than cover versions. The record included Tim Curry's only US charting songs: "I Do the Rock" and "Paradise Garage".
Curry's third and final album, Simplicity, was released in 1981, again by A&M Records. This record did not sell as well as the previous offerings, due in part to a less appealing, more maudlin sound. This record combined both original songs and cover versions, and is commonly held to be the weakest of the three albums.
In 1989, A&M released The Best of Tim Curry on CD and cassette, featuring songs from his albums (including a live version of "Alan") and a previously-unreleased song, a live cover version of "Simple Twist of Fate".
Curry toured America with his band through the late 1970s and the first half of the 1980s.
Curry's first full-time role was as part of the original London cast of the musical Hair in 1968. Here he first met Richard O'Brien, who went on to create his next full-time and perhaps still most famous role, that of Frank N. Furter in the Rocky Horror Show.
Originally Curry rehearsed the character with a German accent and peroxide blonde hair, but the character evolved into the sly, very upper-class English (He says 'dine' instead of down, 'brine' instead of brown etc) drag-wearing mad scientist incarnation that carried over to the movie version and made Curry both a star and a cult figure. He continued to play the character in London, Los Angeles and New York until 1975.
For many years, Curry was reluctant to talk about Rocky Horror, feeling that it was a trend that had gone too far and had distracted attention away from his later roles. However, in recent years he has been much more open about discussing the show and now recognises it as a "rite of passage" for many young people.
Out of Pawn
Tim Curry Lyrics
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I lost a lot of things to my own sin
I lost my heart when I found you
Well you're not just another ticket
Well you're not just another bum rap
You're [] baby, you ain't no alley cat
And I am out of pawn
Finally out of pawn
Ain't no number ticket
No time limit
Ain't nobody cashing in on my heart
Ain't no one cashing in on my heart
I had an aching in my heart
That only you knew how to fix
Didn't know that someone
Could make me feel like this
You've got the sweetest skin
It's like velvet
I can't believe I'm lying here next to you
You make me feel every word you say is true
And I am out of pawn
Finally out of pawn
Ain't no number ticket
No time limit
Ain't nobody cashing in on my heart
Ain't no one cashing in on my heart
Ain't no one cashing in on my heart
Ain't no one
Ain't no one cashing in on my heart
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody,
I am out of pawn, finally out of pawn
I am out of pawn, finally out of pawn
The song "Out of Pawn" by Tim Curry is a love letter that expresses the singer's newfound freedom and relief after falling in love with someone. The lyrics describe a history of loss and self-inflicted pain, leading up to the moment this person entered the singer's life. The metaphor of being "out of pawn" suggests that the singer feels as though they have been released from obligation or bondage, and the person they're singing about is the one who saved them from a life of emptiness.
The first verse describes the singer's losses - not just material, but personal and spiritual. They have done things they regret and carry the weight of their sins. However, the second verse introduces the subject of the song, who is contrasted with a "ticket" or "bum rap". This person is special, and the singer knows it. They see the unique qualities and potential for a fulfilling relationship. The chorus repeats the phrase "out of pawn" as though it is a mantra, emphasizing the importance of this newfound freedom.
Overall, "Out of Pawn" is an emotional and tender tribute to love's ability to transform and heal. The imagery of being released from obligation and the repeated phrase serve to reiterate the significance of the relationship described in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I lost a lot of things to the wind
I have experienced much loss and hardship due to uncontrollable circumstances.
I lost a lot of things to my own sin
I have caused myself much pain and suffering through my own wrongdoing.
I lost my heart when I found you
I fell deeply in love with you and gave you my heart.
Well you're not just another ticket
You are not just a passing fancy or temporary companion.
Well you're not just another bum rap
You are not something negative or unpleasant that I have to deal with.
You're [] baby, you ain't no alley cat
You are special and unique, not like anyone else.
And I am out of pawn
I am finally free from bondage or oppression.
Finally out of pawn
Finally free from being controlled or manipulated by others.
Ain't no number ticket
I am not a mere object or commodity to be traded or used.
No time limit
There is no rush or deadline for me to fulfill someone else's expectations.
Ain't nobody cashing in on my heart
I am not being taken advantage of or exploited for my emotions or vulnerability.
I had an aching in my heart
I was deeply longing for love and connection.
That only you knew how to fix
You were the only one who could truly heal and fulfill me.
Didn't know that someone
I did not expect to find someone who would understand and love me so completely.
Could make me feel like this
You have made me feel whole and alive in ways I never thought possible.
You've got the sweetest skin
You are remarkably attractive and desirable to me.
It's like velvet
Your skin feels soft and smooth like the finest fabric.
I can't believe I'm lying here next to you
I am filled with wonder and gratitude to be so close to you.
You make me feel every word you say is true
I trust you and believe that you are sincere with me.
Ain't no one
No one can manipulate or take advantage of me because I am free and independent.
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody,
I am not being influenced or controlled by anyone else's expectations or demands.
I am out of pawn, finally out of pawn
I am free and empowered to live my life on my own terms.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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