Together with Dave Parsons and Anthony Doughty (AKA Tex Axile) made up the the band's four permanent members. Additional members Pol Burton, James Piper and Martin Hallett were musicians engaged to play during live concerts: Burton, then later Hallett (AKA Mallet), on drums, and Piper on guitar.
The band was signed by MCA and released a cover single of the Holly and the Italians song "Tell That Girl To Shut Up" in April 1988 . A month later the follow-up single "I Want Your Love", with its pop/punk crossover appeal, entered the Top 5 in the United Kingdom. The band went on to release the hit album Pop Art in October.
1989 was the band's most successful year, with the number 3 hit single "Baby I Don't Care" and hit album Velveteen.
In 1990 MCA refused to release Transvision Vamp's third album Little Magnets Versus The Bubble Of Babble in the UK, reportedly disliking the mellower direction of the music. Wendy James has stated "...it came out in America and did better than the other two albums in America. But then we decided to split up, during which time the English record label had said they weren't convinced about this record, we're going to hold off on it and see how well it does in other countries first. By the time they were ready to release it, we'd already decided to split up, and so it never came out". The band formally split early in 1991. Tex Axile left to Join Max with John Reynolds, Kevin Mooney and Mathew Ashman formerly of Sinead O'connor, Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow. Dave Parsons Joined Gavin Rossdale and formed Bush.
James went on to a solo career and in 2004 formed the band Racine.
www.transvisionvamp.com
If Looks Could Kill
Transvision Vamp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If words could hurt I'd never talk to you again
If fate should spill into your life tonight
Everything forever tonight
You know what I'm saying
If looks could kill, I'd never look at you again
I'd never look at you again
And then mabey, just for the thrill baby
I may look at other men
- if looks could kill
I got no time for suckers, no time for loons
If the beat don't rock, don't play my tune
You know what I'm saying
You know what I'm saying
If looks could kill, I'd never look at you again
I'd never look into your eyes
I'd never look at you again
And then mabey, just for the thrill baby
I may look at other men
If looks could kill, I'd never look at you again
I'd never look at you again
I'd never look into your eyes
If looks could kill
The lyrics to Transvision Vamp's song If Looks Could Kill reflect on the idea that physical attraction can have both positive and negative effects on people. The song suggests that if looks could kill, the singer would never look at the object of their affection again, alluding to the idea that attraction can be dangerous and hurtful. The following lines, "If words could hurt, I'd never talk to you again," indicates the importance of not only appearance but also communication in a relationship. The singer emphasizes that they have no time for people who don't understand their taste in music or don't resonate with their personality. However, this sentiment seems to contradict their desire to look at other men for their own satisfaction.
The lines "If fate should spill into your life tonight, everything forever tonight, you know what I'm saying" may suggest the possibility of taking things to the next level with the person they are attracted to. The lyrics overall suggest that relationships can be fleeting and that one should be careful in choosing whom to spend their time with. Additionally, the song implies that physical attraction can be both good and bad, as it can be thrilling and enthralling, but also hurtful and dangerous. Overall, the song If Looks Could Kill by Transvision Vamp touches on the complexity of relationships and attraction.
Line by Line Meaning
If looks could kill, I'd never look at you again
The singer is expressing their strong dislike for the person they are addressing, stating that if looks could cause harm, they would never want to look at them again.
If words could hurt I'd never talk to you again
The singer is saying that if words could cause as much pain as physical harm, they would never want to speak to the person they are addressing again.
If fate should spill into your life tonight
The singer is suggesting that they believe something unfortunate may happen to the person they are addressing.
Everything forever tonight
The artist is implying that this potential misfortune may have long-lasting effects.
You know what I'm saying
The artist is making sure that the person they are addressing is understanding the seriousness of their words.
I'd never look into your eyes
The singer is emphasizing their negative feelings towards the person they are addressing, stating they don't even want to make eye contact with them.
And then mabey, just for the thrill baby
I may look at other men
The singer is insinuating that they may look at other men just to spite the person they are addressing.
I got no time for suckers, no time for loons
The artist is saying they have no patience for foolish or unwise people.
If the beat don't rock, don't play my tune
The artist is suggesting they have high expectations for the music they listen to and won't waste time on anything that doesn't meet those expectations.
Contributed by Jason R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
expo620
I never knew why Transvision Vamp didn't hit it big ... they were one of my favorite bands in the early 90's. Besides, Wendy James is increadable!
SV
Wendy still rocks my world.
MrSottobanco
Transvision Vamp had an enormous range in musicality. It is so unfortunate that they broke up.
judgegixxer
Always liked this band. Makes me feel like I am 20 again. Amazing how music you have not heard in a long time can trigger memories so strongly.
Grzegorz Koczoń
Great Band. Their third album was as good as the previous two. Beautiful Wendy. Great music Transvision Vamp.
SV
One of the most underrated bands ever.
burn4you
This album was extremely underrated.
sdgakatbk
@andy morris They were seriously mismanaged then. They were a great band and I think should have been much bigger. I like some of their rock songs very much as well as some of their softer songs.
Kevin Grzesik
Beyond underrated.
DC Outlaw
I use to love this song!! Still do🥰