Transvision Vamp was a popular UK alternative rock group. Formed in 1986 by… Read Full Bio ↴Transvision Vamp was a popular UK alternative rock group. Formed in 1986 by Nick Christian Sayer and Wendy James, the band enjoyed a brief period of success in the late 1980s, fusing elements of punk, pop and rock and the "big band" sound of Phil Spector to produce a pop punk sound. James, the lead singer and focal-point of the group, attracted media attention with her sexually-charged and rebellious image.
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.

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Pay The Ghosts
Transvision Vamp Lyrics

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You drive a Mercedes
But you still ain't paid the ladies
Your headlights are a shining
But your car it, it ain't riding
So don't pretend that you don't know me
Just pay me what you owe me
Pay the ghosts
Pay the ghosts

Pay the ghosts
I know you've been hiding
Down on the back streets you've been sliding
Harley Street you'll be finding
In a back seat you'll be riding
So don't pretend that you don't know me
Just pay me what you owe me...
Pay the ghosts
Pay the ghosts
Pay the ghosts
Nightime is a falling
Down the alley someone's calling
You best save your lying
In the sky there's a dark star dying
So don't pretend that you don't know me
Just pay me what you owe me...
Pay the ghosts
Pay the ghosts
Pay the ghosts
In the sky there's a dark star dying

You you best save your lying
Someone's calling

Overall Meaning

The song "Pay The Ghosts" by Transvision Vamp depicts the story of a person who is being chased down by a creditor who is owed money. The song starts off with the lyric "You drive a Mercedes but you still ain't paid the ladies," which suggests that the person being chased has some financial issues even though they have a luxurious car. The line "Your headlights are a shining but your car it, it ain't riding" indicates that they are trying to operate beyond their means and it is catching up with them. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the need to pay what they owe, suggesting that there are consequences to not fulfilling one's obligations. The song further paints the picture of this person hiding out in back streets and riding in the back seat of cars to escape their debtors. The singer advises them to pay their debt as soon as possible before it is too late.

The lyrics of the song suggest that it is inspired by the issue of debt and the importance of fulfilling one's financial obligations. It is a captivating and energetic song that highlights the consequences of not being honest and transparent when it comes to financial dealings. The song is a reflection of the band's punk rock influence and their unique ability to blend different musical styles.

Line by Line Meaning

You drive a Mercedes
You possess and operate a Mercedes car

But you still ain't paid the ladies
But you have not yet paid the women you owe money to

Your headlights are a shining
The headlights of your car emit light

But your car it, it ain't riding
But your car is not functioning properly

So don't pretend that you don't know me
Therefore, do not act like we are strangers

Just pay me what you owe me
Simply give me the money you owe me

Pay the ghosts
Give payment to the people who have passed away

Pay the ghosts
Provide compensation to those who have died

Pay the ghosts
Fulfill your debts to the deceased

I know you've been hiding
I am aware that you have been avoiding me

Down on the back streets you've been sliding
You have been moving through the less-crowded areas of town