They released several singles and an LP on Fresh records, which also carried Play Dead and The Dark. Their last recorded album, "Rising from the Dread" was recorded in 1982 on Corpus Christi, a Crass label. The cassette only release "A Night for Celebration" is their last show in December of 82. The remaining members went on to form Furyo and In Excelsis with members of another dissipated post punk/early goth band, Ritual.
UK Decay were among the first bands to cross over from punk to "gothic," alongside fellow post punk bands like Bauhaus and Theatre of Hate. They galvanized the movement that would later be dubbed "positive punk" (in 1983) and ultimately goth by helping several newer bands, such as Southern Death Cult and Sex Gang Children, get on their feet with gigs.
Their earlier singles are very punk, and the band has appeared on compilations of both punk and gothic music, including "Punk and Disorderly" and Dave Roberts' (of Sex Gang Children) "The Whip" as Slavedrive immeadiattely after UK Decay broke up, and inspired the name (probably) for the english punk rock video compilation "UK/DK" (buy on CDNOW). Aside from Theatre of Hate and Southern Death Cult, UK Decay fit the same bill as bands like The Dark, Crisis (Douglas Peirce and Tony Wakeford of pre Death In June's punk band, also with members of Theatre of Hate), and Warsaw (who would become Joy Division).
Shattered
UK Decay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In confidence control
Spine thrill glass filled
Glass full satanic filled
Dream flatter fear shatter
Our ouija ja JA ouija ha ha we
Fingertip control
Destiny seems so clear
Seance see no fear
Our ouija JA JA ouija ha ha oui
We're so happy in our future control
Unleash the fools so bold
Into the void fates fall
At the spirits call hearts turn cold
Lose control to a satanic hold
Our ouija JA JA ouija ha ha oui
Into dante's depths you're sold
Your soul medium so cold
The glass - once so clear
Now stands frosted fear
Hermes steer - your clairvoyant fear
Dream flatter ice shatter
"Shattered" by UK Decay speaks of a group of individuals who seek to take control of their future through a ouija board, but ultimately fall into the hands of satanic forces that lead them to their downfall. The lyrics describe how the group members are confident in their control of the situation as their eyes steal the hold of others, but fear ultimately shatters their dreams. The use of glass as a metaphor throughout the song conveys the fragility of their situation and highlights the fact that the group members are attempting to break through barriers that should not be crossed.
The first verse speaks of the group's initial confidence as they use the ouija board, which is described as "spine thrill glass filled" and "glass full satanic filled." However, fear ultimately shatters their dreams. The second verse speaks of how the group members are happy as they believe they are in control of their future. They push the glass of the ouija board with "fingertip control," believing their destiny is clear. However, things take a dark turn as they lose control to a satanic hold. The final verse speaks of how the group members are sold to the depths of Dante, a reference to the first part of Dante's Divine Comedy, where Dante is led through hell by the poet Virgil. The lyrics suggest that the group's souls are now caught in the medium of the ouija board, which has become frosty with fear. The reference to Hermes, the Greek god of communication, illustrates how the group's clairvoyant fears are now controlling their destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
Eyes steal your hold
Someone is trying to take control over you through eye contact.
In confidence control
They have a confident and assured demeanor while exerting control over you.
Spine thrill glass filled
The sensation of fear is running up your spine, while the glasses are filled with an unknown substance.
Glass full satanic filled
These glasses are filled with a mixture that may have satanic undertones or darker intentions.
Dream flatter fear shatter
You've been flattered to let your guard down, but your fear has now shattered your dreams.
Our ouija ja JA ouija ha ha we
The group is toying with a Ouija board, with joyous laughs and exclamations.
Push the glass - so bold
With boldness and confidence, they continue pushing the glasses in a ritualistic manner.
Fingertip control
They are firmly in control using only their fingertips or slight gestures.
Destiny seems so clear
Their destiny or fate seems to be unfolding before their eyes through the power of the Ouija board.
Seance see no fear
At the seance, there is no fear or apprehension in calling upon spirits or entities.
We're so happy in our future control
They are elated at the level of control they possess over their future and fate.
Unleash the fools so bold
They are willing to take risks and let loose those who may be seen as foolish or careless for the sake of their goals.
Into the void fates fall
Their future, and those connected to them, are falling into the unknown void or realm of possibility
At the spirits call hearts turn cold
The spirits have beckoned, and their hearts and emotions have become distant or unfazed.
Lose control to a satanic hold
They've lost control of their actions and are now under the influence of something darker or satanic in nature.
Into Dante's depths, you're sold
You've sold your soul to go deeper into the depths of hell, similar to Dante's Inferno.
Your soul, medium, so cold
Through your newfound abilities as a medium, your soul has become callous and cold.
The glass - once so clear
The glass that was once transparent and easily understood is now clouded and unclear.
Now stands frosted fear
It now is covered in fear and uncertainty.
Hermes steer - your clairvoyant fear
Hermes, the messenger of the gods, is using your clairvoyant fear to steer you in a certain direction.
Dream flatter ice shatter
Your dreams have been complimented and used to flatter you, but they have now shattered like ice.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANDREW IAN MURRAY, CHRIS BALLARD, SYLVIA BENNETT SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Birdy Numnum
this is the single surely, good post oldstockvideo, thanks
ThePunkPostPunkTribe
first Deathrock band, are you insane lol?
gothicjokercro
i think he just meant they were before batcave.