Uriah Heep were part of the early 1970s rock scene, and have been referred to as pioneers of the hard rock, heavy metal and progressive rock genres. The band has sold over 40 million albums worldwide with over four million sales in the U.S, where its best-known songs include "Gypsy", "Easy Livin'", "The Wizard", "Sweet Lorraine", and "Stealin'". They also maintain a significant following and perform at arena-sized venues in the Balkans, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Finland and Scandinavia.
Uriah Heep have released twenty-four studio albums of original material, twenty live albums and forty-one compilation albums (including two greatest hits albums). Twelve of the band's studio albums have made it to the UK Albums Chart (Return to Fantasy reached No. 7 in 1975), while of the fifteen Billboard 200 Uriah Heep albums, Demons and Wizards was the most successful (No. 23, 1972). In the late 1970s the band had massive success in Germany, where the "Lady in Black" single was a big hit.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uriah_Heep_(band)
Studio albums
...Very 'eavy ...Very 'umble (1970)
Salisbury (1971)
Look at Yourself (1971)
Demons and Wizards (1972)
The Magician's Birthday (1972)
Sweet Freedom (1973)
Wonderworld (1974)
Return to Fantasy (1975)
High and Mighty (1976)
Firefly (1977)
Innocent Victim (1977)
Fallen Angel (1978)
Conquest (1980)
Abominog (1982)
Head First (1983)
Equator (1985)
Raging Silence (1989)
Different World (1991)
Sea of Light (1995)
Sonic Origami (1998)
Wake the Sleeper (2008)
Into the Wild (2011)
Outsider (2014)
Living the Dream (2018)
Chaos & Colour (2023)
Prima Donna
Uriah Heep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But rather be delightin'
All the people that come to see
The Devil's from Chicago
Now where the hell do they go
When we get in our limousines
'Cause we just want to be
But tell me what do you do
When it's over
And everyone who
Loved you is gone
They're gone
I said they're gone
You're our kind of people
You're the church
And we're the steeple
But we're all inside the hall
If we've got what you need
Then we'll give you the speed
To get up and have a ball
'Cause we just want to be
Where it's all going on
But tell me what do you do
When it's over
And everyone who
Loved you is gone
You're just another
Prima Donna of rock 'n' roll
So please let me know
When you want me to go
The song Prima Donna by Uriah Heep appears to be about the fleeting nature of fame and the quest for acceptance and recognition. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to fight to maintain their position and influence, but deep down they yearn for the adulation of their fans. The allusion to the "Devil's from Chicago" is a reference to the legendary blues musicians of that city who influenced so many of the rock and roll performers of the 60s and 70s. The line "where the hell do they go when we get in our limousines" suggests that the adoration of the crowd is temporary and ultimately unfulfilling.
The chorus of the song is a poignant reflection on the transience of fame - "we just want to be where it's all going on, but tell me what do you do when it's over, and everyone who loved you is gone." This is a common theme in rock and roll, with many artists struggling to come to terms with the realization that their success is often fleeting and dependent on the whims of the masses.
The second verse seems to address the relationship between the rock star and their fans. The metaphor of the church and the steeple suggests that the fans are the foundation of the rock star's success, but also that they are complicit in the often self-destructive behavior of their idols. The line "if we've got what you need, then we'll give you the speed to get up and have a ball" is a clear reference to drug use among rock stars and their fans, and the destructive consequences that often come with it.
Overall, Prima Donna is a melancholic reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and the temptations and excesses that often come with it. The song is a testament to the enduring appeal of rock and roll, but also a warning about the dangers that come with seeking adulation and power.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll go down fightin'
I will keep fighting until the end.
But rather be delightin'
But I would much rather bring joy and delight to those who watch me perform.
All the people that come to see
All the individuals who attend my shows.
The Devil's from Chicago
Possibly referencing Chicago's history with gangsters or the darker side of the city's nightlife.
Now where the hell do they go
Refers to the disappearance of those who were previously associated with the Devil's from Chicago.
When we get in our limousines
When we leave the performances in our luxurious mode of transportation.
'Cause we just want to be
Because we just want to be where the action is.
Where it's all going on
In the center of popular and exciting events.
But tell me what do you do
Asks the audience member what they would do in this situation.
When it's over
After the excitement and energy of the performance comes to an end.
And everyone who Loved you is gone
When those who cared for you and supported you have moved on or passed away.
They're gone
They have left, and we are left to face the present alone.
You're our kind of people
We welcome and appreciate those who relate to our music and message.
You're the church And we're the steeple
The audience is the foundation, and the musicians are the structure or embodiment of their community.
But we're all inside the hall
We may be divided into performers and audience members, but we are all experiencing this together in the same space.
If we've got what you need
If our music and performance satisfy your desires and expectations.
Then we'll give you the speed
Then we will help you move with energy and excitement.
To get up and have a ball
To get up and have a great time together.
'Cause we just want to be
Once again, highlighting their desire to be in the center of all the excitement.
Where it's all going on
Where everything is happening all at once.
You're just another Prima Donna of rock 'n' roll
Another musician who demands attention and takes center stage.
So please let me know When you want me to go
Asking the audience when they want the performer to finish their piece and leave the stage.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID BYRON, KEN HENSLEY, LEE GARY KERSLAKE, MICHAEL FREDERICK BOX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TScardoa
Cool sax from Mel Collins .
@MrTransmettre
L'album est excellent
@user-ki5du9yc5l
Lovin'
@ronson232
The "Return to Fantasy" album is arguably the most straightforward rock 'n' roll album Uriah Heep ever made during the Byron era. The title of the album notwithstanding, the fantasy/proggy stuff is kept to a minimum, which makes it a controversial album among fans. However, I love the glam rock vibe on this song, and a lot of the other rockers on this album were pretty solid too... Heep could have been a fine straight rock band if they had wanted to.
@rebeccaizzmee2134
Absolutely 💯
@chrissutton927
I agree with the fact that although this album had fantasy in the title it was in fact a straight rock album. John Wetton did say that it was impossible to replace Gary Thain so he just did things his way. To be fair he gives an excellent bass playing performance all the way through. Credit should also go to Ken Hensley for some great synth work
@jondunmore4268
Well, Hensley not just for his "synth work" -- hahaha - he WAS the band, the major songwriter, and one of the premier hard rock keyboardists in the birthing stages of heavy rock!
@pflugerjurg7858
📌👍️Georg😇⛑️Bern.
@user-wp7wn3yl6e
Саксофон в „Юрая Хийп”??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLLyJM5dsVY
URIAH HEEP - „Prima Donna”, Studio (1975)
Страховитите обложки, баладите с тежък звук и буйните рок парчета са запазена марка на динозаврите от „Юрая Хийп”. Но пък всяко изключение носи небивала изненада и музикална свежест.
Песента „Prima Donna” няма успеха на „Lady In Black” и „Easy Livin'”, ала звучащият саксофон в нея я прави някак по-мека и радиофонична. Затова и групата я издава отделно на сингъл - с идеята да пробие в радиостанциите и да вдигне продажбите на целия албум. Е, съвсем други песни стават хитове от албума, включително и едноименната „Return to Fantasy”. За ценителите на „твърдите” юрайци прилагам и здрав концертен вариант на „Prima Donna” с оригиналния певец Дейвид Байрън.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js4a6-M24ec
URIAH HEEP - „Prima Donna”, Live
@user-gp6qc7tb7v
1975 год. альбом "Retyrn on fentazy" Считается самым простым и неудачным альбомом.