They were described as the first true stadium house band (by Bill Drummond), though their music is difficult to place into one particular genre and they have been compared to Underworld, Fluke, The KLF, and even Ministry or Nine Inch Nails.
They first had chart success with the singles What Can You Do For Me, Something Good and Believe In Me, which they described as their vocal sample trilogy as those singles sampled Gwen Guthrie, Kate Bush and Human League respectively (What Can You Do For Me also features a sample from Eurythmics). Contrary to one rumour, the band were not sued by Kate Bush over the use of a sample from Bush's track Cloudbusting in the Utah Saints track Something Good, the sample was legally cleared before use. Utah Saints then moved away from vocal samples with singles such as I Want You and I Still Think Of You (Jez Willis providing original vocals on each).
After their first album, the self-titled Utah Saints, and one further single Ohio, Utah Saints seemed to disappear for several years, spending a long time producing their second album as well as doing remixes and producing tracks for other artists such as Terrorvision. During this time they produced a handful of Utah Saints tracks that to date have never had a proper release, with titles such as Star, Train and Rock.
They eventually re-appeared in late 1999 with charting singles Love Song, Funky Music (featuring Edwin Starr on guest vocals), Power To The Beats and Lost Vagueness. In 2002 they went back into hibernation and fans are still waiting for their next re-appearance.
I Want You
Utah Saints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Push to the back to the front to the back again
Noses on the back wall, feeding in front of him
Push to the back to the front to the back again
Tunnel vision, I can't see
I want you...
Creature comforts, creature hopes
They've all been sold
Put it at the front, keep the rest behind
Until we grow old
I want you...
To start making sense again
Look out Joe, here comes a cliche
Rock, a hard place, nothing to say
Ask me a question, what to do
I can't believe I listen to you
I want you...
To start making sense again
I want you...
I want you...
To start making sense again
The song “I Want You” by Utah Saints primarily talks about a feeling of being lost and wanting to make sense of everything again. The repetition of the phrase “push to the back to the front to the back again” emphasizes the feeling of being stuck in a cycle and unable to change direction. The line “noses on the back wall, feeding in front of him” could refer to feeling trapped and limited by expectations and pressure from others. The tunnel vision mentioned in the lyrics could represent a sense of being unable to see beyond the current circumstances.
The chorus, “I want you to start making sense again” shows a yearning for clarity and the desire to understand what’s happening. The repetition of this line throughout the song emphasizes the importance of this sentiment to the singer. The mention of “creature comforts” and “creature hopes” in the second verse could represent material possessions or shallow desires that distract from what truly matters. The line “put it at the front, keep the rest behind until we grow old” suggests a need for prioritization, indicating that the singer wants to focus on what’s important and meaningful.
The bridge section of the song, “look out Joe, here comes a cliche, rock, a hard place, nothing to say” could signify a feeling of frustration or disillusionment with typical phrases and expressions used to navigate difficult situations. The line “ask me a question, what to do, I can’t believe I listen to you” could represent a sense of realizing that the conventional wisdom or advice they’ve received may not be helpful or applicable.
Overall, the song “I Want You” conveys a feeling of confusion and desperation for clarity and meaning in the face of challenging circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Push to the back to the front to the back again
Being constantly moved and shuffled around without any real direction or purpose
Noses on the back wall, feeding in front of him
People being forced to work hard, doing the same work repeatedly with little reward or recognition
Tunnel vision, I can't see
Feeling stuck or trapped, unable to see a way out or a different path
Creature comforts, creature hopes
Material possessions and personal dreams that distract from what truly matters
They've all been sold
Being sold on the idea that these things will bring happiness, when in reality they are temporary and unfulfilling
Put it at the front, keep the rest behind
Valuing superficial things over important ones
Until we grow old
Continuing to prioritize these temporary things until it is too late to change
Look out Joe, here comes a cliche
Predictable and unoriginal ideas being presented as new or important
Rock, a hard place, nothing to say
Feeling stuck in a difficult situation without any clear solution or direction
Ask me a question, what to do
Being looked to for guidance or answers, despite feeling equally lost or uncertain
I can't believe I listen to you
Feeling disillusioned by those who claim to have answers or authority
To start making sense again
Longing for clarity and direction in a world that feels confusing and disconnected
I want you...
Expressing a desire for something, someone, or some change
I want you...
Repeating the desire, emphasizing its importance or urgency
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: AARON WILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Simon Brewer
Why aren't there more likes & comments about this track........c'mon people this is a fucking classic banger of a tune!! Utah Saints were dance Music pioneers. 🤘🏻🤪🤘🏻
Karl Straughan
Well said! It's a Classic!
Juan Hunter
Cruising down the highway with my bff and his wife and baby boy to Miami Beach Florida, I was jamming to this tune, along with the rest of the album!! Aw man, fun times indeed!!!
perpetualmotionuk
Oh my days this brings some memories back! Amiga Burning Rubber demo!!! What an epic fucking track!
Scottish Tam
still quality
J. C. Telenio
I have a slightly different version of this track. It's an extended version of the mix used in the music video.