Soft and delicate, yet melodic, confident and self-assured, this Deram act'… Read Full Bio ↴Soft and delicate, yet melodic, confident and self-assured, this Deram act's only album resides somewhere between period UK country rock (Cochise, Quicksand, Southern Comfort, Quiver) and singer-songwriterdom (Mike Maran, Pete Atkin, Tony Hazzard) with plenty of light and shade thrown in from both sides. Featuring crème de la crème of Britain's studio scene and aided by a sympathetic and lush production, this band manages to produce twelve superbly orchestrated tracks full of energy, effervescence, vigour, character, rich flavour and originality. It also features no less than three lead vocalists and - count them! - five guitarists, including none other than Southern Comfort's Gordon Huntley. Was Eric Bell the same guy who played in Thin Lizzy, on Mk I line-up's biggest hits, "Whiskey In The Jar" and "The Rocker"? Clem Cattini is featured in our other PICKs: Hungry Wolf, Ugly Custard, John Schroeder and Fancy. Jimmy Hastings, of course, needs no introduction, being a long-standing member of Canterbury prog legend Caravan. Eric Bell (guitar), Tony Carr (percussion), Clem Cattini Ork (drums), John Chuter (vocals, guitar, bass), Ant Grouth-Smith (guitar, bass, sax, vocals), Jimmy Hastings (flute), George Howe (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Gordon Huntley (steel guitar), Barry Morgan (drums), Douglas Wright (drums).

Emily
Whistler Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Emily I'm speaking but I know that you don't hear.
Emily I'd like to tell you how I've tried
Look at me I'm smiling at you, what is there to fear?
Or do you think we've all got things to hide?
Tell me who would you blame then Emily?
Do you think my parents are ashamed of me?

Emily I want you to be unhappy

Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily

Emily I'm asking do you think my life's a mess?
Are you qualified to me some advice?
How lovely that your glasses match
The flowers on your dress
Even though it isn't quite your size.
Shall I speak like a retard Emily?
Then will you think you understand me?

Emily I want you to be unhappy
Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily

Tell me who would you blame then Emily?
Do you think my parents are ashamed of me?

Emily I want you to be unhappy
Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily

Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily be unhappy Emily

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Whistler's song Emily talk about an individual named Emily who is not listening to the singer's words. The singer is attempting to express themselves to Emily and wants to tell them of their experiences, but Emily is not listening. They ask Emily questions to try to engage them, like asking who they would blame, and if they think the singer's life is a mess. However, Emily does not respond, and the singer becomes increasingly frustrated.

In the final verse, the singer appears to become sarcastic and says they will "speak like a retard" to see if Emily will understand them. The tone of the song is mocking and bitter towards Emily. The repetition of "Emily, be unhappy" in the chorus emphasizes this feeling, showing that the singer wants Emily to feel pain and misery. It is possible that the singer is directing their frustration towards Emily as a representative of society and the lack of empathy they feel for those who are struggling or different.

Line by Line Meaning

Emily I'm speaking but I know that you don't hear.
Addressing Emily, I acknowledge that my words don't reach you.

Emily I'd like to tell you how I've tried
I wish to share my efforts with you, Emily.

Look at me I'm smiling at you, what is there to fear?
Hey Emily, I'm friendly, why should you fear me?

Or do you think we've all got things to hide?
You suspect that everyone is hiding something, don't you Emily?

Tell me who would you blame then Emily?
Emily, who would you accuse in this situation?

Do you think my parents are ashamed of me?
Do you believe that my parents are embarrassed by me, Emily?

Emily I want you to be unhappy
Emily, I must confess that I desire your misery.

Emily be unhappy Emily
My plea to you, Emily, is to be discontent.

Emily I'm asking do you think my life's a mess?
Emily, I inquire your opinion on whether my life is chaotic.

Are you qualified to me some advice?
Can you offer any suggestions to help me, Emily?

How lovely that your glasses match the flowers on your dress
Emily, I see how beautiful it is that your eyewear complements your attire.

Even though it isn't quite your size.
Even though the fit isn't perfect, it still looks beautiful, doesn't it Emily?

Shall I speak like a retard Emily?
Perhaps, Emily, I should communicate in a manner that you might perceive as foolish.

Then will you think you understand me?
Will you believe you comprehend my thoughts if I speak foolishly, Emily?

Tell me who would you blame then Emily?
Once again, Emily, I ask you whom you would hold responsible.

Emily I want you to be unhappy
My confession remains, Emily - I want you to be miserable.

Emily be unhappy Emily
I plead with you again, Emily: be unhappy.

Emily be unhappy Emily
Once more, Emily, I implore you: be unhappy.

Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily, again and again, I beg for you to simply be miserable.

Emily be unhappy Emily
Emily, I plead with you one final time: be miserable.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HILLARY SCOTT, CHARLES KELLEY, DAVE HAYWOOD, VICTORIA SHAW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS