Awash in drink and drugs, Wicked Lady split up in 1970, but Smith and Weaver soon regrouped with new bassist, Del "German Head" Morley. The new lineup duly set about documenting its existence, as captured on Psychotic Overkill -- whose feel is looser than Axeman Cometh. The effect is a shotgun marriage of Black Sabbath-style rifferama, supported by a less risk-taking rhythm section. Weaver's vocal style lacks charisma, but his wah-wah and fuzz-driven guitar style carries the day. The highlights include a bluesy cover of Hendrix's "Voodoo Child," the sex 'n' drugs snapshot of "Sin City," and the howling, 21-minute epic, "Ship Of Ghosts."
But Wicked Lady's erratic ways proved too difficult for clubowners, who eventually refused to let them play. (At one gig, the band reportedly played the same song over and over until an irritated management pulled the plug on them.) Wicked Lady imploded in 1972, but Weaver rebounded that same year by joining the Dark, a more psychedelic- and progressive-outfit. Their Round The Edges album became a Holy Grail for collectors -- because only a handful of copies were made for band members and their associates. (Kissing Spell reissued the album in 1991.) Weaver next teamed with classically-trained keyboardist Dave "Doc" Wadley -- who'd worked with a pre-Sabbath Tony Iommi -- in the Mind Doctors.
Kissing Spell also reissued On The Threshold Of Reality, an album of laidback instrumental "head" music.Weaver most recently surfaced on the re-formed Dark's Anonymous Days (1996), which featured material written in the 1970s and 1990s.
Out Of The Dark
Wicked Lady Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With my second sight
I saw the buildings crumble
And men start to fight
Move out of the dark
Move into the light
Looking over the sea
I saw the water rising
Waves coming for me
Move out of the dark
Move into the light
Looked over my shoulder
Strange sound in the night
I'm trying to get my freedom
But ropes bind me too tight
Move out of the dark
Move into the light
Do you remember back then
When you were young
Playing in fields of green
And the songs that you sung?
Move out of the dark
Move into the light
Everything has changed now
And nothing seems real
We are all like lost people
Running around in a wheel
Move out of the dark
Move into the light
The lyrics of Wicked Lady's song "Out of the Dark" tell a story of a person with a second sight who is witnessing disaster - buildings crumbling and people fighting. The person is then on the beach at midnight, watching the water rising and waves coming towards them. This could be interpreted as either a natural disaster or a metaphorical representation of a personal crisis. The lyrics continue with the person trying to escape and gain their freedom but being held back by ropes that bind them too tight. The lyrics then take a reflective turn, reminiscing about childhood memories of playing in fields of green and singing songs. However, the mood then changes to a sense of disillusionment with the world, where everything has changed and nothing seems real. The lyrics conclude with a directive to move out of the dark and into the light, possibly representing a call to action to break free from the chains that bind and find a way forward towards a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
I stood in the doorway watching
I was observing what's happening outside from a safe distance, using my intuition.
With my second sight
My ability to perceive beyond the physical senses allowed me to see what's coming.
I saw the buildings crumble
I witnessed the destructive forces that might bring down civilization.
And men start to fight
People were driven to conflict and chaos when their basic needs were threatened.
Move out of the dark
It's time to leave behind the negative, fearful, and uncertain state of mind.
Move into the light
It's time to embrace positivity, hope, and clarity.
I stood on the beach at midnight
I was alone, facing the vast unknown, and feeling vulnerable.
Looking over the sea
I was contemplating the infinite possibilities and dangers that lie ahead.
I saw the water rising
I recognized that the forces of nature could be unpredictable, unstoppable, and uncontrollable.
Waves coming for me
The inevitable changes and challenges will affect me personally and directly.
Looked over my shoulder
I sensed that there could be threats or opportunities behind me.
Strange sound in the night
I heard something unusual that I couldn't identify, which made me feel uneasy.
I'm trying to get my freedom
I'm struggling to break free from the constraints, limitations, or expectations that weigh me down.
But ropes bind me too tight
The obstacles or fears that prevent me from achieving my goals are too strong or complex to overcome easily.
Do you remember back then
Do you recall the time when you had more innocence, joy, and hope?
When you were young
When you had fewer responsibilities, doubts, and regrets?
Playing in fields of green
Enjoying the simple pleasures of life, surrounded by nature and beauty.
And the songs that you sung?
And expressing yourself through creativity, imagination, and self-discovery?
Everything has changed now
The world and your life are no longer the same as they used to be.
And nothing seems real
You might doubt the authenticity, meaning, or purpose of what you experience or believe.
We are all like lost people
We are all facing uncertainties, doubts, or fears that make us feel disoriented or disconnected.
Running around in a wheel
Going through the motions of life without a clear direction, motivation, or fulfillment.
Contributed by Luke A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.