Wire's debut album, Pink Flag (1977), contains songs which are diverse in mood and style, but most use a minimalist punk approach, unorthodox structures, and several songs are under a minute in length; "Field Day For The Sundays" is only 28 seconds long.
Chairs Missing followed in 1978, and found Wire stepping back from the stark minimalism of Pink Flag, with longer, more atmospheric songs and synthesizer parts added by producer Mike Thorne. The experimentation was even more prominent on 154 (1979). Many of the songs had bassist Graham Lewis on lead vocals.
In 1979, creative differences pulled the band in different directions, leading to the Document and Eyewitness LP (1981), a recording of a performance that featured, almost exclusively, new material. The LP came packaged with an EP of a different performance of more new material. Some of these songs, along with others performed but not included on the album, were included on Colin Newman's post-Wire solo albums ("5/10", "We Meet Under Tables"), while others were released by Gilbert and Lewis' primary post-Wire outlet Dome ("And Then...", "Ritual View"). The band disbanded for the first time in 1980
Between 1981-85 Wire ceased recording and performing in favour of solo and non-Wire collaborative projects such as Dome, Cupol, Duet Emmo, and several Colin Newman solo efforts. In 1985, the group reformed as a "beat combo" (a joking reference to early 1960s beat music or even possibly beatniks), with greater use of electronic musical instruments. It released It's Beginning To And Back Again (IBTABA) in 1989, a "live" album of mostly re-worked versions of songs from The Ideal Copy and A Bell Is a Cup...Until It Is Struck, heavily re-arranged, edited, and remixed. A new song from the album, "Eardrum Buzz", became the band's biggest charting single.
Gotobed left the band in 1990, after the release of the album Manscape. After his departure, the band dropped one letter from its name, becoming "Wir" (still pronounced "wire"), and released The First Letter in 1991. Once again, the band disbanded in 1992 There followed a further period of solo recordings, during which Newman founded the Swim ~ label, and later Githead with his wife (ex-Minimal Compact bassist Malka Spigel), while Wire remained an occasional collaboration. It was not until 1999 that Wire again became a full-time entity.
With Gotobed back in the line-up (now using his birth name, Robert Grey), the group initially reworked much of their back catalogue for a performance at Royal Festival Hall on 26 February 2000. Wire's reception during a short tour of the US, and a number of UK gigs, convinced the band to continue. Two EPs and an album Send (2003) followed, as well as collaborations with stage designer Es Devlin and artists Jake and Dinos Chapman. In 2004 the band split once more.
In 2006, Wire's 1970s albums were re-released with original vinyl track listings. Rumours abounded of a renewal of activity to mark the 30th anniversary of the band's debut as a 4 piece and the re-release of Pink Flag in 2007. A third Read & Burn EP was released in November, 2007.
A full-length album of new material entitled Object 47 was released in July 2008. Bruce Gilbert was not involved in this recording, although according to Colin Newman, he did feature in a minimal capacity on the third Read and Burn EP. 2011 saw the release of the band's twelfth studio album Red Barked Tree.
Small Black Reptile
Wire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a small black reptile
Broadened at the shoulder
And swing at the hips
Room for a big fish
A crack of whips
Demander of service
Narrow in the eye
And puller of wool
The bow on the purse strings
Diaries full, arrangements fixed
A crossing of arms
The sucking of cheeks
The appetite rich
From scaling peaks
Badges of office
Extensive plates
Cultivating pets
Expensive dates
The song Small Black Reptile by Wire is a cryptic commentary on power and influence, specifically in the context of business and politics. The opening lines "Sporting effects / In a small black reptile" suggest the idea of a person who is well-dressed and carries themselves with a certain type of confidence and arrogance, like a sleek and powerful animal. The references to broad shoulders and swinging hips hint at physical prowess, while the use of the color black implies a sense of danger or darkness.
The second half of the verse delves further into this idea of power and dominance, describing someone who demands service and gives generous tips, who is shrewd and manipulative (narrow in the eye, puller of wool), and who keeps tight control over their finances and schedule (bow on the purse strings, diaries full). The line "from scaling peaks" could be interpreted as a metaphor for achieving great heights of success and influence.
The next verse continues to pile on images of wealth and status, with references to badges of office, expensive plates, and cultivating pets. The final line of the song, "Expensive dates," could be interpreted in a few different ways - as a literal reference to fancy social events, or as a metaphor for the cost of achieving success, both in terms of the financial investments required and the personal sacrifices that must be made.
Overall, Small Black Reptile is a fascinating exploration of the dynamics of power and influence, and the often ruthless tactics employed by those who seek to attain and maintain these positions.
Line by Line Meaning
Sporting effects
Presenting oneself in a flashy and impressive manner
In a small black reptile
Wearing a tight-fitted outfit that resembles the body of a lizard
Broadened at the shoulder
Having a wide and strong upper body
And swing at the hips
Moving with confidence and ease
Room for a big fish
Having the capacity to impress important and powerful people
A crack of whips
Demanding strict obedience and discipline
Demander of service
Expecting people to cater to one's needs and desires
And generous tips
Compensating others financially for their service
Narrow in the eye
Being shrewd and astute
And puller of wool
Tricking and deceiving others for one's benefit
The bow on the purse strings
Being in complete control of one's finances
Diaries full, arrangements fixed
Leading a very busy and structured life
A crossing of arms
Expressing distrust and defensiveness
The sucking of cheeks
Showing disapproval and contempt
The appetite rich
Having a strong desire to achieve success and fulfillment
From scaling peaks
Going to great heights to pursue one's goals
Badges of office
Symbols of authority and power
Extensive plates
Displaying one's wealth and prosperity
Cultivating pets
Surrounding oneself with loyal followers and supporters
Expensive dates
Indulging in luxurious and extravagant experiences
Contributed by Charlie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pierre Clary
on Champs
i believe this song is about amphetamine abuse, endemic on the punk scene...Speed, "more speed than before ,less time than before (tolerance build up)........
Pierre Clary
on Champs
The song "Champs" by Wire is an intense and fast-paced track that addresses themes of competitiveness, the desire for success, and the sacrifices one must make in order to achieve their goals. The repeated phrases "The taste of champions, the pace, the pace, the speed, the need, the need to seed, the chance to die" suggest that the speaker is wholly dedicated to winning and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The subsequent line "Another dead don't cry" implies that the speaker has seen others perish in their pursuit of victory and is not phased by it. The stanza "You've still got speed, you'll maybe bleed, there's less time" highlights the idea that time is running out and that one must act quickly if they wish to be successful.
The next stanza begins with the phrase "More speed than before, you've done it before, there is no for, what are you doing it for?" which suggests that the speaker is no longer satisfied with their previous achievements and is compelled to push themselves even harder. The line "Want more, want more" is a clear indication that the speaker is never satisfied with what they have and will always strive for more. The repetition of "Another dead don't cry" throughout the song serves as a haunting reminder that the pursuit of success often has a cost, and that cost can be the lives of others.i think this so,
Pierre Clary
on Champs
YOU'RE RICH NOT POOR