Formed in 1984, the band originally consisted of Amos, Steve Caton, and several musicians that they worked with at the time. When they were signed to Atlantic Records through record producer Joe Chicarelli, only Amos and Caton were kept on in the band. Kim Bullard, later of Kajagoogoo, and Matt Sorum, later of Guns N' Roses, were brought in to flesh out the band for the album. The album, also called Y Kant Tori Read, was released in 1988 and was an unmitigated commercial failure. Amos herself has claimed that it moved less than 7000 units, including promotional LPs, cassettes and CDs, as well as vinyl "cut-out" (very discounted) copies.
Throughout most of the 1990s, as a result of Amos' successful solo career, copies of the album in its various formats would sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, particularly an unopened copy on compact disc in its original long box. At the time of release, cut-out copies on vinyl had been placed on sale for ninety-nine cents. A music video for their song "The Big Picture" was made, but the only member of the band featured was Amos.
Two singles were released. The first, "The Big Picture," was commercially issued exclusively as a 7" vinyl single (and without a picture sleeve.) A 12" vinyl promotional release did have a picture sleeve, however. The second single, "Cool on Your Island," was issued as a cassette single and 7" vinyl single, this time with a picture sleeve; and in various promo 7" vinyl singles, including as a B-side of labelmate Phil Collins' "A Groovy Kind of Love." Neither single was successful.
Atlantic Records fully abandoned promoting the record after only two months of release. At Amos' request, the album was not reissued for nearly thirty years, until digitally remastered and released exclusively on streaming services in 2017.
Amos continues to periodically perform "Cool on Your Island" and "Etienne" (from "The Etienne Trilogy") live, and has played "Fire on the Side and "On the Boundary" live at lease one time each.
Pirates
Y Kant Tori Read Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From My Home
Foreign Streets
Paved With Stone
Deep In My Dreams
Moroccan Sand
Now I Sail
My Ship
CHORUS:
There Is A Light That
Shines On The Frontier
Pirates Yeah
Pirates
And On A Dark Night
When You Feel Lonely
And When The World Just
Can't Understand You
Pirates Yeah
Pirates
Steal The Jewel
Watch It Break
It Cuts With An Eye
I Can't Escape
The Ruby Heals
Alone I Stand
When I Sail My Ship
On Dry Land
CHORUS:
There Is A Light That
Shines On The Frontier
And Baby Someday
We're Gonna Be There
Pirates Yeah
Pirates
And On A Dark Night
When You Feel Lonely
And When The World Just
Can't Understand You
Pirates Yeah
Pirates
There Is A Light That
Shines On The Frontier
Pirates Yeah
Pirates
There Is A Light That
Shines On The Frontier
The lyrics to Y Kant Tori Read's song "Pirates" can be interpreted in a few different ways, but the general theme seems to be one of a journey towards a new, unknown destination. The first verse talks about travelling far from home, walking on foreign streets, and dreaming of Moroccan sand. The second verse mentions stealing a jewel that ends up breaking and cutting the singer's eye, leaving them alone to sail their ship on dry land. Despite these challenges, there is a persistent light shining on the frontier, symbolizing hope in the face of darkness and uncertainty.
The chorus repeats the idea of this shining light and the presence of pirates, who might represent either literal sea-faring pirates or more abstract figures of rebellion against the status quo. The lines "when you feel lonely" and "when the world just can't understand you" suggest that the singer feels out of place or misunderstood, but the pirates offer a sense of community and shared purpose. The repeated phrase "Pirates, yeah" at the end of each chorus emphasizes the energy and excitement of this unknown journey.
Overall, "Pirates" can be read as a song about taking risks, embracing the unknown, and finding support and inspiration in unexpected places. The vivid imagery and use of symbolism create a dreamlike atmosphere that invites the listener to imagine their own journey towards the frontier.
Line by Line Meaning
Travelled Far
I have ventured far away from where I started.
From My Home
I have left the place that was once my home.
Foreign Streets
I am now wandering through unfamiliar streets.
Paved With Stone
These streets are made of hard, cold stone.
Deep In My Dreams
In my dreams, I have gone even further, all the way to the sands of Morocco.
Moroccan Sand
The sands of Morocco are now a part of my innermost thoughts.
Now I Sail
I am now navigating through life on a course of my own choosing.
My Ship
My own journey is the vessel that takes me through the seas of life.
On Dry Land
I am not sailing in actual water, but metaphorically on solid ground.
CHORUS: There Is A Light That Shines On The Frontier
Despite the challenges and struggles that come with adventure, there is always hope and light to guide the way.
Pirates Yeah Pirates
Sometimes it takes a rebellious spirit to forge one's own path and overcome obstacles.
And On A Dark Night When You Feel Lonely
During times of despair, loneliness, and uncertainty, one can find solace in the spirit of adventure.
And When The World Just Can't Understand You
When the people around you can't comprehend your choices or path, you can find understanding in those who have gone their own way before you.
Steal The Jewel Watch It Break
Sometimes risks and rewards can come at a great price, and what you thought you wanted can turn out to be nothing but a broken dream.
It Cuts With An Eye I Can't Escape
The allure of adventure can be like a sharp blade that cuts deep, leaving an indelible mark that can't be ignored.
The Ruby Heals Alone I Stand
Despite the challenges and pain, it is possible to find comfort and healing in the journey, even if one feels alone.
When I Sail My Ship On Dry Land
Even when not on an actual adventure, the spirit of exploration and risk-taking can still be present in everyday life.
CHORUS: There Is A Light That Shines On The Frontier And Baby Someday We're Gonna Be There Pirates Yeah Pirates
Hope remains that someday, the adventurer's dreams will come true, and the spirit of the pirate will be there to celebrate.
There Is A Light That Shines On The Frontier Pirates Yeah Pirates
No matter how difficult the journey, the light of the adventurer's spirit will always shine bright.
Contributed by Colton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.