The newly formed group scored a hit right off the bat with the single "Only You" b/w "Situation," which hit number two on the U.K. charts in April of 1982, and shortly thereafter, scored another big hit with "Don't Go" (which would become their best-known track stateside as its promo video enjoyed airtime on the newly formed MTV). Yaz's commercial winning streak continued with their debut full-length, Upstairs at Eric's, which hit number two on the U.K. album charts (eventually going platinum in England) and opened the door to countless other synth-dance bands that would soon follow in Yaz's wake. But despite a promising career ahead of them, Yaz opted to call it a day after one more full-length recording, 1983's You and Me Both. Moyet would go on to launch a solo career immediately after Yaz's split (scoring a major hit with her solo debut, 1984's Alf, which topped the charts and spawned several hit singles), while Clarke would go on to form another synth-based outfit, Erasure, with singer Andy Bell. Although Yaz issued only a pair of albums during a brief career together, a 15-track "hits" collection was assembled in 1999, The Best of Yaz.
Good Times
Yaz Lyrics
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I'll never belong
I want to get there so bad
But it's taking so long
Sometimes I feel
Like letting go
But when it comes right down to it, baby
Who wants to know? (no-one)
[Chorus:]
And I find (for a good time)
I'm knocking for a good time (for a good time)
Now I find (for a good time)
I'm knocking for a good time (for a good time)
Standing on the outside
I'm looking in
Trying to be heard
I don't know where to begin
Help me baby show me how
To be a part of it all and all
Right here, and now
[Chorus]
Hands are full of silver
My pockets full of gold
It's time I'm trying to spend
And I can't get myself sold
I'm a bargain honey
I'm a giveaway
And you can have it all
If you'd use up my day.
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Yaz's song "Good Times" are a reflection of the feeling of not fitting in or belonging. The singer is trying to find their place in the world, but it is proving to be a difficult and slow process. While the singer is tempted to let go of their dreams, they push on because the alternative is unknown.
The chorus of the song is a call for a good time. The singer wants to enjoy the moment and have fun despite feeling like an outsider. The repetition of the phrase "for a good time" emphasizes the singer's desire for pleasure and diversion.
In the second verse, the singer further describes their struggle to be heard and included. The singer seeks help from someone who can show them how to be part of the group. The urgency in the line "Right here, and now" reveals the importance of finding a sense of belonging at that moment.
The final verse begins with a metaphor about having plenty of money but not being able to buy the kind of happiness that comes from fitting in. The singer acknowledges that they are not highly valued and offers themselves as a bargain or giveaway to anyone who wants to spend time with them. The chorus repeats, highlighting the singer's desire for a good time.
Overall, "Good Times" is a song about the human need for connection and belonging. It acknowledges the difficulty of finding one's place in the world but encourages the pursuit of happiness and pleasure despite those challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I feel
At times, I experience the emotion that I do not fit in or belong
I'll never belong
I doubt whether I will ever integrate into a particular group or society
I want to get there so bad
I have a strong desire to become part of the group or society that I admire
But it's taking so long
It is taking longer than I initially anticipated to achieve my desire
Sometimes I feel
On other occasions, I sense
Like letting go
The idea of giving up seems appealing
But when it comes right down to it, baby
However, upon a closer examination of my situation
Who wants to know? (no-one)
I realize no one cares about my struggles or achievements
And I find (for a good time)
What I've figured out is that
I'm knocking for a good time (for a good time)
I am reaching out for some fun and excitement
Now I find (for a good time)
Currently, I have established that
Standing on the outside
From an external perspective
I'm looking in
I am analyzing the situation, but I am not actively part of it
Trying to be heard
I am attempting to make myself known
I don't know where to begin
I am uncertain about what steps to take to make things happen
Help me baby show me how
Assist me in comprehending how things work
To be a part of it all and all
To be involved with everything and everyone
Right here, and now
At this moment, in this place
Hands are full of silver
I have a lot of material possessions
My pockets full of gold
I have an abundance of wealth
It's time I'm trying to spend
I am trying to utilize my time effectively
And I can't get myself sold
I am unable to persuade others to involve themselves with me
I'm a bargain honey
I am a great deal, a fantastic opportunity
I'm a giveaway
Furthermore, I am giving myself away, metaphorically speaking
And you can have it all
You can have everything I offer
If you'd use up my day.
If you take advantage of my time and company
[Chorus]
The following lines constitute the song's chorus
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALISON MOYET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind