SPEECHLESS!| FIRST TIME HEARING Tears For Fears - Woman In Chains REACTION

[@meecob]

This is one of the best songs ever recorded.

[@caseymoe816]

After an exhausting world tour in 1985 Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith were burnt out and almost dissolved Tears For Fears. In September 1985, after their last gig in Kansas City they met to discuss the future of the band in the lounge at the Hyatt. By absolute chance, an unknown singer named Oleta Adams was tending piano and doing her nightly set in the hotel bar. They were so blown away by her voice and passion for music they brought her in to sing on their 1989 album The Seeds of Love, and this song was written specifically for her. She single-handedly reinvigorated the duo and her stellar solo career was born. 🔥🤙

[@Shrykespeare]

And now they're together and touring again. They just came to my town last week. Sadly, I was unable to attend.

[@mariflame1821]

@@Shrykespeare Oh, good to know she's with them on this tour...seeing TFF tonight!

[@Shrykespeare]

@@mariflame1821 Let me clarify... when I said they were back together, I meant Roland and Curt. I don't know if Oleta is on tour with them.

[@antonytheolddog8626]

Sowing the seeds was the final straw. They were searching for perfection, and argued over its direction.. Little did they know that they did reach perfection with that song...🤔

[@twenty3enigma]

We need to find out who was managing the cocktail lounge at that Hyatt and -- if they're still living -- thank them for having Oleta Adams there.

[@antifax8434]

“Woman in chains”...Another genius of Tears for Fears. How little justice has been done to this group, they are fantastic and their songs are unforgettable.

[@tommytaylor4139]

Spot on 👍👍

[@petsenatureza]

This song was written by the vocalist and tells the true story of his mother's life! Wonderful Music!

[@kevinl2578]

I know Ive been telling so many people that!

[@thiago-1016]

Tears for fears is giants

[@spoonunit03]

Don't forget that there was a hell of a lot of competition back then...you know, when music was important.

[@Alberto_1965_BR]

One of the best songs ever made This band is amazing and they are brilliant musicians

[@betonf]

True

[@sissi3479]

Yes this song is pure gold

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

I think they could do awesome work with Paul McCartney since this song always reminds me of "She's Leaving Home" and "A Day in the Life".

[@gushernandez1366]

FYI Phil Collins plays drums on that track. That whole album is a masterpiece! Oleta Adamas was discovered singing at a Kansas City hotel lounge

[@jamesnolan4412]

To be exact, their drummer Manu Katché played from the start to three and a half minutes and then Phil came in from there until the end. They wanted him to bring a similar vibe to The Air Tonight. Phil later stated it was one of the hardest songs he's played .

[@clannad99germany70]

YEP !

[@zmbdog]

It was at the Hyatt. Sadly, the same one where a suspended walkway fell onto the dance floor and killed over 100 people.

[@hx3trapped]

Woman In Chains is one of my fav’s, but the best part is Oleta Adams! Such a powerful voice!

[@flaviomendes5082]

Exatamente isso, Phill Colins, na batera, simplesmente incrível

[@leslapins7617]

They often go deep in important issues, bring important messages. Like “Mad World”. Such a wise band.

[@luckyboy4766]

Their first album 'The Hurting' was about childhood trauma and abuse

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

Thank you for this comment. Many people never fully catch that.. about this band.

[@milhousevanhoutan9235]

Mother's Talk is also about global thermonuclear war and the machine that turns children into soldiers to die for their country (the awesome opening lines of "it's not that you're not good enough- it just that we can make you better. / given that you pay the price, we can keep you young and tender / follow in the footsteps of a funeral pyre / you were paid not to listen now your house is on fire.") Also the song Laid So Low is just...the biggest most painful breakup song ever. It's clearly about the split they had in the 90s.

[@landisix9709]

“The sun and the moon… will never rain”

[@Itelkner]

"Sowing The Seeds Of Love" needs to be the next track for your Tears For Fears reaction. I know you guys like the trippy later Beatlesy sound and that song's got it in spades!

[@jediwalker2010]

Yes!!! Deep, deep lyrics!!!

[@Itelkner]

Yeah! Thanks for adding that. I should have said something about the song's actual lyrical content. VERY deep, absolutely sincere and serious stuff. Very uncommon for a pop song. Should be heard by everyone.

[@herminiahernandez1512]

Yeah, definitely should be their next reaction.

[@tmay_dont-gafff]

They admitted in a story teller setting they modeled Sowing the Seeds of Love after The Beatles' song 'I Am The Walrus'. Great songs. 🙂

[@patrickc4697]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@221b-Maker-Street]

The slow steady insistent build of this song is a thing of absolute beauty. This is a very personal song for Roland whose father was a domestic abuser, and the Woman In Chains is his mother. The song is also about how toxic masculinity suppresses men from experiencing their true selves and full emotions - leading to terrible consequences for themselves and others. The anthemic _'So free them'_ at the end is as much about freeing men from society's damaging expectations as freeing women from oppression. Also, it's a bangin' choon, and Oleta is just *fab,* isn't she?

[@MichelleEnqels]

I love your deeper dive into the message behind this powerful song. Your interpretation is so on-point. We (as a society) have raised our level of awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and have made efforts to help women (mostly) get away from their abusers. But as you point out, the problem goes much deeper than that. Nobody seems to realize how insidious our culture's view of what it means to be a "man" is and how far-reaching the damage it causes is. Those expectations hurt us all. It's a shame.

[@221b-Maker-Street]

@@MichelleEnqels Thank you Michelle we are aligned. I firmly believe that toxic masculinity contributes towards so many of the world's ills - war, oppression, slavery, 'honour' killings, FGM, suicide, depression, PTSD, the list goes on... 😔

[@sissi3479]

Oh poor guy! I ve never known about it before.whereas i ve always been a great fan of them and this song !

[@AJ........]

I'm not disagreeing with you, but something additional to consider is there will always be strong evil and toxic men. To deal with them, good men need to be equally as strong or stronger in multiple ways, be it cops who arrest them, or competitors in any realm like business, politics, almost anything really. So I think we need to tread carefully in what we try to eliminate from masculinity, or we could end up in a situation where the most toxic and evil men have too much control if good men no longer know what strength they can possess to fight the good fight or if they believe it's unhealthy to access that strength. I'd hate to see a situation where some guys play nice, while others play by no rules, and the one's who play nice get left behind. That can be dangerous in itself because men who have no purpose in life with no chance of turning it around can end up being dangerous men.

[@guscarlson7021]

That womans voice brings tears to my eyes......for fears.

[@daniels.2978]

One of the most underrated bands ever. Their music is timeless with deep meaning .

[@brianjohnston4117]

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. OMG , OLETA AND ROLAND . . Tears . .

[@eileendobbs8009]

Great song, Oleta Adams was a plus! I love the lyrics. I think a lot of people feel like that about abused women. Great choice!!

[@rubentullenaar2934]

This woman is Oleta Adams, she has a beautiful voice. Tears for Fears discovered her, while she was singing in a bar, and asked her if she was willing to sing on one of their songs for the new album. Also, Phil Collins plays the drums. At the beginning you hear a little influence from Phil from the song “Duchess”. Amazing song as well.

[@markmcbride678]

Well that's wrong.. discovered in a church singing in the choir

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

The beginning is definitely Duchess influenced, but that's not just a programmed track - it's Manu Katché.

[@W4TB]

The line “and I feel hopelessly weighed down by your eyes of steel” still gives me chills

[@martinscott-reed5379]

An absolutely stunning song that is certainly up there with the best. What makes Tears for Fears great is that Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith can both sing well and are talented musicians. They both write songs, but Roland is the primary songwriter.

[@softshallow7435]

Check out Oleta Adams she had a big hit in 1990 I think, it was called ‘Get Here If You Can’ it’s amazing!

[@elizabethfranco1284]

They should also check out Des’ree You Gotta Be

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Yes totally agree she has such a voice.

[@jediwalker2010]

“Get Here”. Yes, an awesome song!!!

[@kendrap-LvnHppnss6371]

@@elizabethfranco1284 Yes!! I loved Des'ree....I agree that should be the next artist and song to play

[@ericstaton6896]

It was indeed a very big hit for Oleta Adams, as it had a strong significance & meaning during the first Gulf War! The song is a cover, which was originally done by Brenda Russell in 1988! Peace!!!

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Sowing the Seeds of Love definitely should be your next one.

[@marjolewis9405]

Finally, someone is reacting to this masterpiece.

[@equipage72]

Many other reactions of this on YT. Just search, "Woman in chains reaction".

[@boyter8]

Saw these guys in Berlin back in 1989! They played this song.

[@gpatrick95]

The entire “Seeds of Love” album was/is criminally underrated. Even more so the follow up, “Elemental” (which is essentially a Roland Orzabal solo effort, despite being labeled as a TFF album) Amber, you would absolutely LOVE the trippy-‘60s throwback sound of “Brian Wilson Said” from the “Elemental” album.

[@Out_of_My_Head]

Agreed.

[@Vraxx7]

Elemental is probably my favorite TFF album. So underrated.

[@orphu88]

Thank you so much for doing this song. I knew you would appreciate it. I cry nearly every time I hear it, especially the end with them repeating "So free her..." Beautiful voices, powerful words.

[@viddiot]

One of Tears for Fears true masterpieces. So glad you guys found it.

[@thaissantana5967]

Fun fact: the lyrics of this song are based on the story of Roland's mother. His parents had a very troubled relationship.

[@EmjayBaxton]

Oleta Adams is an amazing talent. Her song 'Get Here' is absolutely beautiful. She has an amazing catalog of music.

[@Geoskan]

This song puts a lump in my throat every time I hear it. So beautiful...

[@philipleaning9355]

They discovered Oleta Adams singing and playing piano in a bar in Kansas City. She's appeared on a couple of their albums as well as putting her own out. Extraordinary voice!

[@jeffreymosher6334]

And for clarification, RSR, :-) "Oh-Lee-ta" but understandable getting "oh-LET-ah" out of that spelling.

[@MrPlant1966]

Oleta has the most amazing voice.❤

[@adrianofrancisco5454]

From Brazil, Belo Horizonte, I grow listening the good music of Tears for Fears. Also Brian Ferry, Simply Red, Duran Duran, CUlture Club... and ours singers, Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque, Djavan.... good music.

[@scottcortmeister4164]

Another great song from Tears for Fears is "Bad Man's Song" where we once again are blessed with the great Oleta Adams presence and vocal mastery in a beautiful duet with Roland...

[@GunsmithSid]

+1 for Bad Man’s Song

[@andyrunton]

+1 for Bad Man’s song. I even recommend the live version because you can see them perform it so perfectly. I saw them on that tour and they were so unbelievably good!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2yo6J_ocd0p6s

[@markpalmer8083]

Ah yes. It takes me right back to much better times when we had music and musicians. What has happened to the World?

[@gershman23]

The opening bass segment by Curt is just tremendous, coupled with Phil's introspective beat, gives the song a degree of gravitas you can't find elsewhere.

[@applecore1170]

You just got to love the music of the 80's! Most have so much substance... the poetry... the art of putting together excellent melody and lyrics, as musicians experiment with various sounds/instruments and vocalizations. Glad to have experienced this decade.

[@ervicito77]

This is a great song! If you really love that female voice in the song, this is Oleta Adams. You should listen to her song "Get Here." That song really shows off her beautiful voice and it's a lovely emotional song. ❤️

[@brewswillis9783]

Get Here is amazing but Rhythm Of Life is amazing as well.

[@waynebrown8513]

Also her version of New York state of mind is brilliant

[@mattpotter8725]

Perfect for a Female Friday I think!!!

[@heidichristensen7919]

This song, and Duran Duran’s Come Undone, are the most beautiful songs of the 80s/early 90s imo. Love it. And you must check out Curt Smith (the short haired one) and his daughter Diva’s version of Mad World from 2020. It’s fabulous.

[@ivorb8835]

Tessa Niles who sang on Duran Duran's Come Undone, also sang backing vocals on Women In Chains.

[@chriscraftguy]

Agree.

[@mariefc8504]

And Sade "No Ordinary Love" ❤

[@criss6945]

Duran Duran's "Save a Prayer" is more beautiful than "Come Undone".

[@skurinski]

@@criss6945 no

[@TheMkamix]

Wow! What a beautiful song. The layers in both vocals and music were so rich and the Lyric so deep. Respect!

[@adisolar]

Best sound, best production and composition. No sound out of place, everything is staged so beautifully - unreal. No computers, no autotune, pure magic.

[@jillplatte6370]

Roland Orzabal is AMAZING!

[@craigpreedy8855]

I waited and waited for this album. (Seeds of Love) 1989. Took it back to my bed sit in Bristol and put it in. Woman in Chains was the first track. It blew me away. I’m not ashamed to admit it made my eyes leak I thought it was so beautiful. It still has that effect on me. Oletta Adams is one for female Friday. Her track “Get here” is a gem of a song.

[@ambash2]

I absolutely love "Get Here" such an underappreciated artist Oleta is

[@gnrnando88]

Phil Collins recorded the drums in this masterpiece. Timeless song from amazing musicians!

[@zzyzxx13]

Is there an album (or song) that Collins DIDN'T play on back in the 80's? From Genesis to his solo career to Phillp Bailey to Robert Plant to Live Aid on two continents in the same day to everything in-between... he was everywhere. Except Van Hagar. Maybe that's why they sucked so bad in the latter half of the 80's.

[@GooseGumlizzard]

@@zzyzxx13 yes, most albums in the 80s had Jeff Porcaro on drums

[@mikec3853]

As the consensus builds, "Sowing The Seeds Of Love" is the next obvious choice For Tears For Fears. "Pale Shelter" is also great and "Advice For The Young At Heart" is really a great song too. Tears For Fears always deliver-impeccable vocals, lyrics, production-the whole package.

[@petsenatureza]

This song was written by the vocalist and tells the true story of his mother's life! Wonderful Music!

[@seandobson6221]

This is truly my FAVORITE Tears for Fears song. It’s so deep and haunting. I love pretty much everything they do but this one is my favorite.

[@russellsearch7925]

Their best song for me, probably down to the contrast in their voices as you alluded to in your reaction. Absolutely great song choice guys.

[@herminiahernandez1512]

I love Roland and Curt, they always have beautiful music.

[@gen5773]

I've known this wonderful song for so many years, and yet listening today, I still experience the chills I had the first time - perfect in every respect. Thanks for reacting to this perfection.

[@robertprice2715]

Tears for Fears, one of my favourite bands along with INXS. Would love to hear more INXS you haven’t done in a while. 1991 Wembley concert is amazing.

[@jsb9317]

Saw them in concert 2 weeks ago with Carina Round as backup female vocalist. Song is magical and her voice is just as beautiful. Their harmonies are mesmerizing on this song live.

[@jsb9317]

Please watch and listen to their new song/video “Break The “Man”

[@SnagleTooth14]

Man, this song still gives me chills! They're voices are so beautiful together❤❤❤

[@amrosoronar1853]

Tears for Fears is in my Top 5 Bands. Woman in Chains is my favorite song of all time. I always get emotional and tear-up every time i listen to the lyrics of this song and internalize its message and meaning. For me its about the oppression of women in a patriarchal society.

[@slimlouis6441]

Oleta was discovered by these guys while on tour. They heard her singing & playing piano at a hotel. Recorded with her on their next album. This song introduced her to the world and then she had her own successful solo career. She’s an amazing vocalist. It’s a great story.

[@geneleonard4368]

Tears for fears were on tour & overheard Oleta Adams singing in a piano bar & thought her voice was so incredible they asked her her to sing on their next album & tour ,which made her famous ,got her a record contract & hit song of her own .

[@monticlassictv]

Still one of Tears For Fears epic songs from the 1980’s and that fantastic voice of Olletta Adams is just the icing on this musical cake a fantastic song with a great message without a doubt.

[@michaeltipton5500]

I've never heard this one. They still have fantastic voices.

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

Tears For Fears leader Roland helped Oleta Adams put together her solo debut "Circle Of One" and it's a great record. It deserved more attention than it got.

[@marksummers1700]

my absolute favorite song by Tears For Fears... for it's important message, and the melodic beauty of the song... and Oleta's vocals... amazing...!!!

[@cherylsons2486]

Not sure how I've never heard this song before. I'm going to see Tears for Fears live next Friday. Hope they perform this song along with all my favorites.

[@charlierussell6577]

I am soooo happy someone pulled this song ! Yes, Tears for Fears has tons of iconic cuts, but this one gets overlooked all too often. The vocals are everything and it has a very powerful message .....

[@delorespetree3243]

Good singer

[@philtaylor3098]

A track that'll bring out every emotion you ever had.

[@brianjohnston4117]

Roland and Oletta, my god , perfect match in heaven . Just beautiful and powerful . Xx

[@jeanstrickland2445]

This is a fantastic song, love what you’re doing 💕

[@johncampbell756]

The band had two lead singers (they were initially a duo) for the first three albums, then had an ugly split. Singer/bassist Curt Smith quit. Singer/guitarist Roland Orzabal (Singer here) recorded two albums without Curt. Thr first, Elemental, is excellent. Never heard the second one. They reconciled and Curt rejoined the band in 2004. They just released a new album thus yesr.

[@sissi3479]

The voice of Oletta Adams gave me chills,the first time...and still does

[@klove5765]

The sun and the moon the wind and the rain ,great metaphors to describe his mood swings one moment to the next about a man who is emotionally unpredictable

[@williamflinchum-qo6ch]

Amber look,s so engrossed in the music perfectionism! I love love this song, great band!

[@go2mac]

Probably one of the best songs ever written in the history.

[@mariflame1821]

Seeing Tears for Fears in concert tonight! They are awesome and one of my top favorite music groups! Most of their songs, like this one, are deep. I love their new album 'The Tipping Point' so much! Both Roland and Curt have beautiful voices but I've always loved Roland's powerful voice!

[@bradmenpes809]

You know, listening to this again, I think this might be my very favourite TFF song. I've got to be careful here. TFF have so many good songs and I tend to change my mind depending upon which song I'm listening to at the moment 😛

[@donkunes8630]

their latest work is excellent as well , like 'the Tipping Point' they along with a few other bands like the 'Fixx' are still active, creating

[@davehelms1398]

Tears for Fears are touring this summer for the first time in 20 years, there are several videos online from recent concerts.

[@ericpeterman1575]

I always cry listening to this...this song is something special...it goes deeper.

[@BoutiqueTiger]

As much as I love him, this album, but more specifically this song; is when Curt took a backseat role in Tears for Fears

[@allieren]

I’ve enjoyed Tears for Fears since the 80s but I can’t remember ever hearing this song. And I love it! I’m so glad you reacted to it-I now have a new addition to my playlist. Speaking of Oleta Adams, I think you’d like her song “Get Here.”

[@nicholashylton6857]

Really? I grew up with them too and this has always been up there. I loved "Head Over Heals" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" are their signature hits, but "WiC" has always had the strongest emotional connection with me.

[@goobermikey]

Love TFF! Listen to The Working Hour, they have a great saxophone opening 👍🏻

[@Empathy_Test]

I can't recommend this suggestion enough. It has so many layers.

[@davidcopson5800]

Quite true.

[@happymouth9318]

When I first heard this, it sounded plain compared to their other songs, but something about the message stuck with me. As I heard it again, I began to love it and the intricate subtle details in the song. I later began to love it as it helped me realize the personal prison I was in. I can't listen without crying 😢😢😢

[@davidhuggan6315]

Love the last bit - "So Free Her". Beautiful, and important message which is sadly still needed today.

[@nessa8389]

Love this song, Oleta Adams has a beautiful voice, I remember when the first gulf War was going on in 1991 they played her song Get Here, which was very emotional for all the armed forces that were there , my brother was over there at the time and I remember her song playing all the time, please listen to Oleta Adams singing Get Here x

[@timmaloney6739]

saw this band about ten times...loud and beautiful...

[@iainweller452]

This song was a big favourite on MTV back in the day

[@stephenwand3417]

Well done on allowing this classic to unfold before pausing it. An earlier break would have been premature. You nailed it!

[@ajschroetlin2196]

I'm psyched to see that you guys did this song. It's one of my favorites by them but it barely gets requested. Thanks!

[@carlosruiz-ob7le]

Hermosa canción de un album genial de una banda genial. Gracias por reaccionar a este tema, pionero en visibilizar la violencia hacia la mujer, y de una forma sutil. Hay muchos temas más en el album que lo contenía y que tambien podrían reaccionar, porque estoy convencido que les gustarían. Los sigo hace tiempo chicos, y me encanta lo que hacen. Abrazo desde Patagonia Argentina!!

[@Mr_Mijagi]

One of the best pop songs ever written! Kicked of Oleta Adams career. Her „Get here“ is absolutely beautiful too. Fun Fact: Phil Collins played drums on „Woman in chains“

[@softshallow7435]

Check out ‘sowing the seeds of love’ too it had a The Beatles St. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club feel to it.

[@peteharry351]

One of the great power chords ever recorded. This might be the best "pop" song I've ever heard. Roland complements Oleta, and not many singers can do that.

[@jopay142]

This song always ringed a bell for me... but even more since I became the father of five incredible girls (well, young women now!).

[@nancysmith8626]

Love that you're doing more from Tears for Fears, they are just awesome! I would suggest trying a few songs from the early 90s during a period when Curt Smith had left the band and it was just Roland Orzabal singing - "Break It Down Again" and the lovely "Goodnight Song." Also from the 80s, "Advice for the Young at Heart," it's beautiful. This band is endlessly fabulous no matter what.

[@dh2392]

I've been regularly watching this video for 33 years now. I absolutely love this song.

[@anthonyblakely399]

You guys have picked High Tier music today. Tears For Fears are one of my favorite bands. This song is so deep on so many level the struggle for women's equality and rights....The struggle with Mother Earth and she in chains with our pollutions......the struggle with battered women in freeing them from their abusive men......so many level.....Yes....the group were impressed with a Piano Bar player Oleta Adams so much that they asked her to join their group and she accepted...and is still a member but does her solo R & B acts on her own and when they need her she joins them in the studio to cut a album.....Tears For Fears latest album has Oleta Adams on it.....Don't miss it....you will regret it!!! It is FIRE!!!! ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Two Strike....one with "Roundabout" by Yes; two with "Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears!!!! Wow!!! Your ears and music taste is growing!!! Hahahahaaha......lol.....hahahaha

[@yogibarista2818]

Really? - Oleta Adams doesn't have appear to have any credits on the Tipping Point album.

[@ericp8428]

Very excited to see you choosing this song. So so powerful. Look into the story of them pairing with Oleta Adams. And also take a listen to “Year of the Knife”

[@edgarmanigold6785]

I love this music.

[@legbreaker]

Tears in my eyes after mrs Adams kicks in. True masterpiece

[@willfromyadkinville]

i hold this album close to heart! it matters!

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

I have been in love with this song since I was in my teens. So deep and true. Everyone so talented in this song!!. And not enough people in the 80's.. actualy listened to Oleta Adams and her talent. So underrated..as a vocalist.

[@debbiejohnson1484]

Saw them in 2015. Played this song! Fell in love with them all over again! Berlin opened and she still sounded great!

[@FastHatTrick]

I love this for you two. One of my top 5 songs of all time. Have been lucky enough to see them live in concert and hope to catch them on this tour as well. If you love this, look into "The Working Hour" off of Songs from the Big Chair. Also, they found her singing in a night club, and brought her to the masses via this song.

[@davidcopson5800]

That is truly a great song.

[@bethking7348]

One of My favorite bands ever❤

[@robdaviesprogm]

This song has so many possible interpretations to it. Roland Orzabal, who wrote the song, said this in Melody Maker: "I was reading some feminist literature at the time and I discovered that there are societies in the world still in existence today that are non-patriarchal. They don't have the man at the top and the women at the bottom. They're matricentric-they have the woman at the centre and these societies are a lot less violent, a lot less greedy and there's generally less animosity... but the song is also about how men traditionally play down the feminine side of their characters and how both men and women suffer for it.... I think men in a patriarchal society are sold down the river a bit-okay, maybe we're told that we're in control but there are also a hell of a lot of things that we miss out on, which women are allowed to be". During a 2021 interview with the Louder website, when asked if the song is the feminist anthem it’s usually read as, Orzabal replied: “Um… it was really about my mother. At one point in her life she was a stripper. My father and she ran an entertainment agency from a council house in Portsmouth. So she would go out to strip, and my father would send a driver out with her to spy on her. If she talked to another man, when she came back he would beat her up. So it’s about domestic abuse.” (Source for both quotes was Wikipedia, but they were cited.) When I first really paid attention to the lyrics in the 2010s, I thought it was about the experience of being male-to-female transgendered: a woman trapped in a male body and wanting desperately to be freed. Given that it was written in 1989, well before trans rights were being talked about in any widespread capacity, this is definitely not what Orzabal was going for, but I think it still has merit.

[@xlerb_again_to_music7908]

FYI - non-patriarchal not so rare. The UK has often been both lead and ruled by women (rulers / Heads of State / warriors) plus home domestic arrangements often organised so the wife is in charge. Without question both my parent's families were matriarchies. This though sometimes due to war; the 20th century on two occasions managing to wipe out vast number of males across Europe. A sub-text of "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles being: Insufficient men available as husbands, having died in war. As a child I met many like these two ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqa2ZoGrjbeVa7s ) - apparently content and well-dressed women idly passing time, but lonely and unmarried for lack of males. A survivor cried later for the dead (see bombed-out house in background). Alas many meanings lost now; who remembers those days? Great singing on the TFF track!

[@stevendagorn4215]

You need to watch the live version of "Going To California" concert Oleta was an actual member Of the Band at the time and their performance is so impressive the sound and the voices they had incredible. Also check out Bad Man Song live at Knebworth.. She sing and at the piano and her performance is also incredible !!

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Good call! I just recommeded the Knebworth version, which I only just saw for the first time! I saw this tour in 1989 and I've watched the Going to California vid many times, but I had not seen the Knebworth video! Awesome, with the band having such a good time on stage! And wow, part of that show they were getting drenched with rain! :)

[@stevendagorn4215]

@@michaelbriefs9764 the two versions are realy close. A little more short for Knebworth version. But Rain & the Insane crowd ect it's Epic !!

[@jade-d314]

Oleta Adams had her biggest hit with "Get Here" in 1991. It was the unofficial anthem of the Gulf War. Everybody and his brother was singing this song to honor those who were fighting overseas - as a way of saying "come back home safely." A reaction to this song would be awesome.

[@TheDesertRoseRanch]

One of my all time favorite songs, ever. Deep message, beautiful music, beautiful vocals.