Thanks for the video! it's always a celebration when someone is introduced to the Chameleons :) As in most of the Chameleons' songs, the lyrics are about existential suffering. As someone else's already noted in the comments, the singer was partially inspired by Jack London's "Star Rover". People might find many meanings in these lyrics, but it is not really about solitary confinement, the penalty/torture. It's about loneliness and existential unease (depression, I may add). "Soul in isolation" in the sense of lack of genuine human connection, and deprived of any fulfilling joy. The first verse introduces us to the abstract situation: someone is deeply sad, lost and alone, and another one is not sure what to do about it. In the second verse there's the deep disappointment and disenchantment in the external world and in the human nature. The psychedelic section might be about meditating for a solution, mentally dealing with these forces of evil (the Giant). The final verse: the "protagonist" is wondering about the origin of his condition. The "Jailer", his mother, a god or a man: WHO brought him in such sad existance and trapped him in a life of fears, in this surreal world, among cold and scary people? How many are and will be suffering in the same way and end up in the same situation? "I'm alive in here": I'm stuck here and you can still save me. But also: "I'm alive", I have feelings and all those things I mentioned hurt me so much. It all feels hopeless and dark: could someone please turn on the light ... We're all souls in isolation: each in its own way, we're all alone. We're all imprisoned in this life and there's always a missing link between us. In the fade out, the singer cites an early draft of the song (Dear Dead Days), again with existential melancholy. In a human life here's a hint of a sense of purpose, but where is the one felt in youth, before the innocence was gone and before reality hurt so much? A hug from Switzerland, Federinz
Thank you sooo much for taking the time to share this. I went back and listened while reading it, so so spot on. Hope things are well in Switzerland Federinz!!
Great track. There are so many great post punk bands in the late 70s to the early 80 ,each with their own style but all keeping that darkish vibe in their music. Their album Script to the bridge is a must for any post punk fan.
Loved your reaction. This band has been with me since I was 16. Such an underrated band with such a haunting sound and atmosphere, Yet it has a warm glow to it. The line ' I'm alive in here ' still gives me goosebumps!
@@thesound-chameleonman3580 What *what*'? A "bop"? Apparently it is a very pleasing musical performance that gets you going. Possibly Trey, being a callow youth, can confirm this.
Glad to see you singing The Sound's praises loudly on the internet now, Chris! ;) Welcome to the super-fandom! He's right, you must check The Sound out too! Along with The Chameleons, they were criminally overlooked. Both superb bands! I'd recommend 'I Can't Escape Myself' too.
From memory, the lyrics are about a book by Jack London called ,I think, Star Rover about a guy imprisoned in bondage in a cell who lives his life in a semi- imaginative state to survive ..
Hands down my favorite song from the Chameleons. I always took it a song against consumerism and late stage capitalism. We’re more concerned with pursuing wealth and products for ourselves than realizing life is about building connections and communities which give us what we really need.
Someone: Name a perfect song. Me: Soul in Isolation by The Chameleons. fr, the song is incredible from start to finish, not a flaw to be found anywhere in it. the musical harmonies make a chilling/soothing vibe that just grips you, and the vocals are just as good.
Somewhere I read that this was inspired by Mark's favourite book at the time, a thing called The Star Rover by Jack London. A bleak and intense read by all accounts. A book about a bloke in prison being tortured by the straight jacket. Somebody please back me up on this, otherwise I'm gonna think I imagined all this. Edit, just read the previous post sorry.
Not many would recommend you start a Chameleons journey with this track. Listen to the whole of Script of the Bridge, plus Swamp Thing from Strange Times.
A great but odd and extremely dark song by the Chams. I wouldn't recommend it as a starting point for the uninitiated. Go with Up the Down Escalator, Second Skin or Swamp Thing.
Epic track from one of my favorite bands. Well-done with your analysis. So many great tracks. If you want to hear more, check out "Up the Down Escalator", "Second Skin", "Looking Inwardly", "On the Beach", "Caution", or perhaps the definitive Chameleons song, "Swamp Thing".
Trey, I too have not heard of this group. The facts you guys share always helps to learn about the artist and song. The intro is cool with heavy drums and guitar, that is also heard throughout the song. It has a hard rocking style to the overall sound. I agree Trey, the song has an ominous atmosphere. I agree with your comments on the unique vocal and the standout percussion. I couldn't understand the lyrics until I listened to your analyzing of it. You always do a great job understanding what the song is about. This is a hard rocking dark but interesting song.
They have much better song's than this... check out Don't fall off Script of the bridge by The Chameleons... THAT album is a masterpiece.. also Up the down escalator is a classic.
Thanks for the video!
it's always a celebration when someone is introduced to the Chameleons :)
As in most of the Chameleons' songs, the lyrics are about existential suffering. As someone else's already noted in the comments, the singer was partially inspired by Jack London's "Star Rover". People might find many meanings in these lyrics, but it is not really about solitary confinement, the penalty/torture.
It's about loneliness and existential unease (depression, I may add). "Soul in isolation" in the sense of lack of genuine human connection, and deprived of any fulfilling joy.
The first verse introduces us to the abstract situation: someone is deeply sad, lost and alone, and another one is not sure what to do about it.
In the second verse there's the deep disappointment and disenchantment in the external world and in the human nature.
The psychedelic section might be about meditating for a solution, mentally dealing with these forces of evil (the Giant).
The final verse: the "protagonist" is wondering about the origin of his condition. The "Jailer", his mother, a god or a man: WHO brought him in such sad existance and trapped him in a life of fears, in this surreal world, among cold and scary people? How many are and will be suffering in the same way and end up in the same situation? "I'm alive in here": I'm stuck here and you can still save me. But also: "I'm alive", I have feelings and all those things I mentioned hurt me so much. It all feels hopeless and dark: could someone please turn on the light ...
We're all souls in isolation: each in its own way, we're all alone. We're all imprisoned in this life and there's always a missing link between us.
In the fade out, the singer cites an early draft of the song (Dear Dead Days), again with existential melancholy. In a human life here's a hint of a sense of purpose, but where is the one felt in youth, before the innocence was gone and before reality hurt so much?
A hug from Switzerland,
Federinz
Thank you sooo much for taking the time to share this. I went back and listened while reading it, so so spot on. Hope things are well in Switzerland Federinz!!
Great track. There are so many great post punk bands in the late 70s to the early 80 ,each with their own style but all keeping that darkish vibe in their music. Their album Script to the bridge is a must for any post punk fan.
Will check it out. Thanks Kevin!
Loved your reaction. This band has been with me since I was 16. Such an underrated band with such a haunting sound and atmosphere, Yet it has a warm glow to it. The line ' I'm alive in here ' still gives me goosebumps!
Thanks they are so good!
What a great band to introduce. Go see them live! They are shaking houses today in 2024. New album coming too.
Have listened to some of their albums since this. Greatness!
Script of the bridge is a phenomenal achievement by The Chameleons, also probably their best album.
with that kinda rec for sure will check it out!
Hey Trey, this is a pretty tricky entry song. I would recommend the equally dramatic AND gorgeously melodic Second Skin.
Really appreciate the suggestions and thanks for watching Harri!
Second skin is way better than this.
@@thesound-chameleonman3580, you could throw a dart at the first album and hit what youngsters call a bop.
@@harripalomaki8796 what?
@@thesound-chameleonman3580 What *what*'? A "bop"? Apparently it is a very pleasing musical performance that gets you going. Possibly Trey, being a callow youth, can confirm this.
The main point being that ultimately we are alone even if we're surrounded by other people including family and friends.
Deep stuff but true!
The Sound are another amazing band worth checking out... try winning, silent air or new dark age by them.
Will check them out. Thanks!
Glad to see you singing The Sound's praises loudly on the internet now, Chris! ;) Welcome to the super-fandom!
He's right, you must check The Sound out too! Along with The Chameleons, they were criminally overlooked. Both superb bands! I'd recommend 'I Can't Escape Myself' too.
From memory, the lyrics are about a book by Jack London called ,I think, Star Rover about a guy imprisoned in bondage in a cell who lives his life in a semi- imaginative state to survive ..
Appreciate the insight and you watching!
Hands down my favorite song from the Chameleons. I always took it a song against consumerism and late stage capitalism. We’re more concerned with pursuing wealth and products for ourselves than realizing life is about building connections and communities which give us what we really need.
This is a very very wise comment!
In Shreds the first single is worth a listen...and the B Side Nostalgia.
Really appreciate the suggestions and thanks for watching Duality!
Love "Nostalgia", one of my favorites
Someone: Name a perfect song.
Me: Soul in Isolation by The Chameleons.
fr, the song is incredible from start to finish, not a flaw to be found anywhere in it. the musical harmonies make a chilling/soothing vibe that just grips you, and the vocals are just as good.
High praise! Thanks for watching!
RIP John Lever. A good friend. A great drummer
Thanks David!
Somewhere I read that this was inspired by Mark's favourite book at the time, a thing called The Star Rover by Jack London. A bleak and intense read by all accounts. A book about a bloke in prison being tortured by the straight jacket. Somebody please back me up on this, otherwise I'm gonna think I imagined all this. Edit, just read the previous post sorry.
haha its all good. Appreciate you commenting and watching!
It's haunting though. Yeah? 😎👌
Yes!
One of my fave bands!
Thanks for watching!
I have Script of the bridge signed by Mark Burgess and Reg Smithies!
That is great!
Not many would recommend you start a Chameleons journey with this track. Listen to the whole of Script of the Bridge, plus Swamp Thing from Strange Times.
Listened to some full albums for our album draft series from them last year and enjoyed them.
Great video. Very underrated band. Good job Greg and Trey
Thanks Fran!
Like the mid point between Joy Division and The Smiths. They have a lot of other great songs from all three original albums.
Great way to put it. Thanks Branch!
Cool band, the album this is from is pretty nice
We need to check it out. Thanks!
A great but odd and extremely dark song by the Chams. I wouldn't recommend it as a starting point for the uninitiated. Go with Up the Down Escalator, Second Skin or Swamp Thing.
Thanks!
Agreed. These are all good songs to start with.
Epic track from one of my favorite bands. Well-done with your analysis. So many great tracks. If you want to hear more, check out "Up the Down Escalator", "Second Skin", "Looking Inwardly", "On the Beach", "Caution", or perhaps the definitive Chameleons song, "Swamp Thing".
Really appreciate the suggestions and thanks for watching David!
Trey, I too have not heard of this group. The facts you guys share always helps to learn about the artist and song. The intro is cool with heavy drums and guitar, that is also heard throughout the song. It has a hard rocking style to the overall sound. I agree Trey, the song has an ominous atmosphere. I agree with your comments on the unique vocal and the standout percussion. I couldn't understand the lyrics until I listened to your analyzing of it. You always do a great job understanding what the song is about. This is a hard rocking dark but interesting song.
Always appreciate you Poet! Have a great weekend my friend!
@@ReactionsToTheClassics Thank you. Hope you have a great weekend also my friend.
They have much better song's than this... check out Don't fall off Script of the bridge by The Chameleons... THAT album is a masterpiece.. also Up the down escalator is a classic.
Will give it a listen, appreciate it Chris!
Nere heard that b4... cheers 😎👌
Thanks James!