How wonderful to rediscover an old friend. XTC. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Andy Partridge hated performing live, unfortunately that shows here, and what an amazing guitarsolo in the end by Dave Gregory!
Here’s the lyrics, not exactly outdated, maybe except that we’ve moved way beyond tapes:
Album: Drums And Wires
In this secret time, invading on our privacy
Unknowing we mime, we play for the ministry
The can film you in bed
Or when you take a bath
They can tape every cry
They can tape every laugh
They can turn you around so you won’t know what’s Real by reel
Busy little bees recording everything you feel
On real by reel
Documented down like rats
They’re catching up on every squeal
On real by reel
Real by reel by real by
In this hidden time, ignorance may help you to cope
Rehearsing for crimes, in government cinemascope
The can film you at work
Or when they let you play
They can tape what you think
They can tape what you say
They can’t blur your I.D. so you won’t know what’s
Now I lay me down to sleep
Knowing that your lenses peep
Now I eat my daily bread
And into the tape spool I’ll be fed