Old Red Eyes Is Back
The Beautiful South
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Old Red eyes is back Red from the night before the night before Walked into the wrong bar walked into a door Old Red's in town And sitting late at night he doesn't make a sound Just adding to the wrinkles on his deathly frown They're only red from all the tears that I should've shed They're only red from all the women that I could've wed So when you look into these eyes I hope you realize They could never be blue They could never be blue They could never be blue They could never be blue Listen up Old Red You never listened to a word the doctor said He told you if you drank another you'd be dead Old Red Eyes is back His shoulders ache all over and his brain is sore He pours a drink and listens to his body thaw They're only red from all the thoughts unused inside my head They're only red from all the things I could have done instead So when you look into these eyes I hope you realize They could never be blue They could never be blue They could never be blue They could never be blue Blue is a street without an end Red is the color of my hell Blue is a greeting from a friend Red is the color of farewell Old Red he died And every single landlord in the district cried An empty bottle of whiskey laying by his side A lazy little tear running from each eye They could never be blue They could never be blue They could never be blue They could never be blue
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Written by: DAVE ROTHERAY, PAUL HEATON
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Information"Old Red Eyes Is Back" was released in 1991, serving as the third single from "The Beautiful South's" third studio album, "0898 Beautiful South."
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Band Formation"The Beautiful South" was formed by two ex-members of an English band called "The Housemartins" - Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway.
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Song's RankThe song reached No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart, showing the popularity and commercial success of the track.
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Lyrics' InterpretationThe song is often said to be about alcoholism, with the "Old Red Eyes" referring to the bloodshot eyes typical of someone who drinks heavily.
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Album's ConceptThe album "0898 Beautiful South," from which the song is taken, is said to show a darker side of "The Beautiful South," exploring themes such as facism, kidnapping, and domestic violence.
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Song CreditsThe credits for "Old Red Eyes Is Back" include Paul Heaton and Dave Rotheray, the main songwriters in "The Beautiful South."
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Original Line-upAt the time of the song release, the band's lineup included Paul Heaton, Dave Hemingway, Briana Corrigan, Sean Welch, Dave Stead and Dave Rotheray.
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Musical StyleThe song, like many by "The Beautiful South," is characterized by a mix of jangly indie pop with a touch of folk and jazzy elements.
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Video ReleaseThe band released a black and white music video for the song, which features band member Paul Heaton playing multiple characters.
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Live Performances"Old Red Eyes Is Back" has been a constant in the band's live sets since its release, a testament to its popularity among fans.
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RecognitionOver the years, the song has gained a cult following. It's frequently recognized as one of the highlights of the band's career.
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Lasting LegacyEven after the band disbanded in 2007, Paul Heaton continues to perform "Old Red Eyes Is Back" on his solo tours, maintaining the song's relevance over the years.
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Citation
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"Old Red Eyes Is Back Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25695971/The+Beautiful+South/Old+Red+Eyes+Is+Back>.
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