Avenue

Saint Etienne

About Avenue

"Avenue" is a song by British pop group Saint Etienne, from the album So Tough (1992). The song was originally titled Lovely Heart or Young Heart. The album version is a 7-minute version with lengthy instrumental sequences; it was edited down to around 4 minutes for radio play, though the commercial single contained the full-length version, with the radio edit only released on promotional material. The edit wasn't released commercially until 2005's Travel Edition 1990-2005. The song describes a woman nostalgically remembering a love affair from her youth, mostly through impressionistic and surreal imagery, with the refrain: "oh, how many years / is it now Maurice?". The chorus repeats the words "Young heart". The song is recorded with echo effects that make it sound as though it is being performed in a large hall. The birdsong on the track is sampled from the Pink Floyd track "Cirrus Minor" from the 1969 album More. "Paper" features guitarist Maurice Deebank of the band Felt. "Johnny In The Echo Café" is based on a sample from Forest's song "Bluebell Dance", from their album Full Circle. 


Year:
1993
7:35
154 
#2

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Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart

Pass me the suitcase, baby
I know it's not that easy
And give me my mirror, love
First give me back my memories

And oh, oh, how many years
Is it now Maurice?

Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good

And I was half-asleep
And riding on a slow-coach
I think I lose all these things
Still, meaning I'm not holy

And, oh, oh, your honey-dish
Oh, it's on my list

Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good

Wish my heart's wish climbing out your window
For your savage amusement
You put a spell over me, well
Smells like lemon flavor

Tuesday, if I had you back again
You know I'm against the future
Wednesday, I was a little girl
I was the little girl who'd like to snog your face

And ooh, oh, how many years
Is it now Maurice?

Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good

Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
Ooh, young heart
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good

And, ooh, oh the clown's no good
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good
And then I shall take back to Maurice
And, ooh, oh the clown's no good

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Saint Etienne

Saint Etienne are an English electronic music band from London, formed in 1990. The band consists of Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs. They are named after the French football team AS Saint-Étienne. more »

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Written by: IAN LESLIE CATT, JANE CRACKNELL SARAH, BOB STANLEY, PETER STEWART WIGGS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Avenue" is a song by British indie/dance band Saint Etienne. It's from their second studio album, "So Tough".
Release History
The song was originally released as a promotional single in the United States in 1992, followed by official availability in the UK in February 1993.
Album Success
The song's parent album "So Tough" is considered one of Saint Etienne's best works, peaking at number seven on the UK Albums chart.
Unique Music Style
Saint Etienne's music, including the song 'Avenue', is known for its unique blend of indie pop, dance music, and the stylings of 1960s pop.
Song Structure
With a length of over seven minutes, "Avenue" is structured more like a progressive track with parts that continually evolve, consistent with the band's fascination with remix and club culture.
Lyrics
The lyrics of 'Avenue' depict a nostalgic journey through memories of a past relationship, evoking a complex sense of lost love and idealized past.
Music Video
The music video for "Avenue" is noted for its sepia tone and features scenes showing band member Sarah Cracknell singing and walking through British countryside landscapes.
Reissues
"Avenue" has been included in a number of Saint Etienne's compilation albums and has been remixed multiple times, showcasing its timeless appeal.
Critical Reception
While not a mainstream hit, "Avenue" received favourable critical reviews for its idiosyncratic take on pop music, helping the band to solidify its cult status in the music world.
Legacy
The song’s lush, layered soundscape and introspective lyrics have secured its place as a cult classic within Saint Etienne's catalog.

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