A Little Time - The Beautiful South, 1990

 
 

I need a little time to think it over
I need a little space just on my own
I need a little time to find my freedom
I need a little...


Funny how quick the milk turns sour
Isn't it, isn't it
Your face has been looking like that for hours
Hasn't it, hasn't it
Promises, promises turn to dust
Wedding bells just turn to rust
Trust into mistrust

I need a little room to find myself
I need a little space to work it out
I need a little room all alone
I need a little...

You need a little room
for your big head
Don't you, don't you
You need a little space
for a thousand beds
Won't you, won't you
Lips that promise - fear the worst
Tongue so sharp - the bubble burst
Just into unjust

I've had a little time
To find the truth
Now I've had a little room
To check what's wrong
I've had a little time
And I still love you
I've had a little...

You had a little time
And you had a little fun
Didn't you, didn't you
While you had yours
Do you think I had none
Do you, do you
The Freedom that you wanted bad
Is yours for good
I hope you're glad
Sad into unsad

I had a little time
To think it over
Had a little room
To work it out
I found a little courage
To call it off
I've had a little time (x4)

 
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When an English alternative group named The Housemartens broke up in the late 1980s, group members Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway formed a new group, The Beautiful South. They were an interesting mixture of politics and style, and this lead to a constant change-over in personnel. A good example is Briana Corrigan. The singer left the band in 1992 over ethical differences with Heaton's lyrics; notably 36D, a song criticizing British glamour models. The band lasted 19 years, breaking up in January of 2007.
 
A Little Time was The Beautiful South's first and only number one single. I like it because it's a subtle, yet effective 'serves you right' kind of song. The harmony and counterpoint between male and female vocals give it a haunting feeling of familiarity...but there is an edge that makes me grin inwardly.