Life Begins at the Hop

XTC

About Life Begins at the Hop

"Life Begins at the Hop" is a single by XTC released in 1979 and their fifth single. Keyboardist Barry Andrews was replaced by second guitarist Dave Gregory prior to its recording. The song title references the 1950s' rock 'n' roll classic "At the Hop". The song was bassist Colin Moulding's first A-side composition for the group. "Homo Safari", the B-side, was the first in Andy Partridge's "Homo Safari Series", a six-part series of ambient, impressionistic instrumentals.


Year:
1979
3:46
36 
#1

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I have learnt there's a magical spot at the hop
Come with me to the church on the corner the hop
There's nuts and there's crisps and c-c-cola on tap
A good time had by those boys and those girls at the hop

Tell me what do you say
Tell me what do you say

Life begins at the hop, boys and girls

Prepare yourself for the boys in the band at the hop
The cheap guitars, there too young for the bars at the hop
We'll jive around, make fools of ourselves and then stop
We're back next week with another ridiculous tie knot

Tell me what do you say
Tell me what do you say

Life begins at the hop, boys and girls

Tell me what do you say
Tell me what do you say

Life begins at the hop, boys and girls

Now I have learnt there's a magical spot at the hop
Come with me to the church on the corner the hop
There's nuts and crisps and c-c-cola on tap
A good time had by those boys and those girls at the hop

Tell me what do you say
Tell me what do you say

Life begins at the hop,
Life begins at the hop,
Life begins at the hop,
Boys and, girls

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XTC

XTC was a New Wave band from Swindon, England, active between 1977 and 2005. The band enjoyed some chart success, including the UK and Canadian hits "Making Plans for Nigel" (1979) and "Senses Working Overtime" (1982), but are perhaps even better known for their long-standing critical (rather than commercial) success. more »

1 fan

Written by: C MOULDING

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band History
"Life Begins at the Hop" was written and performed by XTC, an English rock band formed in Swindon in 1972. Known for their energetic and catchy tunes, the band combined artful pop with punk's ferocity and energy.
Singer-Songwriter
This song was the first XTC single written by bass player Colin Moulding who also served as the lead singer for this particular track, introducing a secondary voice to the band's discography.
Release
The song was released in 1979. Even though XTC had already released two albums by this point, "Life Begins at the Hop" was not included on either of them. However, later it did appear on some versions of the band's third album "Drums and Wires".
Song's Success
"Life Begins at the Hop" was the band's first Top 40 hit in the UK, peaking at #34, paving the way for their future success.
Music Video
The music video for the song featured the band members in a variety of costumes at a weird and wild party - highlighting their quirky and creative image.
Unique Sound
The song is known for its fretless bass sound, something that was a rarity in pop music at the time. The fretless bass gives the song a distinct, smooth tone that sets it apart.
Inspirational Role
This song played a role in the band's shift from a punk sound to a more pop-oriented sound, which would characterize their work in the mid to late 1980s.
Cover Versions
Over the years, the song has been covered by several artists, indicating its enduring popularity and influence.
Song Meaning
As per Colin Moulding, "'Life Begins at the Hop'" is about youth culture and the opportunity for people to start life over in a new situation - in this case, a dance or hop.
Live Performances
Despite its popularity, the song was not performed live by the band frequently. This was possibly due to singer Andy Partridge's stage fright, which led to the band discontinuing touring in 1982.
Record Label
"Life Begins at the Hop" was released under the Virgin Records label, an internationally recognized record label with which XTC had a long association.

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