The Meaning Behind The Song: The Chauffeur (Blue Silver) by Duran Duran
Duran Duran is a popular English band that has captured the hearts of many with their unique music style. One of their popular songs is The Chauffeur (Blue Silver), which was released back in 1982. This song has a deep meaning behind it that many might not be aware of. In this article, we delve into the true meaning behind the song.
The Inspiration Behind The Song
When Duran Duran was recording the album, Rio, Simon Le Bon, the lead singer, was reading the book, White Mischief, by James Fox. The book tells the tale of the murder of Josslyn Hay, Earl of Erroll, and the scandal that surrounded the murder in Kenya in the 1940s. The story is set against the backdrop of the colonial life in Kenya during that era. The story captivated Simon, and he used the book as inspiration for some of the songs on the album, including The Chauffeur (Blue Silver).
The Lyrics
The lyrics to The Chauffeur (Blue Silver) are mysterious and thought-provoking. The song is an exploration of the rich and elite lifestyle in Kenya and other colonial territories. The lyrics paint a picture of opulence, decadence, and excess. The use of metaphors and abstract language adds to the intrigue of the song.
The Climax
The song reaches its climax with the line “Sing Blue Silver”. This line seems to be a mystical invocation, calling forth the mysteries and secrets of colonial life in Kenya. The line could also be interpreted as a reference to the metals used in African jewelry. The line remains shrouded in mystery, and fans continue to speculate about its meaning.
The Legacy of The Chauffeur (Blue Silver)
The Chauffeur (Blue Silver) has remained a favorite among Duran Duran fans to date. The song’s themes of wealth, decadence, and mysteriousness have a timeless appeal that resonates with many. The song’s unusual lyrics and intricate music style continue to captivate listeners, making it a classic that will remain a fixture in the Duran Duran repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Simon Le Bon to write The Chauffeur (Blue Silver)?
Simon Le Bon got his inspiration from the book, White Mischief, by James Fox. The book tells the story of a murder scandal that occurred in Kenya’s colonial era.
What does the line “Sing Blue Silver” mean?
The meaning behind the line is shrouded in mystery. Some interpret it as a reference to the metals used in African jewelry, while others see it as a mystical invocation of secrets and mysteries.
What is the legacy of The Chauffeur (Blue Silver)?
The Chauffeur (Blue Silver) continues to be a fan favorite among Duran Duran fans. The song’s themes of wealth, decadence, and mysteriousness have a timeless appeal that resonates with many.
Who came up with the music style for The Chauffeur (Blue Silver)?
The music style for The Chauffeur (Blue Silver) was a collaborative effort between the band members. Their unique music style was what set them apart from other bands of their era.
What inspired the use of metaphors and abstract language in the song’s lyrics?
The use of metaphors and abstract language was inspired by the opulence and decadence of colonial life in Kenya. The imagery in the song’s lyrics captures the essence of the era and the lifestyle the rich and elite had at the time.
What inspired the use of horns in the song?
The use of horns in the song was inspired by the African jazz and highlife music that the band members were exposed to growing up in England.
What other songs on the Rio album were inspired by James Fox’s book, White Mischief?
Besides The Chauffeur (Blue Silver), the songs My Own Way and Hungry Like The Wolf were also inspired by James Fox’s book.
What was the critical response to The Chauffeur (Blue Silver) when it was first released?
The critical response to The Chauffeur (Blue Silver) was mixed. Some critics praised the song for its unconventional music style and unconventional lyrics, while others panned it as obscure and nonsensical.
What was the inspiration for the album art for Rio?
The album art for Rio was inspired by the works of Patrick Nagel, a prominent artist in the 1980s. His distinctive art style, which featured stylized female forms, was what drew the band to his work.
What is the meaning behind the title, Rio?
The title, Rio, was chosen because it evokes images of fun, sun, and exoticism. The band wanted the album to transport listeners to a world that was different from their own.
What other Duran Duran songs are inspired by colonial themes?
Besides The Chauffeur (Blue Silver), the song Girls On Film is also inspired by colonial themes. The song is an exploration of the objectification of women in colonial settings.
What is the significance of Duran Duran’s music style?
Duran Duran’s music style, which merges New Wave and Funk genres, is what set them apart from other bands of their era. Their unique style helped to define the music of the 1980s and continues to have a lasting legacy to date.
