Roland discovered her in Kansas City playing small venues. He produced her first albums and they remain friends. She moves from Gospel to contemporary and back again with ease. She has an amazing voice and is extremely talented.
Yes, Oleta was discovered by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith while they were on tour and in Kansas City. She was performing at the Hyatt Hotel in the bar, and actually stopped performing shortly after that, but 2 years later they called her to join them as a singer and pianist. The rest is history :) Beautiful voice.
On their tour for "Sowing the Seeds of Love" she'd open the show with just her on the piano playing, "I Believe" and it's spectacular! There's a video of it on RUclips if you look for it!
The man singing lead is Roland Orzabal. He and Curt Smith are Tears for Fears. He writes most of their songs. Orzabal has other duets with Oleta and has produced albums for her.
and Pino Palladino played bass on this cut. You can tell by the little flourish before the outro. Curt is a good player, but never ever puts in those kind of fills.
The first half of the song features Manu Katché on drums, however, they also brought in Phil Collins to add that big, resounding drum sound. Collins explained, “Tears for Fears just wanted me to do that big drum thing from 'In the Air Tonight'… 'We want you to come in here in a big way.
There is a live version of this song that is just incredible. Oleta Adams was an unannounced special guest, reuniting with Roland on stage. As soon as the audience recognizes Oleta Adams the place erupts!
Now I know that she's a gospel singer. Because that song itself penetrates the human soul. What a wonderful powerful song. I come to tears when I listen to that song and remember. What? I went through in life and how God test it by passed my faith. I remember. When my father died I screamed out In a loud voice father.!!!!!!!!
Roland and Curt sing about women’s oppression and the abuse of children. They just put out their first record in 17 years called The Tipping Point and it’s great! They’re still tackling issues that are timeless. I absolutely love this band!
One of their best songs and boy do they have a lot of great songs. And Roland Orzabal the lead on this song is a genius. Anything he does solo or as part of Tears for Fears is fundamentally as good as it gets out there in the musical hemisphere.
TFF are Roland Orzabal (guitars and vocals) and Curt Smith (bass and vocals). In this song they has Oleta Adams singing together and Phil Collins recorded the drums, but he don't appear in the video. The band have several other hits like "Advice For The Young at Heart", "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", "Head Over Heels", "Shout", "Pale Shelter", "I Believe", "The Working Hour"...
The entire The Seeds of Love (1989) by Tears for Fears is simply a incredible album it’s truly a masterpiece on every level (Tears for Fears is a band that don’t get nearly enough mainstream respect they are just as important as a band like U2 but, get overlooked TFF fans will understand what i mean….. If you want a awesome duet “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money & Ronnie Spector is a flawless duet single 👍👍👍👍👍
When MTV first turned us all on to tears for fears back in the early 1980s we were all blown away by these two guys and how much power the stories had that came out of their mouths and by the instrumentals that accompanied their voices. 👀 👍🏻
Very powerful song with a very thought provoking video that is still relevant, Tears For Fears owned the other half of the 80's that Phil Collins didn't own 😀, have a listen to Mad World, Head Over Heels, Shout, Sowing The Seeds Of Love and of course Everyone Wants To Rule The World, great reaction as always
they dont make a bad song. both of the singers, curt (everybody wants to rule the world) and roland, this song, are so so good. oleta adams voice was perfect for this song too. nice reaction .
One of my favorite groups. This song is so beautiful and sad at the same time. Oleta Adam's voice is amazing on this one. The song peaked at #36 back in 89.
Tears for Fears - One of the best bands during this time period. Love the song "Advice for the Young at Heart" and "Everyone Wants to Rule the World". This song was awesome too!!
This is an amazing doing. To have a man singing so naturally Elegant about a woman’s issue is amazing. I would never treat a woman in and out her in “chains”. This is is an amazing song.
Oleta Adams should have been far more famous than she is, as you said, she has a beautiful voice!! This song, and "The Working Hour" are my favorite songs by Tears For Fears.
The two of them together are a perfect blend. And yes, Get Here is a sublime song from Oleta. Also, the slow steady _insistent_ build of this song is a thing of absolute beauty - it's expertly crafted. A very personal song for Roland whose father was a domestic abuser, and the Woman In Chains is his mother who was a stripper irl. The song is also about how toxic masculinity suppresses men from experiencing their true selves and full emotions, leading to terrible consequences for themselves and others. The anthemic _'So free them'_ at the end is as much about freeing men from society's damaging expectations as freeing women from oppression. 🖤
The power of Roland's and Oletta's voices is great. The songwriting and performance is so great. The song itself is a masterpiece. Phil Collins on drums, not on video but in studio version.
Hi Angela, I just discovered your channel & have been enjoying your Billy Joel reactions, it's so beautiful when a young person discovers & appreciates artistic genius, kudos to you. I remember being with a friend back in '89 who played me this album not long after it's release. This is the opener, like you I immediately loved what I heard & who was this incredible female vocalist? What a beautiful collaboration with Oletta on this album. You must hear the next track, Badman's song, they are on fire & Oletta is absolutely phenomenal also displaying her amazing piano talents. Roland & Curt are amazing singer/songwriters & this album is a masterpiece, Sowing the seeds of love, Advice for the young at heart, Standing on the corner of the third world & Year of the knife are also magnificent songs. Oh yes & that was Phil Collins on drums, not in the clip but on the studio recording which they used for the clip, best wishes
They were one of the best 80s bands, and have many excellent songs. Next try these from their huge album, Songs From the Big Chair, songs like Shout, Mothers Talk and Head Over Heels. They are the real deal, worth looking at them live as well. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶
So happy you are doing this!!! There is so much Soul in this one... And this album brought back a feel from the 70s after their previous work set the standard for the 80's... Just amazing work😁💯🔥
Great job Angela this is a great song and collaboration, but you should see the live version of this song and another song called (advice for the young at heart) I promise you'll love it.
CES DEUX GARÇONS SONT TOUT SIMPLEMENT DES GÉNIES ABSOLUS DE LA MUSIQUE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;! Écoutez CETTE MERVEILLE CE CHEF D'ŒUVRE CET HIMALAYA MUSICAL le travail sur le son et la production sont GIGANTESQUES TOUT SIMPLEMENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! QUAND A LA MÉLODIE il suffira de dire qu'ils font parti des plus grands MELODISTES DU 20 ÈME SIÈCLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MONSTRUEUX GIGANTESQUE AHURISSANT FABULEUX PRODIGIEUX EXTRAORDINAIRE ET VERTIGINEUX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Un dernier mot pour signaler la contribution extraordinaire de l'immense OKLETA ADAMS et sa voix merveilleuse . L'ÂGE D'OR DE LA MUSIQUE À SURTOUT PAS COMPARER À L'EFFROYABLE SOUPE QU'ON SERT À LONGUEUR DE JOURNÉE AUX ABRUTIS D'AUJOURD'HUI GAVÉS DE TÉLÉRÉALITÉ ET QUASIMENT ILLETTRÉS INCAPABLES DE PENSER PAR EUX MÊMES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Guy
This is a beautifully sung song. The other one that you should try by Tears For Fears with Oleta Adams, and my favourite is "Badman's Song" from "The Seeds of Love" album.
Linda música... Tenho acompanhado seus reacts já algum tempo e posso humildimente dizer que vc tem um excelente gosto pra música, apesar de parecer tão jovem. Boa sorte aqui do Brasil.
I'm from Brazil and my name is NICOLAS, I follow your videos always. you will love this one from Tears for fears working hour. I'm sure you'll like it!
Tears for Fears is one of my favorite 80’s bands. You should also do the band Men at Work and Colin Hay (from same band). Can you check out ‘Waiting for My Real Life to Begin’?
Tears For Fears are Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal. Roland sings most of the songs but Curt sings lead on some of their big hits like Everybody Wants To Rule The World, and Mad World. Please react to Advice For The Young At Heart which has Curt singing lead vocal.
If you get the chance, check out Tears For Fears' "new" (2022) album, The Tipping Point. I think they sound better now than they did back in the '80s. And their music has matured. Some hits off Tipping Point: My Demons (find a live in US venue 2022 tour - the lighting is amazing), Rivers of Mercy, for a topical tear-jerker, and Break The Man, which is almost a part 2 of Woman in Chains. If you watch the Break The Man video, watch for one woman among the men, and make sure to watch to the end to get the meaning. Thanks for this reaction. Just subbed you for it!
I really enjoy your reactions. Herb Albert and Janet Jackson Making love in the rain reaction would be nice. If you're familiar with the song. No need. Anyhow thank you for the time you share with us all. Have a lovely day
If you liked this this song, you really need to give "Shakespears Sister - Stay" a listen to. The song has some of the most amazing female vocals you'll ever hear.
A great band. They still sound as good now as they did in the 80s. My favourite song of theirs is 'Head over Heals'. Can you put it on your listening list?
Roland wrote this song about his mother. She was a dancer in nightclubs and his dad was her agent. His mum flirted to get tips but if her dad heard that she flirted too much he would beat her up when she got home.
She was a stripper. His father was semi-bedridden so I guess she did whatever was necessary to provide for her three boys - until she was eventually able to get them away from him. 😔 She only had to be talking to another man (spied on and reported back by Orzabal Snr's driver) and Mr O would beat her up on her return - he managed to get of bed for that at least. The implication that he only beat her up if she'd 'misbehaved' by flirting too much, when domestic abusers will find any excuse - _any_ perceived slight - to justify yet another attack...
![ARGENTINA vs. BOLIVIA [6-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 10](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/C3wPtKNbAOA/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s like one of the best songs ever.
Just "like" one of the best songs ever. Or actually one of the best songs ever?
It IS one of the best songs ever! A masterpiece.
Roland discovered her in Kansas City playing small venues. He produced her first albums and they remain friends. She moves from Gospel to contemporary and back again with ease. She has an amazing voice and is extremely talented.
I had no idea…really interesting story!
Yes, Oleta was discovered by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith while they were on tour and in Kansas City. She was performing at the Hyatt Hotel in the bar, and actually stopped performing shortly after that, but 2 years later they called her to join them as a singer and pianist. The rest is history :) Beautiful voice.
Thanks for that, adds to the song for me.
@@luked3920 Although she gave them her number and so but she didn't expect to hear from them again but i suppose she was glad to be proven wrong :)
On their tour for "Sowing the Seeds of Love" she'd open the show with just her on the piano playing, "I Believe" and it's spectacular! There's a video of it on RUclips if you look for it!
Back in the 90's where we can turn on MTV the whole day long and just enjoy music like this and alot more. It was a music heaven
You can feel the emotion coming right out of Roland and Oleta's voices. Incredibly moving song!
The man singing lead is Roland Orzabal. He and Curt Smith are Tears for Fears. He writes most of their songs. Orzabal has other duets with Oleta and has produced albums for her.
It's one of the best songs I've ever heard, if not the best
This song was written by the vocalist and tells the true story of his mother's life! Wonderful Music!
Note that Phil Collins played the drums (came up with the beat) on this epic song!
and Pino Palladino played bass on this cut. You can tell by the little flourish before the outro. Curt is a good player, but never ever puts in those kind of fills.
The first half of the song features Manu Katché on drums, however, they also brought in Phil Collins to add that big, resounding drum sound. Collins explained, “Tears for Fears just wanted me to do that big drum thing from 'In the Air Tonight'… 'We want you to come in here in a big way.
It must be said, it’s a song that gathers the best musicians in one place. That’s why it’s an anthem !
When their voices merge together it takes you to another dimension.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung beautifully. She has such a an amazing voice.
There is a live version of this song that is just incredible. Oleta Adams was an unannounced special guest, reuniting with Roland on stage. As soon as the audience recognizes Oleta Adams the place erupts!
Heard this song last week on a road trip for the first time. Can't get enough of it
I love this Tears for fears song it's amazing and powerful yet sad and hopeful at the same time
Now I know that she's a gospel singer. Because that song itself penetrates the human soul. What a wonderful powerful song.
I come to tears when I listen to that song and remember. What? I went through in life and how God test it by passed my faith. I remember.
When my father died I screamed out In a loud voice father.!!!!!!!!
Had tears for fears on repeat in car back when daughter was 2/3 years old. She insisted 😋🤗. She just loved Shout 🤩.❤️🤗🇧🇻 This was back in 86/87 😋
"Woman in Chain" is a beautiful deep song! So glad I finally saw Tears for Fears in concert... they were so awesome!!! I love Roland's voice too!
Song always makes me cry…. Reminds me of some of the women that I have known who struggled and who still struggle….
I like alot of their songs. This is my favorite.
Drummer putting on a master class
It's Phil Collins, so yeah.
Manu Katché at the beginning & in the breakdown.
Roland and Curt sing about women’s oppression and the abuse of children. They just
put out their first record in 17 years called The Tipping Point and it’s great! They’re
still tackling issues that are timeless. I absolutely love this band!
One of their best songs and boy do they have a lot of great songs. And Roland Orzabal the lead on this song is a genius. Anything he does solo or as part of Tears for Fears is fundamentally as good as it gets out there in the musical hemisphere.
TFF are Roland Orzabal (guitars and vocals) and Curt Smith (bass and vocals). In this song they has Oleta Adams singing together and Phil Collins recorded the drums, but he don't appear in the video. The band have several other hits like "Advice For The Young at Heart", "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", "Head Over Heels", "Shout", "Pale Shelter", "I Believe", "The Working Hour"...
Phil Collins was only on the drums in the final section of the song.
The entire The Seeds of Love (1989) by Tears for Fears is simply a incredible album it’s truly a masterpiece on every level (Tears for Fears is a band that don’t get nearly enough mainstream respect they are just as important as a band like U2 but, get overlooked TFF fans will understand what i mean….. If you want a awesome duet “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money & Ronnie Spector is a flawless duet single 👍👍👍👍👍
When MTV first turned us all on to tears for fears back in the early 1980s we were all blown away by these two guys and how much power the stories had that came out of their mouths and by the instrumentals that accompanied their voices. 👀 👍🏻
One of my favourite songs by Tears For Fears. Very powerful
Very powerful song with a very thought provoking video that is still relevant, Tears For Fears owned the other half of the 80's that Phil Collins didn't own 😀, have a listen to Mad World, Head Over Heels, Shout, Sowing The Seeds Of Love and of course Everyone Wants To Rule The World, great reaction as always
Phil Collins was playing the drums on the second part of the song.
@@dannytse8767 wow, didn't know that 👍
@@dannytse8767 Indeed, a powerful drums here too. Best moment when drums comes in !
@@clannad99germany70 A real Cadbury moment... 🦍💜
they dont make a bad song. both of the singers, curt (everybody wants to rule the world) and roland, this song, are so so good. oleta adams voice was perfect for this song too. nice reaction .
You should see her play the piano live on their song Bad Mans Song its amazing my fav from them
So glad you love the song as much as I do. Thank you for giving it a listen.
Get here if you can buy Oleta Adams is truly a gem! I have loved that song ever since it came out years ago. This song also is a masterpiece❤️
One of my favorite groups. This song is so beautiful and sad at the same time. Oleta Adam's voice is amazing on this one. The song peaked at #36 back in 89.
Fell in love with that song when it came out in the 80's. The entire Seeds of Love album is killer.
Tears for Fears - One of the best bands during this time period. Love the song "Advice for the Young at Heart" and "Everyone Wants to Rule the World". This song was awesome too!!
Deep in your heart there are wounds time can't heal, great lyric and true ❤️
One of the greatest songs ever written and sung.
This is an amazing doing. To have a man singing so naturally Elegant about a woman’s issue is amazing. I would never treat a woman in and out her in “chains”. This is is an amazing song.
Another thing worth mentioning is that it's Phil Collins who's playing the drums on this track, and not the surfer dude in the video.
Oleta Adams should have been far more famous than she is, as you said, she has a beautiful voice!! This song, and "The Working Hour" are my favorite songs by Tears For Fears.
I wonder why she didn't do a lot more music....u know what I mean? She's right up there with Anita Baker
I've always wondered that.
Absolutely
One of my favorites ever. I love your review of this. This is how I feel when listening to music. Thank you for your expression.
The two of them together are a perfect blend. And yes, Get Here is a sublime song from Oleta.
Also, the slow steady _insistent_ build of this song is a thing of absolute beauty - it's expertly crafted. A very personal song for Roland whose father was a domestic abuser, and the Woman In Chains is his mother who was a stripper irl. The song is also about how toxic masculinity suppresses men from experiencing their true selves and full emotions, leading to terrible consequences for themselves and others.
The anthemic _'So free them'_ at the end is as much about freeing men from society's damaging expectations as freeing women from oppression. 🖤
The power of Roland's and Oletta's voices is great. The songwriting and performance is so great. The song itself is a masterpiece. Phil Collins on drums, not on video but in studio version.
Hi Angela, I just discovered your channel & have been enjoying your Billy Joel reactions, it's so beautiful when a young person discovers & appreciates artistic genius, kudos to you. I remember being with a friend back in '89 who played me this album not long after it's release. This is the opener, like you I immediately loved what I heard & who was this incredible female vocalist? What a beautiful collaboration with Oletta on this album. You must hear the next track, Badman's song, they are on fire & Oletta is absolutely phenomenal also displaying her amazing piano talents. Roland & Curt are amazing singer/songwriters & this album is a masterpiece, Sowing the seeds of love, Advice for the young at heart, Standing on the corner of the third world & Year of the knife are also magnificent songs. Oh yes & that was Phil Collins on drums, not in the clip but on the studio recording which they used for the clip, best wishes
so nice to see a young person enjoying 80's music :)
This driving drums of Phil Collins is something too, beside the awesome Duo of Roland and Oleta ! Great bass of Curt Smith too.
This was awesome!! Love their voices.
I appreciate you not interrupting the song. Thanks
A standout out song from an album full of standout songs. Peak Tears for Fears.
They were one of the best 80s bands, and have many excellent songs. Next try these from their huge album, Songs From the Big Chair, songs like Shout, Mothers Talk and Head Over Heels. They are the real deal, worth looking at them live as well. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶
Your hair looks Awesome my dear, this song you just were radiant, good stuff.
So happy you are doing this!!! There is so much Soul in this one... And this album brought back a feel from the 70s after their previous work set the standard for the 80's... Just amazing work😁💯🔥
MUST HEAR Classic Ear & Eye Candy,, Tears For Fears "Sowing The Seeds Of Love" (Official Music Video A MUST!!)
This song also gives me chills
Simply beautiful ! And the song is nice too !
one of the most underestimate groups of all times
Don't be ridiculous. 😂
Change and The young at heart are fabulous songs.
we don't see it on the video but it's the master Phil Collins on the studio recording drums. I love your reacts. best regards from Switzerland
Great reaction - THNX
One of their finest.
Been waiting for you to do this one. Thank you
Great job Angela this is a great song and collaboration, but you should see the live version of this song and another song called (advice for the young at heart) I promise you'll love it.
CES DEUX GARÇONS SONT TOUT SIMPLEMENT DES GÉNIES ABSOLUS DE LA MUSIQUE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;! Écoutez CETTE MERVEILLE CE CHEF D'ŒUVRE CET HIMALAYA MUSICAL le travail sur le son et la production sont GIGANTESQUES TOUT SIMPLEMENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! QUAND A LA MÉLODIE il suffira de dire qu'ils font parti des plus grands MELODISTES DU 20 ÈME SIÈCLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MONSTRUEUX GIGANTESQUE AHURISSANT FABULEUX PRODIGIEUX EXTRAORDINAIRE ET VERTIGINEUX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Un dernier mot pour signaler la contribution extraordinaire de l'immense OKLETA ADAMS et sa voix merveilleuse . L'ÂGE D'OR DE LA MUSIQUE À SURTOUT PAS COMPARER À L'EFFROYABLE SOUPE QU'ON SERT À LONGUEUR DE JOURNÉE AUX ABRUTIS D'AUJOURD'HUI GAVÉS DE TÉLÉRÉALITÉ ET QUASIMENT ILLETTRÉS INCAPABLES DE PENSER PAR EUX MÊMES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Guy
This is a beautifully sung song. The other one that you should try by Tears For Fears with Oleta Adams, and my favourite is "Badman's Song" from "The Seeds of Love" album.
A near perfect song in all aspects. Sounds as fresh today as when it came out.....
A beautiful song and a meaningful one….
'Bad Mans Song' is the next song on the album which also features Oleta Adams, is well worth a listen.
Badman song is epic
Awesome song knew you would love it!
How do you not even EXTRA react at the amazing Oleta Adams-type notes that Roland Orzibal manages to hit at 4:02?
Just Amazing ❤
Tears for fears produced Oleta’s first album. Roland is also in her video for the rhythm of life. Check that out
I see what you're saying, and I think the perfect example of a duet done right is I Knew You Were Waiting by Aretha Franklin and George Michael.
My 2nd favorite song by them the 1st being Everybody Wants to Rule The World. Angela 🥰 loved your reaction. 😍
simply ... awesome : )
Linda música... Tenho acompanhado seus reacts já algum tempo e posso humildimente dizer que vc tem um excelente gosto pra música, apesar de parecer tão jovem. Boa sorte aqui do Brasil.
Exatamente pq essa música é maravilhosa 💕 porém tenho raiva da letra mas a voz deles, a melodia ,o som da bateria nossa meu Deus impecáveis
I'm from Brazil and my name is NICOLAS, I follow your videos always. you will love this one from Tears for fears working hour. I'm sure you'll like it!
The girl in the video resembles with you, omg! 😯What was the odds? 😂
Most beautiful song by them in my opinion.
"...SO FREEEEE HEEEEER..."❤
The Bad Man's Song by Tears For Fears is a Rock R & B Jazz Gospel Masterpiece!!! It is FIRE!!! YOU MUST REACT TO IT!!!
Of the best groups ever
Tears for Fears is one of my favorite 80’s bands. You should also do the band Men at Work and Colin Hay (from same band). Can you check out ‘Waiting for My Real Life to Begin’?
Tears For Fears are Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal. Roland sings most of the songs but Curt sings lead on some of their big hits like Everybody Wants To Rule The World, and Mad World. Please react to Advice For The Young At Heart which has Curt singing lead vocal.
My favorite band
Beautiful song
Love this ❤️
Might as well listen to Oleta Adams' "Get Here" too. You won't regret it.
This song tucks up the heart strings but it was good
Love this song
Yes!!!!! Been waiting for this!!!!
If you get the chance, check out Tears For Fears' "new" (2022) album, The Tipping Point. I think they sound better now than they did back in the '80s. And their music has matured. Some hits off Tipping Point: My Demons (find a live in US venue 2022 tour - the lighting is amazing), Rivers of Mercy, for a topical tear-jerker, and Break The Man, which is almost a part 2 of Woman in Chains. If you watch the Break The Man video, watch for one woman among the men, and make sure to watch to the end to get the meaning. Thanks for this reaction. Just subbed you for it!
So Try out Shout.🤗. Btw they are back together so u can find brand new live versions from recently. And they still sing very well 😎🤗❤️🇧🇻
❤️this song brillant ❤️❤️
I really enjoy your reactions. Herb Albert and Janet Jackson Making love in the rain reaction would be nice. If you're familiar with the song. No need. Anyhow thank you for the time you share with us all. Have a lovely day
Oleta Adams is amazing
If you liked this this song, you really need to give "Shakespears Sister - Stay" a listen to. The song has some of the most amazing female vocals you'll ever hear.
Hi Ms. D., Tears for Fears broke up in the 90's, that have just recently just began making new music.. ♠W.G.
Tears for Fears another fantastic video & song, Sowing The Seeds Of Love. please react as I would look forward to your loving reaction..
A great band. They still sound as good now as they did in the 80s. My favourite song of theirs is 'Head over Heals'. Can you put it on your listening list?
Are you sure it wasn't Debenhams - or Harvey Nichols, perhaps?
Have you heard The Civil Wars? They were a fab duo.
Uh oh..you went and did it now..reacted to more GREAT MUSIC!. What to do? what to do?...guess with until your next reaction to great music! 😁
The maker's of life, love to all women all over the world
Roland wrote this song about his mother. She was a dancer in nightclubs and his dad was her agent. His mum flirted to get tips but if her dad heard that she flirted too much he would beat her up when she got home.
She was a stripper. His father was semi-bedridden so I guess she did whatever was necessary to provide for her three boys - until she was eventually able to get them away from him. 😔
She only had to be talking to another man (spied on and reported back by Orzabal Snr's driver) and Mr O would beat her up on her return - he managed to get of bed for that at least. The implication that he only beat her up if she'd 'misbehaved' by flirting too much, when domestic abusers will find any excuse - _any_ perceived slight - to justify yet another attack...