The Beat — Mirror In The Bathroom
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Length: 3:02
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Mirror in the bathroom
Please talk free
The door is locked
Just you and me.
Can I take you to a restaurant
That's got glass tables
You can watch yourself
While you are eating.
Mirror in the bathroom
I just can't stop it,
Every Saturday you see me
Window shopping.
Find no interest
In the racks and shelves
Just ten thousand reflections
Of my own sweet self, self, self...
Mirror in the bathroom
You're my mirror in the bathroom
You're my mirror in the bathroom
You're my mirror in the bathroom...
Mirror in the bathroom
Recompense
For all my crimes
Of self defense.
Cures you whisper
Make no sense
Drift gently into
Mental illness.
Mirror in the bathroom
Please talk free
The door is locked
Just you and me.
Can I take you to a restaurant
That's got glass tables
You can watch yourself
While you are eating.
Mirror in the bathroom
Mirror in the bathroom...
Please talk free
The door is locked
Just you and me.
Can I take you to a restaurant
That's got glass tables
You can watch yourself
While you are eating.
Mirror in the bathroom
I just can't stop it,
Every Saturday you see me
Window shopping.
Find no interest
In the racks and shelves
Just ten thousand reflections
Of my own sweet self, self, self...
Mirror in the bathroom
You're my mirror in the bathroom
You're my mirror in the bathroom
You're my mirror in the bathroom...
Mirror in the bathroom
Recompense
For all my crimes
Of self defense.
Cures you whisper
Make no sense
Drift gently into
Mental illness.
Mirror in the bathroom
Please talk free
The door is locked
Just you and me.
Can I take you to a restaurant
That's got glass tables
You can watch yourself
While you are eating.
Mirror in the bathroom
Mirror in the bathroom...
Comments (368)add comment
yobyot wrote:
The Coop was THE place to buy records in the Boston area until Tower Records showed up. I think I heard the Beat and Dred Zeppelin for the first time at the Coop.
In 1983, the Harvard Coop had a killer (vinyl) record department. I was dirt poor but on Saturdays, I would take the T to Cambridge to browse and listen to the tunes they were playing in the record department.
They played this tune -- and I had to have the LP. It took a bite out my weekly groceries spend (the LP cost $13.98 then -- about $40 today). But I've never regretted it.
The Coop was THE place to buy records in the Boston area until Tower Records showed up. I think I heard the Beat and Dred Zeppelin for the first time at the Coop.
Shit fucking hot..
Narcissus' anthem ;-)
I hear "meat her in the bathroom" before lyrics check
The unmistakable saxophone stylings of Jamaican-born Saxa (Lionel Augustus Martin), who died in 2017.
A mere year after Blondie’s Atomic.
A big British shift of interest.
Both equal. And good.
sfyi2001 wrote:
Haha! So true, sadly.
'Mirror in the bathroom' - 1983
35 years later and it's the theme song for the 'selfie' generation !
35 years later and it's the theme song for the 'selfie' generation !
Haha! So true, sadly.
non-stop sweaty dancing at ska gigs :)
I love eating dinner in my bathrobe!
This song makes me remember the (long ago) time in my life when psychedelic usage was common. We all knew that we had to use the bathroom eventually, but when we did, we'd inevitably end up seeing ourselves in the mirror along with whatever distortions, etc. that would occur. A strong sense of "self" was necessary to make it through. Certainly not an activity for the faint of heart!
GREAT!! Thanx RP!
This track has aged like blue cheese; mold speckled throughout...but still tasty when crumbled into small bites...
My son (about to be a senior in high school) heard me cranking this song and asked if it was new! Ha, came out when I was in high school. Great song, great group.
yobyot wrote:
The Coop was cool, although I don't think it ever seriously compared to a full-blown Tower Records. My problem during my infrequent trips to the Coop back in that era was that I'd walk into the record department and get so dazzled by its size that I'd forget which records I wanted to get!
Last time I checked, the non-Harvard-related parts of the Coop are now largely given over to being a bookstore. Yes, bookstores still exist! Harvard Square used to be full of 'em. But back in '83 or so, the Coop was still a mini-department store and a pretty good one too...
In 1983, the Harvard Coop had a killer (vinyl) record department. I was dirt poor but on Saturdays, I would take the T to Cambridge to browse and listen to the tunes they were playing in the record department.
They played this tune -- and I had to have the LP. It took a bite out my weekly groceries spend (the LP cost $13.98 then -- about $40 today). But I've never regretted it.
The Coop was cool, although I don't think it ever seriously compared to a full-blown Tower Records. My problem during my infrequent trips to the Coop back in that era was that I'd walk into the record department and get so dazzled by its size that I'd forget which records I wanted to get!
Last time I checked, the non-Harvard-related parts of the Coop are now largely given over to being a bookstore. Yes, bookstores still exist! Harvard Square used to be full of 'em. But back in '83 or so, the Coop was still a mini-department store and a pretty good one too...
No Mirror in the Bathroom.
Great Track Great Band At their best in these early days !
MattRudely wrote:
My memory also.
1980 not 1983
My memory also.
1980 not 1983
Ah, my youth. How I miss thee.
Rockit9 wrote:
It's actually a song.
Let's give a hand to all the effort throughout the world involved in finding a vaccine for this virus.
It's actually a song.
In 1983, the Harvard Coop had a killer (vinyl) record department. I was dirt poor but on Saturdays, I would take the T to Cambridge to browse and listen to the tunes they were playing in the record department.
They played this tune -- and I had to have the LP. It took a bite out my weekly groceries spend (the LP cost $13.98 then -- about $40 today). But I've never regretted it.
They played this tune -- and I had to have the LP. It took a bite out my weekly groceries spend (the LP cost $13.98 then -- about $40 today). But I've never regretted it.
Every time I hear this song, I'm reminded of the scene in the movie "Grosse Pointe Blank."
LOVE this track, maybe something also to do with the faux punk period I had when I was 15 and thought wearing a black garbage bag was cool. If you ever get any chance to play the Jam or the Damned when you are next in that groove, I would love to hear them too.
Thank for the wonderful variety- it is soothing our souls...
Thank for the wonderful variety- it is soothing our souls...
Let's give a hand to all the effort throughout the world involved in finding a vaccine for this virus.
How about some "The Interrupters" on RP? New ska!
Ha! I have successfully infected my young teen with an appreciation for eclectic music, and he loves English Beat. If I could high-five myself I would, but RP, you have helped out more than you know. Go high-five yourselves.
RIP Ranking Roger
RabbitEars wrote:
What do you think narcissism is? Have you paid attention to Trump?
first time i heard "mental illness."
i always took this as 100% about narcissism, but maybe it's a bit more complicated...
i always took this as 100% about narcissism, but maybe it's a bit more complicated...
What do you think narcissism is? Have you paid attention to Trump?
Gotta be top-10 for Ska.
Would be interested to see what other cuts might be on a Best Of Ska list.
Would be interested to see what other cuts might be on a Best Of Ska list.
Love ska...that horn is phenomenal
first time i heard "mental illness."
i always took this as 100% about narcissism, but maybe it's a bit more complicated...
i always took this as 100% about narcissism, but maybe it's a bit more complicated...
Ah! High school, probably 1985... class trip into San Francisco. Boombox in the back row with a mixtape... i remember this and Electric Avenue being played repeatedly. Good times.v
vi hear "meat her in the bathroom".....
lieloswe715 wrote:
At least you have the courage of your convictions.
This is the best song in the world
At least you have the courage of your convictions.
ALL i h ear is some brit singin'
"meat her in the bathroom" ‡
"meat her in the bathroom" ‡Starts with that drum beat and just doesn't quit...
Proclivities wrote:
"Aunt Mamie! How have you been Sweetie-Pie?!" (remarkable resemblance : ) bought this album for a lover sooooo long ago, good times
"Aunt Mamie! How have you been Sweetie-Pie?!" (remarkable resemblance : ) bought this album for a lover sooooo long ago, good times
jmkate wrote:
Damn good soundtrack!
I cannot unsee John Cusack fighting with a hired killer when I hear this, thank you grosse Pointe Blank. Good soundtrack.
Damn good soundtrack!
Thank you Thank you! Saved from the previous selection. Bye the way try dancing "Grape Pressers Stomp ' to this. The Millenials join in _ who knew ?
Shwing wrote:
Ditto. Iconic sound.
R.I.P. Saxa
Ditto. Iconic sound.
Shwing wrote:
:-(
R.I.P. Saxa
:-(
This is the best song in the world
R.I.P. Saxa
I cannot unsee John Cusack fighting with a hired killer when I hear this, thank you grosse Pointe Blank. Good soundtrack.
markybx wrote:
didn't they go by The British Beat in Austrailia?
In England this band is known as The Beat. I kid you not.
didn't they go by The British Beat in Austrailia?
In England this band is known as The Beat. I kid you not.
Men at Work? Meet Devo. Devo? Men at Work.
'Mirror in the bathroom' - 1983
35 years later and it's the theme song for the 'selfie' generation !
"Mirror in the Bat-room...."
melzabutch wrote:
Going to see the English Beat this coming 22nd at the Avalon in Easton MD.
Cool, I saw them twice in the early eighties. Lots of fun.Going to see the English Beat this coming 22nd at the Avalon in Easton MD.
FatPants wrote:
It may not have been the song's fault..
I spent my entire college years striking out to this song. So it gets a one from me.
It may not have been the song's fault..
Certainly among the better narcissism-celebration songs.
aspicer wrote:
Oh yes indeedy. Enough so that my way too cool-fer-school 16-year old said, "Hey who is this?"
STILL a kick ass tune! Classic.
Oh yes indeedy. Enough so that my way too cool-fer-school 16-year old said, "Hey who is this?"
misterbearbaby wrote:
Are you by chance related to Misterfixit?
I think this song is sending me a subliminal message. IT comes on and I find myself standing in front of my gun safe loading my Magnum when it stops, and I don't know how I got there.
Are you by chance related to Misterfixit?
coloradojohn wrote:
Been there, done that!
Wild Fun! Darned perfect musical description of tripping your head off & not knowing if you can even face the people at your own party!
Been there, done that!
Mirror still in one piece, is due to crazed enamel behind.
What a great tune! Talk free just you and me...mirror in the bathroom!
STILL a kick ass tune! Classic.
Brings up memories of wild times from long past. Always fun!
Just saw Dave play with the latest line-up in DC. Great show.
Amping up the blood flow to my brain on a drowsy day at work.
FatPants wrote:
I spent my entire college years striking out to this song. So it gets a one from me.
I spent my entire college years striking out to this song. So it gets a one from me.
Narcissus himself would be so proud of this song, but only if he wrote, played and sung it himself ;-)
It's the sax that really makes this song so special. An all-time classic from the alternative strand of 80s music, and IMO a real dig at the self-regarding (literally) poncey 80s groups like Spandau Balle and Duran Duran, and all the New Romantic bands, and at the 'Me Generation' born and raised in the decade of Thatcherite/Reaganite neo-liberalism.
It's the sax that really makes this song so special. An all-time classic from the alternative strand of 80s music, and IMO a real dig at the self-regarding (literally) poncey 80s groups like Spandau Balle and Duran Duran, and all the New Romantic bands, and at the 'Me Generation' born and raised in the decade of Thatcherite/Reaganite neo-liberalism.
I think this song is sending me a subliminal message. IT comes on and I find myself standing in front of my gun safe loading my Magnum when it stops, and I don't know how I got there.
If you're not moving at least one body part to this beat, best check your pulse... you might be dead!
Just played our little theatre in Easton MD, holds 400 and was awesome
Bobert_ParkCity wrote:
er, when he is not out touring with General Public
Bobert_ParkCity wrote:
er, when he is not out touring with General Public
A blast from the past - excellent
The best. 10.
Love the Beat!
Yes!
zerosomething wrote:
Yup 8->9
The perfect 80's song
Yup 8->9
The perfect 80's song
Wild Fun! Darned perfect musical description of tripping your head off & not knowing if you can even face the people at your own party!
JaySea wrote:
er, when he is not out touring with General Public
Dave is still out touring with the English Beat.
If you have a chance go see him.
Great Live show in small venues by a legend.
If you have a chance go see him.
Great Live show in small venues by a legend.
er, when he is not out touring with General Public
These guys came through town again a couple of weeks ago. Some friends talked me into going. I was initially hesitant knowing that there would be a giant traffic jam in the area of the venue—there simply weren't enough handicap parking spots to handle all the old people who wanted to attend.
(Did I just say that?)
Anyway ... in the audience, pressed up against the stage and drunker than hell, was a middle-aged groupie who tried for 30 minutes to persuade the sax player to give her a kiss. The sax player wanted nothing to do with her and I didn't blame him, but watching that interaction was more entertaining than the music!
(Did I just say that?)
Anyway ... in the audience, pressed up against the stage and drunker than hell, was a middle-aged groupie who tried for 30 minutes to persuade the sax player to give her a kiss. The sax player wanted nothing to do with her and I didn't blame him, but watching that interaction was more entertaining than the music!
daedalus wrote:
Yes!
This song is a classic!
Quirky lyrics, unforgettable hook, original beat, and great musicianship.
Quirky lyrics, unforgettable hook, original beat, and great musicianship.
Yes!
What a blast from the past!
xkolibuul wrote:
Oh no. The 80's were worse, much worse. Despite the admirable efforts of the English Beat. Honestly—I wish I was deluded, but I lived it.
I lived it too; I started college in 1980. You were probably spending too much time watching MTV or something - that's all a lot of people seem to remember about the music from the '80s: the constant deluge of music videos - many of which were pretty dreadful.
Oh no. The 80's were worse, much worse. Despite the admirable efforts of the English Beat. Honestly—I wish I was deluded, but I lived it.
I lived it too; I started college in 1980. You were probably spending too much time watching MTV or something - that's all a lot of people seem to remember about the music from the '80s: the constant deluge of music videos - many of which were pretty dreadful.
treatment_bound wrote:
A: Don't know t_b, how well do you play sax?
I remember when this came out in 1980 or so, and the music press was raving about how there was a great 50 YEAR-OLD SAX PLAYER in this band! They were just flabbergasted that somebody THAT OLD could get the job done so remarkably!
In two weeks, I'll be 5 years older than that. Should I just lay down in my coffin right now?
p.s.-Just looked this up this on Wiki:
Saxa (born Lionel Augustus Martin January 5, 1930) is still alive and retired living in Birmingham England. Maybe I'll hang a little longer...
In two weeks, I'll be 5 years older than that. Should I just lay down in my coffin right now?
p.s.-Just looked this up this on Wiki:
Saxa (born Lionel Augustus Martin January 5, 1930) is still alive and retired living in Birmingham England. Maybe I'll hang a little longer...
A: Don't know t_b, how well do you play sax?
treatment_bound wrote:
He had such a great sound. My friends and I weren't amazed that someone at 50 could play sax, but that he was in such a cool band.
Yes, do hang around.
hencini wrote:
As noted by slate_dk on this page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ScNLt2zNc
So many worthy necks, so little time.
I remember when this came out in 1980 or so, and the music press was raving about how there was a great 50 YEAR-OLD SAX PLAYER in this band! They were just flabbergasted that somebody THAT OLD could get the job done so remarkably!
In two weeks, I'll be 5 years older than that. Should I just lay down in my coffin right now?
p.s.-Just looked this up this on Wiki:
Saxa (born Lionel Augustus Martin January 5, 1930) is still alive and retired living in Birmingham England. Maybe I'll hang a little longer...
In two weeks, I'll be 5 years older than that. Should I just lay down in my coffin right now?
p.s.-Just looked this up this on Wiki:
Saxa (born Lionel Augustus Martin January 5, 1930) is still alive and retired living in Birmingham England. Maybe I'll hang a little longer...
He had such a great sound. My friends and I weren't amazed that someone at 50 could play sax, but that he was in such a cool band.
Yes, do hang around.
hencini wrote:
And John Cusack is stabbing a man in the neck with a pen. Never gets old.
As noted by slate_dk on this page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ScNLt2zNc
So many worthy necks, so little time.
I remember when this came out in 1980 or so, and the music press was raving about how there was a great 50 YEAR-OLD SAX PLAYER in this band! They were just flabbergasted that somebody THAT OLD could get the job done so remarkably!
In two weeks, I'll be 5 years older than that. Should I just lay down in my coffin right now?
p.s.-Just looked this up this on Wiki:
Saxa (born Lionel Augustus Martin January 5, 1930) is still alive and retired living in Birmingham England. Maybe I'll hang a little longer...
In two weeks, I'll be 5 years older than that. Should I just lay down in my coffin right now?
p.s.-Just looked this up this on Wiki:
Saxa (born Lionel Augustus Martin January 5, 1930) is still alive and retired living in Birmingham England. Maybe I'll hang a little longer...
Swear to Got, that sounds like Andy Summers doing the guitar riffs in the background. Those are very "early Police" sounding.
Seeing them play in a funky little club called UNIT in Daikanyama (tony, tiny 'burb of Tokyo) was SUCH A FRENETIC, BUZZY SKA TRIP!
ckevin63 wrote:
There was another band in the U.S. called The Beat, I believe- so I think they had to release their stuff in the U.S. as The English Beat.
Not only that, but "The English Beat" sounds a lot cooler than "The Beat U.K.".
There was another band in the U.S. called The Beat, I believe- so I think they had to release their stuff in the U.S. as The English Beat.
Not only that, but "The English Beat" sounds a lot cooler than "The Beat U.K.".
I saw these guys in San Diego in '85. They were so awesome. danced on my seat the whole time!
stunix wrote:
There was another band in the U.S. called The Beat, I believe- so I think they had to release their stuff in the U.S. as The English Beat.
The English Beat? Here in the UK, when it was in the charts they were just called "The Beat". Is there another Beat?, or is it just the same as Brazil nuts are not called Brazil nuts in Brazil? Anyway, lots of damn fine music from that band and that time. This was late 70s NOT 80s.
There was another band in the U.S. called The Beat, I believe- so I think they had to release their stuff in the U.S. as The English Beat.
Hard to beat The Beat
The English Beat? Here in the UK, when it was in the charts they were just called "The Beat". Is there another Beat?, or is it just the same as Brazil nuts are not called Brazil nuts in Brazil? Anyway, lots of damn fine music from that band and that time. This was late 70s NOT 80s.
Dave is still out touring with the English Beat.
If you have a chance go see him.
Great Live show in small venues by a legend.
If you have a chance go see him.
Great Live show in small venues by a legend.
And John Cusack is stabbing a man in the neck with a pen. Never gets old.
frankrmineo wrote:
Benny Urquidez is very fast. Holding back a little here I think.
Grosse Point Blank...great scene
Benny Urquidez is very fast. Holding back a little here I think.
10 +++. Memories of the Domino Club in Toronto Canada. It wasn't always a good time, but it was always an interesting time.
The eighties might not get an overall high rating for music but they do get bonus points for spandex.
The eighties might not get an overall high rating for music but they do get bonus points for spandex.
This song makes me want to ask for a new rating of "Super fun"
ckcotton wrote:
Thank you! We be dancing... hope you are having a marvelous time right this moment...
Hey! Way to mix it up.....!
Thank you! We be dancing... hope you are having a marvelous time right this moment...
EVERYBODY IN MY BATHROOM LOVES THIS!
Proclivities wrote:
No worse than any other musical decade - despite popular delusions.
Oh no. The 80's were worse, much worse. Despite the admirable efforts of the English Beat. Honestly—I wish I was deluded, but I lived it.
No worse than any other musical decade - despite popular delusions.
Oh no. The 80's were worse, much worse. Despite the admirable efforts of the English Beat. Honestly—I wish I was deluded, but I lived it.
Manic percussion and bass with throaty sax ... how could you NOT like this?
I think this song is about coke and narcissism. So there.
Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Hey! Way to mix it up.....!
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Hey! Way to mix it up.....!
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Art_Carnage wrote:
"I" "I"... it's all about you, isn't it? So narcissistic...
I always assumed this song was about cocaine abuse. But I finally read the lyrics, and it's actually about narcissism.
"I" "I"... it's all about you, isn't it? So narcissistic...
I always assumed this song was about cocaine abuse. But I finally read the lyrics, and it's actually about narcissism.
Dave is still out touring with the English Beat.
If you have a chance go see him.
Great Live show in small venues by a legend.
If you have a chance go see him.
Great Live show in small venues by a legend.
Proclivities wrote:
No worse than any other musical decade - despite popular delusions.
Exactly.
No worse than any other musical decade - despite popular delusions.
Exactly.
beelzebubba wrote:
No worse than any other musical decade - despite popular delusions.
Meh — maybe the 80's weren't so bad after all.....
No worse than any other musical decade - despite popular delusions.
frankrmineo wrote:
Fantastic scene, and this song provide the perfect backdrop music.
Grosse Point Blank...great scene
Fantastic scene, and this song provide the perfect backdrop music.
This song is a classic!
Quirky lyrics, unforgettable hook, original beat, and great musicianship.
Quirky lyrics, unforgettable hook, original beat, and great musicianship.
Had to raise my previous 7 to 8. The sax is magical! 1983 memories.
Brilliant energy from the 80s.
Grosse Point Blank...great scene
GREAT TUNE!! Thanx RP!