FMM: In the swing of things

Anyone from my generation would agree with me when I say that Swing Out Sister is one of the best musical acts from the late 80s and early 90s.

For years, their songs invaded the airwaves, parties, proms and all occasions that called for great music. When they had a concert in Manila, it was such a big thing and tickets were sold out in a matter of days. (Note that there wasn't any on-line ticket purchase that time, so people had to go to the ticketing office to buy concert tickets. Effort!) Too bad I was too young to watch concerts back then. I definitely would've queued and watched their concert.

This British pop group had it all. They were good looking, had wonderful voices, and their music was so infectious. They were definitely the full package, so it was no wonder that they hit it big in the UK, and eventually, around the world.

What I find fascinating about Swing Out Sister is the fact that they built their success on songs that I would describe as "happy-sad."

If you listen to the songs, you'd find yourself bobbing your head and swaying along to the beat. They're definitely fun to listen to and perfect to dance along with. But if you pay attention to the lyrics, you'll find out that the stories behind the songs are actually quite sad. You never notice it, though.

For instance, 3 of my favorite SOS songs fall under this happy-sad category:

"You on my mind" is an upbeat pop song that talks about the singer's need to get over a lost love, but can't.


"Waiting Game" is the quintessential story of someone who is pining and waiting for someone, and even if she knows that waiting might be for naught, she waits anyway.


And of course, their biggest hit EVER, "Breakout!" Paying close attention to the lyrics reveals the story of someone stuck in a rut, and just wanting to get out of that cycle. This is such a karaoke staple and it always brings the house down and puts everyone in a happy mood. Even if the song's story isn't.


Lyrics and story notwithstanding, Swing Out Sister's songs never fails to get everyone is a swinging mood. And I think that's what the group always intended to do.