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XTC — Senses Working Overtime
Album: English Settlement
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3289









Released: 1982
Length: 4:29
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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Hey, hey, the clouds are whey
There's straw for the donkeys
And the innocents can all sleep safely
All sleep safely

My, my, sun is pie
There's fodder for the cannons
And the guilty ones can all sleep safely
All sleep safely

And all the world is football-shaped
It's just for me to kick in space
And I can see, hear, smell, touch, taste
And I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to take this all in
I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to taste the difference 'tween a lemon and a lime
Pain and pleasure, and the church bells softly chime

Hey, hey, night fights day
There's food for the thinkers
And the innocents can all live slowly
All live slowly

My, my, the sky will cry
Jewels for the thirsty
And the guilty ones can all die slowly
All die slowly

And all the world is biscuit-shaped
It's just for me to feed my face
And I can see, hear, smell, touch, taste
And I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to take this all in
I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to taste the difference 'tween a lemon and a lime
Pain and pleasure, and the church bells softly chime

And birds might fall from black skies (Whoo-whoo)
And bullies might give you black eyes (Whoo-whoo)
And buses might skid on black ice (Whoo-whoo)
But to me they're very, very beautiful (England's glory)
Beautiful (A striking beauty)

And all the world is football-shaped
It's just for me to kick in space
And I can see, hear, smell, touch, taste
And I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to take this all in
I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to tell the difference 'tween the goods and crimes
Dirt and treasure
And there's one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to take this all in
I've got one, two, three, four, five
Senses working overtime
Trying to taste the difference 'tween a lemon and a lime
Pain and pleasure, and the church bells softly chime
Comments (471)add comment
Original drummer Terry Chambers was awesome! Saw this band open for the Police back in 1980. That was before Andy Partidge retired from performing on stage. Great show btw and it was not a sell out. The Police hadn't hit the big time yet.
Posted 2 weeks ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:

No he isn't.  He's critical of the state of Israel.

Except that he’s a Holocaust revisionist. https://x.com/petepaphides/sta...
Posted 1 month ago by jonathaneshaw    [ Reply ]
Swindon’s finest band. That’s in the UK that is.
Posted 3 months ago by soundman21121    [ Reply ]
 jonathaneshaw wrote:

Lead singer is an antisemitic scumbag



Bet you've been waiting for an opportunity to finally get a chance to pounce.  Take 'er easy bud.  Shalom.
Posted 4 months ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
Such a great album. 
Posted 4 months ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
Love the drum fills in this, always have.
Posted 4 months ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
 jonathaneshaw wrote:

Lead singer is an antisemitic scumbag


No he isn't.  He's critical of the state of Israel.
Posted 5 months ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 chinaski wrote:

If only Partridge and Moulding would get over themselves like Liam and Noel should.  Partridge had Steven Wilson( yes, him) remaster a few discs but won't kiss and make up with Colin and create anew together. Everyone loses. 



Not aware of Steven Wilson remixing some of their discs?! I will have to dig into that - very curious. Has anyone heard it - thoughts?
Posted 8 months ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:

A criminally underappreciated band. 

Thanks for playing XTC!


I  Agree!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 jonathaneshaw wrote:

Lead singer is an antisemitic scumbag


Nobody is perfect.  ...eh?
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Lead singer is an antisemitic scumbag
Posted 1 year ago by jonathaneshaw    [ Reply ]
 GingerandMe wrote:

"Making Plans for Nigel".. Fantastic track.



...another fantastic track.
Posted 1 year ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
"Making Plans for Nigel".. Fantastic track.
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
GOOD TUNE!  Brings back memories. Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
XTC and Gang of Four. England's New Wave best. 
They also amalgamated one of my all time favorite band Shriekback .
Posted 1 year ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 
Census working overtime!
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
If only Partridge and Moulding would get over themselves like Liam and Noel should.  Partridge had Steven Wilson( yes, him) remaster a few discs but won't kiss and make up with Colin and create anew together. Everyone loses. 
Posted 2 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Inventive genre buster. Easy for XTC. 👍
Posted 2 years ago by sydsfloyd67    [ Reply ]
Whoa?! So after posting below, the refresh removed the MANY thumbs up on several comments about them being under appreciated and wanting to hear more...?? What happened there? 
Posted 2 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Bill, it sounds like many of us would appreciate more XTC here; and I will add perhaps not just the "hits," like this and Dear God that are in the cue already...? Please...?! 
Posted 2 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
I love the band but this song just doesn't cut it for me. At least on its own outside of the album.
Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
Excellent!!  I haven't heard this in a long time.  Thanx RP
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
abbreviated version?
Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 changodelaplaya wrote:

Don't forget "Oranges & Lemons" ... A remarkable collection in every aspect.
And its cover? Unabashedly The Beatles of the 80's indeed!
 
More from this band please, RP!
I thought the Go 2 cover was a fabulous example of postmodernism...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.

Posted 2 years ago by tonyinnj    [ Reply ]
 wgsu_1978 wrote:

I just wish RP would dig a little deeper into XTC's amazing catalog. "Chalkhills and Children" is an absolute masterpiece that you NEVER hear here.


Chalkhills and Children give me chills whenever i hear it!
Posted 3 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
Great album from start to finish. 
Posted 3 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
 sonicxtc wrote:
As someone wrote "a criminally underappreciated band."
I CONCUR!
XTC should have gone on to enormous success based on their immense talent, diversity, songwriting skills and studio craftsmanship. 
 
What their record company did to screw them is criminal. 

I'd also say they're probably the most underplayed artist on RP. So much great work to hear - there are only 10 songs on the playlist out of at least 50 that are worthy.
Posted 3 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Elicits an immediate smile. 
Posted 3 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Gosh! This takes me back. London. Unemployed. And so on. That sound. That’s the power of music. A few notes. And you are right back there.
Posted 3 years ago by deniseperry    [ Reply ]
 sonicxtc wrote:
As someone wrote "a criminally underappreciated band."
I CONCUR!
XTC should have gone on to enormous success based on their immense talent, diversity, songwriting skills and studio craftsmanship. 
 

Apparently Andy Partridge had terrible stage fright - didn't help one's career back in the day...but we are huge fans and still enjoy hearing them!
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
As someone wrote "a criminally underappreciated band."
I CONCUR!
XTC should have gone on to enormous success based on their immense talent, diversity, songwriting skills and studio craftsmanship. 
Posted 4 years ago by sonicxtc    [ Reply ]
Catchy; but so's COVID.
Posted 4 years ago by Andrew_C    [ Reply ]
 sm11 wrote:
Isn't the world Soccer-shaped?
 
Foot.

Ball.

A bit complicated, I grant you.
Posted 4 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:

Although I'm a big fan of this band, I must admit you're correct on this one. The whiny voice doesn't fit. But what the hell; it was the 80's.
 
We shall assume your obvious ignorance with this song  indicates a larger more general ignorance of music.
Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
 ace-marc wrote:

Hmmmm, No. 
It'a great fit. And their music is timeless.

 
Hmmmmmmm. Yes.
Posted 4 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:

Although I'm a big fan of this band, I must admit you're correct on this one. The whiny voice doesn't fit. But what the hell; it was the 80's.
 
Hmmmm, No.
It'a great fit. And their music is timeless.
Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
Isn't the world Soccer-shaped?
Posted 4 years ago by sm11    [ Reply ]
Would love to hear some tracks from Nonsuch - they got great with age. 
Posted 4 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 mrselfdestruct wrote:
One of those great chorus, shitty verse songs.
 
Although I'm a big fan of this band, I must admit you're correct on this one. The whiny voice doesn't fit. But what the hell; it was the 80's.
Posted 5 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Glad to hear it when i am working overtime...

Trying to taste the difference 'tween a lemon and a lime


Posted 5 years ago by natius    [ Reply ]
Good song but overplayed to death
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
A criminally underappreciated band. 

Thanks for playing XTC!
 Perfect way to put it. Their output over the long haul has been amazing. Would like to hear more on RP!

Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Hey haaaaaayyyyy. Top tune.
Football-shaped = spherical.
Posted 5 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
A criminally underappreciated band. 

Thanks for playing XTC!
 

I agree. Amazing band with impressive volume of quality music. 
Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
This entire album was of particular significance to me back in the day. Thank you WHFS!  Thank you WGTB! Thanks Bill!
Posted 5 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Oh, yessss!!! Thank you for sharing XTC. I adored them and miss hearing them.  Add more of their tracks, please!  Thank you, Bill!!!
Posted 5 years ago by stacey.otte    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
 tonyjory wrote:
Dig the beat provided by the sound of steel scaffolding rods dropped on concrete.

 

Posted 5 years ago by tonyjory    [ Reply ]
 tonyjory wrote:
XTC - brilliant band. Clever, highly original, and unashamedly Beatlesque. All great tracks, my favourite being about Irish navvies breaking their backs building the "Towers of London".
 

Posted 5 years ago by tonyjory    [ Reply ]
XTC - brilliant band. Clever, highly original, and unashamedly Beatlesque. All great tracks, my favourite being about Irish navvies breaking their backs building the "Towers of London".
Posted 5 years ago by tonyjory    [ Reply ]
and the most underappreciated bass player in all the land!
Posted 5 years ago by Meltz    [ Reply ]
I had the misfortune of living in Swindon in Wiltshire England in 1981. As far as I'm concerned there were only 2 good things to come out of Swindon: Arkell's Kingsdown Ale and XTC.
Posted 5 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
Senses working overtime? Man it was 1982. Social media didn't even exist then.
Posted 5 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 mrselfdestruct wrote:
One of those great chorus, shitty verse songs.
 
Good verse, great pre-chorus, great chorus, superb middle eight (or 16 or 24 or whatever it is).

= Great post punk pop song.
Posted 5 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 wgsu_1978 wrote:
Great song by The Beatles of the 80s.
 
NEVER call a band "The Beatles of..." or the "next Beatles"...kiss of death. 

Posted 5 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 MrMelons wrote:
Utter Shite
 

12345 senseless working overtime!
Posted 5 years ago by Thin_Air    [ Reply ]
Utter Shite
Posted 5 years ago by MrMelons    [ Reply ]
One of those great chorus, shitty verse songs.
Posted 5 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
Always a pleasure to hear. Thanks again Bill!
Posted 6 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
A criminally underappreciated band. 

Thanks for playing XTC!
Posted 6 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
chinaski wrote:
WHFS in Bethesda, MD. used to play lots of XTC all those years ago. This song in particular is memorable as one girl I was fond of had my senses working overtime for sure but alas it wasn't the other way around.
 
I was a big time listern of WHFS during 85's and '95!!! And XTC was one of those rare precious bands they played diligently!!

 
Posted 6 years ago by PauloCM    [ Reply ]
Not heard this for quite some time
Posted 6 years ago by the_real_mccoy    [ Reply ]
WHFS in Bethesda, MD. used to play lots of XTC all those years ago. This song in particular is memorable as one girl I was fond of had my senses working overtime for sure but alas it wasn't the other way around.
Posted 6 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
More XTC for sure!
Posted 6 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
Wonderful band and album -
Posted 6 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 6 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 wgsu_1978 wrote:

I just wish RP would dig a little deeper into XTC's amazing catalog. "Chalkhills and Children" is an absolute masterpiece that you NEVER hear here.
 
Don't forget "Oranges & Lemons" ... A remarkable collection in every aspect.
And its cover? Unabashedly The Beatles of the 80's indeed!
 
More from this band please, RP!
Posted 6 years ago by changodelaplaya    [ Reply ]
 wgsu_1978 wrote:
Great song by The Beatles of the 80s.

 
I just wish RP would dig a little deeper into XTC's amazing catalog. "Chalkhills and Children" is an absolute masterpiece that you NEVER hear here.
Posted 6 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
absolutely brilliant
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Gonna rate this song - 1,2,3,4      5


Posted 6 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
Did this song just start over? Please make it end.
Posted 6 years ago by k3rmit    [ Reply ]
Godlike indeed!  Yumm.  Layers, complexity, wit, a hook And an irresistible Groove!  Oh my.  
Posted 6 years ago by jampab    [ Reply ]
I was watching this over the weekend. It's Andy Partridge explaining the origins of this song and whatnot.
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Great song from an amazing band. I'm surprised they never went to supergroup status,
Posted 7 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 VH1 wrote:
Loved it then, love it now!{#Dancingbanana}

 
exactly !
Posted 7 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
Still good to hear this. Such a THE WHO-ish prechorus.
A good 7 for me.
And you'll see a VERY good live version here.
Posted 7 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
I had'nt hear since years. In the eighties, their records was not easy to find in France and i was searching them everywhere in records shops, like a fool! I was so fond of this band. And i was right, it still very good. Play more from "Black sea" or "The big express" please...
Posted 7 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
they're wonderful. :)
Posted 7 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Great song by The Beatles of the 80s.
Posted 7 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]

I will never understand why this band never became big?


Posted 7 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 Krispian wrote:
One of the greatest bands ever. 

 
+1  
Posted 7 years ago by midigitguy    [ Reply ]
One of the greatest bands ever. 
Posted 7 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
I was infatuated with a girl when this album came out. Senses Working Overtime nailed my feelings. Senses working overtime. Yeah they were.
Posted 8 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Loved it then, love it now!{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]

This song reminds me of college.....WBRU , Thursday nights "For Headphones Only" This song always headlined the show.


Posted 8 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
 Andybob wrote:
From English Settlement. One of the greatest albums of the 80s, or any decade for my money. Not a bad song on it and musical variety that would do RP proud.

 
Absolutely, it's a great album.
Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
Nice!  Instantly transforms me back to the Summer of '82, when I threw this on my turntable for relief from the Asia and "Eye of the Tiger" onslaught!
 
{#Lol}
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 gemtag wrote:
Great song, and a reason to give RP dollars to keep things going. How many other stations will you hear great music like this. Support RP or be forced to listen to advertiser supported radio.   

 



Well said..

Posted 8 years ago by pcc    [ Reply ]
This track was like wallpaper when I was kid in the 80's - so much airplay that I didn't really listen to properly it until just a few years ago.  The I started exploring the rest of  the discography - so much excellent stuff from XTC and such an astonishing lack of recognition.  I suppose it illustrates how important touring is.
Posted 8 years ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
Great song, and a reason to give RP dollars to keep things going. How many other stations will you hear great music like this. Support RP or be forced to listen to advertiser supported radio.   
Posted 8 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite all-time songs. The writing, changes and arrangement still blows me away 32 or so years after first hearing it!
Posted 8 years ago by joemama    [ Reply ]
 Andybob wrote:
From English Settlement. One of the greatest albums of the 80s, or any decade for my money. Not a bad song on it and musical variety that would do RP proud.

 
{#Yes}
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 Andybob wrote:
From English Settlement. One of the greatest albums of the 80s, or any decade for my money. Not a bad song on it and musical variety that would do RP proud.

 
{#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by midigitguy    [ Reply ]
 slandering wrote:
the drummer is sooo cool, also on making plans for nigel

 
That'd be Terry Chambers. Check out his work on the rest of the album or on Black Seas.
Posted 8 years ago by Andybob    [ Reply ]
 greiffenstein wrote:

Wow, I'd never heard this song or this band and I instantly love it.  Complex enough to be interesting but not too much to be annoying.  Great sound, I hear a little Men at Work, Big Country, The Clash, Yes, perhaps a sprinkle of Bowie in there...

 

Once again, Bill, thank you for the introduction!  {#Cheers}



 
Oh my, you are in for a treat!  This was the first album of theirs I heard.  Many, many moons later, they remain My Favorite Band In The Whole World!

Wait until you hear Black Sea, Oranges & Lemons, and the Todd Rundgren produced Skylarking...  Joy! 
Posted 8 years ago by midigitguy    [ Reply ]
From English Settlement. One of the greatest albums of the 80s, or any decade for my money. Not a bad song on it and musical variety that would do RP proud.
Posted 8 years ago by Andybob    [ Reply ]
Nice!  Instantly transforms me back to the Summer of '82, when I threw this on my turntable for relief from the Asia and "Eye of the Tiger" onslaught!
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]

Wow, I'd never heard this song or this band and I instantly love it.  Complex enough to be interesting but not too much to be annoying.  Great sound, I hear a little Men at Work, Big Country, The Clash, Yes, perhaps a sprinkle of Bowie in there...

 

Once again, Bill, thank you for the introduction!  {#Cheers}


Posted 8 years ago by greiffenstein    [ Reply ]
the drummer is sooo cool, also on making plans for nigel
Posted 8 years ago by slandering    [ Reply ]
"And all the world is biscuit-shaped. It's just for me to feed my face."

8 -> 9 
Posted 9 years ago by ericconrad    [ Reply ]
 ScottishWillie wrote:
Never understood why this band didn't make it BIG
 

Me too—perhaps it was because they went into hibernation.

I actually saw them live once in late 1980 (a "festival seating" show on the floor at the Mpls. Armory) opening for The Police, and it did seem at that time like they were on their way bigger and better things in the U.S.  
 
I only really remember standing way at the back casually grooving with friends during their opening set as they plowed through many cuts off the quite likable current release "Black Sea" and some stuff off "Drums and Wires".

If I'd known they were going to quit touring less than 14 months later after A. Partridge suffered a mental breakdown, I surely would have tried to work my way up closer to the stage and get into it a bit more. 

But ultimately, I had to settle for a series of decent studio albums all through the eighties.  They turned into some sort of "Alternative Steely Dan"!  
Posted 9 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Never understood why this band didn't make it BIG
Posted 9 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
Outstanding, and there's even better XTC out there.
Chalkhills & Children, please. 
Posted 9 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Outstanding tune and shocked the rating is not higher.  Yes it has been overplayed, but still it is a lyrically and musically impressive piece of work.  This album, BTW, is a desert island disc IMHO.  BRILLIANT!   {#Cool}

 
+1  {#Cool}
Posted 9 years ago by midigitguy    [ Reply ]
Outstanding    (wow '82! loved it then, love it now)
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
We be singing loudly in the kitchen!
Posted 9 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
XTC ....too smart to be successful.
Posted 10 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
Aptly named band. I haven't logged in for ages. Furst heard this little ditty whilst traveling amongst the fungi.{#Sunny}
Posted 10 years ago by aurora1957    [ Reply ]
Outstanding tune and shocked the rating is not higher.  Yes it has been overplayed, but still it is a lyrically and musically impressive piece of work.  This album, BTW, is a desert island disc IMHO.  BRILLIANT!   {#Cool}
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
senses working outstandingly!
Posted 10 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Great track from a criminally underrated band. Prefer the Black Sea album though.
Posted 10 years ago by The_Walrus    [ Reply ]
Around our household, and even in the workplace, when, on the odd occasion, I've said or done something particularly clever or witty, I've used this song's chorus as an explanation for my insight. Usually brings a chuckle. And of course, NO ONE knows who the heck XTC is. Too bad.
Posted 11 years ago by bstevens1951    [ Reply ]
 Tony0600 wrote:
An irritating, boring and monotonous song

 
Checking out your past song ratings we seem to be of similar age and tastes.

Not in this case, I guess.
Posted 11 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
An irritating, boring and monotonous song
Posted 11 years ago by Tony0600    [ Reply ]
XTC in the Spring.

Love it. 
Posted 11 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
 eve_silver wrote:
It looks loke alot of people here are wearing nostalgia's glasses. This song is extremely annoying and I'm surprised the rating isn't lower than it actually is.

 
Maybe even more than you think.  This is reminiscent of 60s pop tunes like "Needles and Pins".
Posted 11 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
For the XTC fans out there, check out the new Mike Keneally/Andy Partridge collaboration "Wing Beat Fantastic"

No nostalgia glasses needed.... 
Posted 11 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
It looks loke alot of people here are wearing nostalgia's glasses. This song is extremely annoying and I'm surprised the rating isn't lower than it actually is.
Posted 12 years ago by eve_silver    [ Reply ]
 
msymmes wrote:
I keep bumping this up the rating scale.
 

Not sure I can go past 7 on this one.
Posted 12 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 Fooboy wrote:
How many was that again ?
1, 2, 3, 4 ?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ?
 



..there you go again, overworking my senses.. :P
Posted 12 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]