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Belle and Sebastian — The Boy With The Arab Strap
Album: The Boy With the Arab Strap
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 669









Released: 1998
Length: 4:56
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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A mile and a half on a bus takes a long time
The odour of old prison food takes a long time to pass you by
When you've been inside
Day upon day of this wandering gets you down
Nobody gives you a chance or a dollar in this old town

Hovering silence from you is a giveaway
Squalor and smoke's not your style
"I don't like this place"
We better go
Then I compare notes with your older sister
I am a lazy gett, she is as pure as the cold driven snow
She accepts my confession

What did you learn from your time in the solitary
Cell of your mind?
There was noises, distractions from anything good
And the old prison food
Colour my life with the chaos of trouble
Cause anything's better than posh isolation
1 missed the bus
You were laid on your back
With the boy from the arab strap
With the boy from the arab strap

It's something to speak of the way you are feeling
To crowds there assembled
Do you ever feel you have gone too far?
Everyone suffers in silence a burden
The man who drives minicabs down in Old Compton
The Asian man
With his love hate affair
With his racist clientele

A central location for you is a must as you stagger about making free with your lewd and lascivious boasts
We know you are soft cause we've all seen you dancing
We know you are hard cause we all saw you drinking from noon
Until noon again
You're the boy with the filthy laugh
You're the boy with the arab strap

Strapped to the table with suits from the shelter shop
Comic celebrity takes a back seat as the cigarette catches
And sets off the smoke alarm
What do you make of the cool set in London?
You're constantly updating your hit parade of your ten biggest wanks
She's a waitress and she's got style
Sunday bathtime could take a while
Comments (147)add comment
Not played on RP nearly enough! 
Posted 2 years ago by david16    [ Reply ]
{#Stop} tooo much shoobydoobydooo! 
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
I recall a band named Arab Strap, also from the late 90s, but I didn't hear this until much later.  Surprised I haven't heard any Arab Strap on RP; they were pretty good.
Posted 9 years ago by MJdub    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Ah, it's the masters and mistresses of twee . Again. There was a B&S number only a few hours back, and it was easily as tedious as this one. This lot are the embodiment, the definition, the very essence of twee. They make St Etienne sound like death metal.

 
Hope the years since your 2010 post have changed your mind—this is actually pretty good—and not twee. 

PSDed from Supertramp's "School" to this—a blissful escape.  
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Turns out the writer had no idea what an Arab Strap was when he wrote this song. I won't spoil it, because the story's pretty good:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veqf8cUsSF8
Posted 9 years ago by zair99    [ Reply ]
I love this song, even though I now know what an Arab strap is, and I'll NEVER be able to un-see it in my mind.  It has enough of a tune that maybe it could be whistled, or just hummed, rather than have actual lyrics. {#Whistle}


Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 gabrielle7nt wrote:
Not sure I see the point in this toy. Or in this song.
 

That's because the point is in his chest. {#Mrgreen}
Posted 13 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
Brilliant
Posted 13 years ago by madebytim    [ Reply ]
 Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Anyone else hearing a Donovan clone with this?
 
The singer has a similar voice and inflections - they are both from Glasgow.

Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}
Posted 13 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Not sure I see the point in this toy. Or in this song.
Posted 13 years ago by gabrielle7nt    [ Reply ]
Huh...I'm pretty sure this was used as the theme for a UK television show called "Teachers". The song caught my ear because of that. Otherwise, I don't think it would have at all.
Posted 13 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:

This is a real hit and miss band; this is one of their hits!{#Clap}


 
I'd hate to hear any of the stuff not considered a hit.  Subject matter notwithstanding, I have to agree with fredriley... they are twee.

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Ah, it's the masters and mistresses of twee . Again. There was a B&S number only a few hours back, and it was easily as tedious as this one. This lot are the embodiment, the definition, the very essence of twee. They make St Etienne sound like death metal.
 
Arab strap?  Twee?!!

Posted 14 years ago by oilydwarf    [ Reply ]
Ah, it's the masters and mistresses of twee . Again. There was a B&S number only a few hours back, and it was easily as tedious as this one. This lot are the embodiment, the definition, the very essence of twee. They make St Etienne sound like death metal.
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]

Saw them at Reading Festival a few years back - brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!!!



Posted 14 years ago by pkahl    [ Reply ]
 kurtster wrote:


Well alrighty then ...  This as they say, changes everything.  Heard it here for years, never rated it.  Liked the bouncy feel, but I'm going to listen more closely to the lyrics next time around, then give it a rating.
 

{#Stop}Don't do it! That is why I don't listen to lyrics unless they are so obviously catchy or profound they find you without effort. This is music, not a poetry reading or philisophical discussion.
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]

This is a real hit and miss band; this is one of their hits!{#Clap}


Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Darkmatter wrote:
Wikipedia entry
 
Thank you! I have been trying to find the answer to this for a while.

Posted 14 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 Darkmatter wrote:


Wikipedia entry
 

Well alrighty then ...  This as they say, changes everything.  Heard it here for years, never rated it.  Liked the bouncy feel, but I'm going to listen more closely to the lyrics next time around, then give it a rating.
Posted 14 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
 j7 wrote:
These guys(?)......are exceptionally annoying.
The winners of the "New Wimps Of The 21st Century", 2009.

 
What classifies a wimp?

Posted 14 years ago by srose96    [ Reply ]
These guys(?)......are exceptionally annoying.
The winners of the "New Wimps Of The 21st Century", 2009.

Posted 15 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
 keller1 wrote:
The third worst band on the RP playlist, close runnerup to Cake and Radiohead.
 
do you keep a list?

Posted 15 years ago by Casa_Blanca    [ Reply ]
The song title isn't as disturbing as the lyrics.
Posted 15 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 reason06 wrote:
what is the point of singing about this?
 

Well................"The boy with the Arab Strap" has a better lyrical sound to it than singing....."the boy with little blue pill" now doesn't it?

{#Whisper}

Posted 15 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
The third worst band on the RP playlist, close runnerup to Cake and Radiohead.
Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
Not bad for a very simple 3 chord song....6 or maybe 7?

Posted 16 years ago by aristoteles    [ Reply ]
Sounds a little like 1970's Kinks.
Posted 16 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
philbertr wrote:
See Darkmatter's entry below. It is a curious song/album title.
what is the point of singing about this?
Posted 16 years ago by reason06    [ Reply ]
reason06 wrote:
Belle and Sebastion are from the 70's? What is an arab strap?
See Darkmatter's entry below. It is a curious song/album title.
Posted 16 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
What an efficient device.
Posted 16 years ago by tclodes    [ Reply ]
Great Song, definitely love it. takes you to 70's even if you didnt lived in that time and its recent band
Posted 16 years ago by marcucho    [ Reply ]
I used to really like this song, but now I'm finding it monotonous....
Posted 16 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Reading all the comments ............. hhmmmmmmm ...... oh god ........... now I've got a vision in my head ............ the band is singing and every one of them is wearing only ........... an Arab Strap .....
Posted 16 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
Darkmatter wrote:
Wikipedia entry
I would have never guessed
Posted 16 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
Has the sound of a group wearing matching powder blue gingham shirts with scarfs tied at the neck, but that Arab Strap thing sure negates that image.
Posted 16 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Anyone else hearing a Donovan clone with this?
And who was Donovan a clone of ??
Posted 16 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Channeling Bart Simpson: Do not click on wikipedia links on RP. Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.Do not click on wikipedia links on RP.
Posted 17 years ago by burdell    [ Reply ]
Darkmatter wrote:
Wikipedia entry
Posted 17 years ago by d00kie    [ Reply ]
Good to hear this, though there are so so many good songs on this album. How about a little "Sleep the Clock Around"? I guess I'm gonna have to spin the whole thing when I get home.
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Lensles wrote:
Turn up them hand claps 'cause I love music!
Hmmmm, I think more cowbell, though I hold no hope that more cowbell would help this pitiful song.
Posted 17 years ago by MrsAustin    [ Reply ]
Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Anyone else hearing a Donovan clone with this?
No but I hear Tommy James and the Shondells singing "Draggin the Line"
Posted 17 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
the song is so nice and innocent sounding. Darkmatter wrote:
Wikipedia entry
Posted 17 years ago by mbritsc    [ Reply ]
pannaramma wrote:
Has anybody else looked up to see what an arab strap is? Or am I the only one who didn't know?
Wikipedia entry
Posted 17 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
Has anybody else looked up to see what an arab strap is? Or am I the only one who didn't know?
Posted 18 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
Walrus_Gumbo wrote:
Anyone else hearing a Donovan clone with this?
You nailed it for me, in terms of what I hear. "There is a Mountain" comes to mind. Not that I don't find it a good tune on its own, quite enjoy it.
Posted 18 years ago by tsw    [ Reply ]
Anyone else hearing a Donovan clone with this?
Posted 18 years ago by Walrus_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Gracias.
Posted 18 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
Love my Belle and Sebastian. Perfect pick-me-up while I'm working late!
Posted 18 years ago by sadierabbit    [ Reply ]
I'm really not trying to be a wet blanket, but are the handclaps annoying anyone else?
Posted 18 years ago by raven121x    [ Reply ]
Turn up them hand claps 'cause I love music!
Posted 18 years ago by Lensles    [ Reply ]
DoofusGeezer wrote:
mindless pap with annoying handclaps to give the impression something is going on - and the boy can't sing hsi way out of a wet paper bag
Upload your album to RP, I'm sure we'd all love to hear it!
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
mindless pap with annoying handclaps to give the impression something is going on - and the boy can't sing hsi way out of a wet paper bag
Posted 18 years ago by DoofusGeezer    [ Reply ]
This one bounces along nicely... not too deep.
Posted 18 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
Kind of fey sounding...
Posted 18 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
camworld wrote:
One of the best B&S songs out there. "Ring The Bells" and "Laid" are also good.
Er, Ring The Bells and Laid are by James. Different kettle of fish altogether from Belle and Sebastian - English, for a start.
Posted 18 years ago by Pazzat    [ Reply ]
jmwspg wrote:
More twee pop.
Listen to the lyrics and get over this off-the shelf 'twee' label. This song covers racism, prison,and masturbation. Check out The Chalet Line for rape, If You're Feeling Sinister for teenage suicides, Lazy Line Painter Jane for teenage prostitution and STDs, or I Could Be Dreaming for domestic violence. For me, one of the pleasures of B&S is they way that they manage to deal with such themes with irony while backing them with catchy as hell tunes and poptastic production.
Posted 18 years ago by Pazzat    [ Reply ]
More twee pop.
Posted 18 years ago by jmwspg    [ Reply ]
pianocomposer wrote:
The only thing that drives me nuts here on RP is that people overrate songs. This is a good, serviceable pop song. Nothing outstanding. From just about any perspective, this song is nothing special. but I'm glad to hear you love it. To each his own.
Totally agree - too many emotional knee-jerk 10 ratings. I also would prefer to add a decimal in there as well. There are times, for example, when I think a song does not deserve a "9" but is much better than an "8". Perhaps an "8.5" would be in order.
Posted 18 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
gabeanderson wrote:
I really love this song! Such a feel-good tune.
The only thing that drives me nuts here on RP is that people overrate songs. This is a good, serviceable pop song. Nothing outstanding. From just about any perspective, this song is nothing special. but I'm glad to hear you love it. To each his own.
Posted 18 years ago by pianocomposer    [ Reply ]
1 word: YEAH
Posted 18 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of the part in Spinal Tap when it flashes back to the band in their heyday as groovy 60's musicians playing 'Listen to the Flower People'.
Posted 18 years ago by MrsAustin    [ Reply ]
Their new album is very good, too.
Posted 18 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
great album!
Posted 18 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
I really love this song! Such a feel-good tune.
Posted 18 years ago by gabeanderson    [ Reply ]
YES!!! This is a quintessential Belle & Sebastian song. Groovin' to this bigtime.">
Posted 18 years ago by tugandbuster    [ Reply ]
One of the best tracks of the album...
Posted 18 years ago by SeldomSeen    [ Reply ]
coding_to_music wrote:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Strap hmmm...
Couldn't help but check out the link - bizarre coincidence? Try this https://www.amiright.com/names/origins/b.shtml Look up B&S on this site, or any other crazy band names for that matter.
Posted 18 years ago by jbo    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
can't be about "erections". They sing "You're laid on the back with the boy from the arab strap"
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
Isn't "Belle and Sebastian" one of the wussiest names for a band ever?
Posted 19 years ago by Cruithne3753    [ Reply ]
camworld wrote:
One of the best B&S songs out there. "Ring The Bells" and "Laid" are also good.
Agreed. I wish more of B&S's songs were better though.
Posted 19 years ago by Johnny_Truant    [ Reply ]
TimeWave wrote:
I think they should change the name to "The Boy with the Mediocre Song". :|
All their crap sounds alike to me. Sorta sing-songy pleasant lightweight but hip nonsense.
Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
I have no regrets about throwing away my two Belle & Sebastian CDs just last week.
Posted 19 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by pvcnote    [ Reply ]
I'm glad to hear this as a single on RP, because I've never really appreciated the song before. I consider The Boy With The Arab Strap a poor follow-up to If You're Feeling Sinister that treads the same musical ground, except that it fails to be catchy. So I haven't really learned to like most of its songs on their own. Hearing it out of context, I like it more.
Posted 19 years ago by Vogelfrei    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
I might buy that, if the song were call "The Boy Who Listened to Arab Strap". As it is, it just has a high creep-out factor.
Erections creep you out?
Posted 19 years ago by SpaceCowboy    [ Reply ]
warderblu wrote:
Or a mix between The Smiths "The Boy With the Thorn in His Side" and The Cure's "Killing an Arab"?
The boy killing the Arab thorn in his side? You mean Dubya? Still a likeable tune.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Ohhhh...weirdweirdweird. I was just looking at this song's info page, just checking out which B&S songs RP has, i clicked on this one to see what the rating was.......and it came on. That kind of creeps me out (as does the def. of Arab strap!)
Posted 19 years ago by jatue    [ Reply ]
Sobient wrote:
lol, wtf? That can't be what Belle & S. are singing about.
Why not? Sounds like it's good for everyone. ;-) This track's been around RP for a long time. Nice to hear every now and then.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
kishi-san wrote:
Maybe you're thinking of the Smiths' "The Boy With the Thorn in His Side" or the Cure's "Boys Don't Cry"?
Or a mix between The Smiths "The Boy With the Thorn in His Side" and The Cure's "Killing an Arab"?
Posted 19 years ago by warderblu    [ Reply ]
beelzebubba wrote:
Isn't "The Boy with the Arab Strap" the name of a Smiths song, too, or was it the Cure, or am I just full of shit?
Maybe you're thinking of the Smiths' "The Boy With the Thorn in His Side" or the Cure's "Boys Don't Cry"?
Posted 19 years ago by kishi-san    [ Reply ]
coding_to_music wrote:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Strap hmmm...
lol, wtf? That can't be what Belle & S. are singing about.
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
The boy with the arab rap :) As always, this is great stuff.
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Strap hmmm...
Posted 19 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
One of the best B&S songs out there. "Ring The Bells" and "Laid" are also good.
Posted 19 years ago by camworld    [ Reply ]
so ...lively and a good text: 10/10.
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
Interesting choice. Of all of B&S material, why this one? It's good and all, but sometimes Radio Paradise confounds me.
Posted 19 years ago by Cambot    [ Reply ]
Isn't "The Boy with the Arab Strap" the name of a Smiths song, too, or was it the Cure, or am I just full of shit?
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
I might buy that, if the song were call "The Boy Who Listened to Arab Strap". As it is, it just has a high creep-out factor. agentorange wrote:
An arab strap is indeed a gentleman's indulgence. something to prevent blood flow away from the most important organ at the most important time. However, I read that this album (and the title track) were an homage to the scottish band of the same name. In fact, when B&S first released the album, as a unique marketing tool, they had the band 'Arab Strap' stand in the shop window of a well known music retailer. I forget where exactly, probably either in scotland or in the HMV in Oxford Street in London. Quite cool though eh? :)
Posted 19 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
What a happy song. Very welcome for a Friday.
Posted 19 years ago by Drummer4soul    [ Reply ]
Heathen wrote:
Ohh.... this is catchy.
Indeed it is! I dare thee to try not to whistle along when the flute solo plays...I for one cannot help it.
Posted 19 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
Come on everybody! Clap your hands!
Posted 19 years ago by sub-arctic    [ Reply ]
Ohh.... this is catchy.
Posted 19 years ago by Heathen    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
A device or a band
Oh my. Thanks for the info.
Posted 19 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
reminds me of Donovan....in a good way. But what is an arab strap?
...Or Ray Davies...
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Guster has a cover of this song from one of their myriad live albums available on iTunes. Very true to the original, and better than the original, IMHO.
Posted 20 years ago by runchadrun    [ Reply ]
that is so bizarre - i just looked up this song two minutes ago and thought about requesting it. rp reads my mind...
Posted 20 years ago by quincy_jones    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
But what is an arab strap?
A device or a band
Posted 20 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
Something about this style makes it incredibly easy to dismiss. I've heard it a few times now. It's not grown on me, however today I like it. Whether I was just in the right mood this time I heard it remains to be seen next time it gets played. I shall listen out for their stuff.
Posted 20 years ago by Hob    [ Reply ]
TimeWave wrote:
I think they should change the name to "The Boy with the Mediocre Song". :|
Blasphemy!!!!!! Get away you Heathen - Belle & Sebastian Rock!!!!!!
Posted 20 years ago by warderblu    [ Reply ]
I think they should change the name to "The Boy with the Mediocre Song". :|
Posted 20 years ago by TimeWave    [ Reply ]
reminds me of Donovan....in a good way. But what is an arab strap?
Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
Ordinarily these mope-o-philes get under my skin but this song has enough bounce to get a thumbs-up.
Posted 20 years ago by drover    [ Reply ]
Really amazing song.
Posted 20 years ago by Jonas_the_Bold    [ Reply ]
Posted 20 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
Holy shit. What the fuck is that? It's the new Belle and Sebastian...
Posted 20 years ago by randomprime    [ Reply ]
More Belle and Sebastian on RP would not be a bad thing. "The Boy with the Arab Strab" really rolls right along in the morning.
Posted 20 years ago by samrex    [ Reply ]
mikedill wrote:
i love many of their studio tracks...including this and just about everything from tigermilk. there live show leaves a lot to be desired though. i think stuart forgot the words 15 times throughout the night when i saw them in chicago a few months ago.
I also heard them do a Sly and the Family Stone song live and they sounded like an average schoolband. Só bad, it was funny at the same time. I assume they were aware of the fact they couldn't come close and made the best out of it in a charming way
Posted 20 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Always nice to hear a bit of B&S in the morning.... good job RP
Posted 20 years ago by Bobfish    [ Reply ]
i love many of their studio tracks...including this and just about everything from tigermilk. there live show leaves a lot to be desired though. i think stuart forgot the words 15 times throughout the night when i saw them in chicago a few months ago.
Posted 20 years ago by mikedill    [ Reply ]
drH wrote:
I don't get it.
Whats to get? Its just fantastic.
Posted 20 years ago by andrewpickford81    [ Reply ]
smooooooooooooth
Posted 20 years ago by coyotexxx2    [ Reply ]
I don't get it.
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
One month later and the song still makes me feel lighter!
Posted 21 years ago by cycleman    [ Reply ]
This is excellent pop...excellent music....period....I've included this song in loads of music mixes for friends....
Posted 21 years ago by cycleman    [ Reply ]
Great song. One of the best from Belle & Sebastian. Definately a 10. I especially like the recorder in the middle. Now please play "Modern Rock Song" next... Cheers Peter
Posted 21 years ago by Corpus_Juris    [ Reply ]
This band should get played a lot more on RP. Their first two albums were unbelievable (as well as singles they've done between albums which feature tracks not released on albums), This is not nearly their best song. Try "The State I'm In" or "Judy and the Dream of Horses."
Posted 21 years ago by MattN    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Antigone: ehm ... I'm almost reluctant to ask, but: what is an arab strap?
An arab strap is indeed a gentleman's indulgence. something to prevent blood flow away from the most important organ at the most important time. However, I read that this album (and the title track) were an homage to the scottish band of the same name. In fact, when B&S first released the album, as a unique marketing tool, they had the band 'Arab Strap' stand in the shop window of a well known music retailer. I forget where exactly, probably either in scotland or in the HMV in Oxford Street in London. Quite cool though eh? :)
Posted 21 years ago by agentorange    [ Reply ]
I'd like to know too. an aside, I recall an article about a band with "arab strap" its name that was was miffed when B&S released this album in 98. I wonder if they're still around.
Originally Posted by Antigone: ehm ... I'm almost reluctant to ask, but: what is an arab strap?
Posted 21 years ago by fjelgar    [ Reply ]