I Never Play Basketball Now

Album: Swoon (1984)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a track from English pop band, Prefab Sprout's debut album, Swoon.
  • Frontman and songwriter Paddy McAloon recalled to Mojo magazine October 2009, that even though this is not a great title, "it was an evocative image crying out to be written." He added: "I used to mess about playing basketball when I was about 15. I don't know what the 'fencing foils' or 'courting couples' are doing; it's not a matter of them sounding good, nor are there any conscious literary illusions like where (opening track) 'Don't Sing' paraphrases The Power And The Glory by Graham Greene. I come up with things, vocalise things in the air, and put them together."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.