Lyrics
Zandra
Come on, come on
Pack it in
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Zandra, Zandra
Give it up Zandra
Give it up Zandra
Everybody you love is covered in loot 1
Zandra, Zandra
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Zandra, Zandra
The world is not an old nick 2
It is not your oyster 3
You cannot collate it
So give up that dope shit 4
Zandra, Zandra
Give it up, Zandra
Give it up, Zandra
Come on, come on, come on
Pack it in
Just come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Hello Zandra from the planet Redundra 5
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
Come on, come on, come on
Just pack it in
I'm stretched out
I'm talked out
Zandra
Commentary
Although it has been subsequently included on compilations and the 2007 2 x CD reissue of The Fall’s album Extricate (originally released 1990), “Zandra” was originally only available on the limited edition versions of the Popcorn Double Feature single (1990) and the US 12″ promo Extricate album sampler. It is credited to Smith/Beddington (i.e. Martin Bramah).
There are no known live performances of “Zandra”.
“Zandra” is one of only seven songs performed or recorded by The Fall that are titled after (or include) female names:
- “Edie” (rough mix, c1985 – eventually released by The Adult Net)
- “Hilary” (also 1990)
- “Janet, Johnny + James” (2003)
- “Jeanie” (cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie”, 2017)
- “Rose” (1991)
- “Victoria” (cover of The Kinks, 1988)
Zandra, the name
“Zandra” is an unusual name. Notable Zandras include the fashion designer Zandra Rhodes [Wikipedia].
On the doomby.com edition of The Annotated Fall, user @harleyr posted the following on 24/11/2016:
An old pal of mine, Guy, and some friends of his found themselves being welcomed into Smith’s house sometime in 1989 or 1990. One of said friends was called Zandra. The single came out not long after. Not saying the song is about her, but the visit may have given Smith the title for the song.
@harleyr, The Annotated Fall: Zandra (2016), post #3.
In a subsequent post (#6, 21/12/2016) harleyr clarified that he didn’t know this Zandra himself personally, and would try and find out more. But there was no follow-up.
According to ancestry.com:
The name Zandra, originating from Greek, is derived from the name Alexandra. It serves as a diminutive form of Alexandra, which means defender of mankind in Greek. In ancient Greek culture, Alexandra was a highly regarded name associated with bravery and strength. Over time, this name has evolved into various diminutive forms, including Zandra.
The name Zandra has a rich history that can be traced back to Greek mythology. During the Hellenistic period, it was not uncommon for individuals to adopt diminutive versions of their given names. These diminutive forms were often used as endearments or to signify familiarity. The name Zandra appeared in history as a variant of Alexandra, used to refer to individuals with smaller, more approachable demeanors.
In modern-day usage, the name Zandra continues to carry the essence of its original meaning, which is defender of mankind. It is often chosen as a given name for girls, symbolizing their strength and protective nature. While less common than its original form Alexandra, the name Zandra is still used in various parts of the world and has gained popularity particularly in English-speaking countries. Its short and distinctive nature adds a touch of uniqueness to one’s identity while maintaining the historical connection to the brave and powerful original name, Alexandra.
ancestry.com: Zandra: meaning and origin of first name
Footnotes
- “Loot” is items of value that have been plundered, often from an enemy or conquered people (e.g. the spoils of war), or objects stolen during a robbery. It can also just mean money. ↩︎
- “Old Nick” is a nickname for Satan (see also “2 x 4”), who could be the reference here. But I have not capitalised the phrase because the line is “The world is not an old nick”, and it is not clear that the character of “Old Nick” is intended. It could be “nick” as in prison or gaol. ↩︎
- To say to someone, “the world is your oyster” is to tell that person that they have the ability or resources to go anywhere and/or do whatever they wish. The lyric here is saying the opposite. While also, arguably, saying in the previous line (see footnote #2) that the world is not a prison.
The metaphor is now idiomatic in English, but first appeared in Act II of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602). However, Shakespeare’s original line, spoken to Sir John Falstaff by his dodgy former associate Pistol is: “the world’s mine oyster”. The meaning of the line in context is different to what it became.
Act 2, scene 2
Enter Sir John Falstaff and Pistol
Falstaff: I will not lend thee a penny.
Pistol: Why then the world’s mine oyster, which I with sword will open.
Falstaff: Not a penny.
Pistol’s line is a threat – he is saying he feels entitled to take what he wants by force.
As is often the case, what MES intends is unclear. ↩︎ - “Dope shit” must presumably refer negatively to a drug – usually cannabis in British colloquial usage, but apparently often referring to heroin among other things in the US. Whatever it is, it is evident this Zandra is being urged to give up and pack in. ↩︎
- Sounds quite science fiction, but maybe the “planet Redundra” is the state of being unemployed? Or it is meant to indicate that Zandra is personally redundant, in the sense of being useless or superfluous? ↩︎
Sources / Links
- Ancestry.com. Zandra: Meaning and Origin of First Name
- The Annotated Fall: “Zandra” [Archived]
- Discogs: The Fall, Extricate, reissue. Fontana/Universal, 9847463 (2007)
- The Fall Online – Discography: Extricate (album)
- The Fall Online – Discography: “Popcorn Double Feature” (single)
- The Folger Shakespeare Library: “The Merry Wives of Windsor”, Act II, Scene ii
- Mackay, Tommy (2018). 40 Odd Years of The Fall. Place of publication unknown: Greg Moodie.
- The Track Record: “Zandra”
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