Dark Mavis (Song)

'Dark Mavis' is a song by Mansun which was first released on the bands debut album 'Attack of the Grey Lantern'.

Release information

Attack of the Grey Lantern
26 March 1997 (Japan)
28 April 1997 (UK)

Closed for Business EP
6 October 1997 (UK)
10 December 1997 (Japan)
as: Dark Mavis (acoustic)

Mansun: The Demo Tapes
Bootleg release / May 1999
as: Dark Mavis (Near Final)

Song Credits

Paul Draper - Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Synthesizer
Dominic Chad - Lead Guitar
Stove - Bass
Andie Rathbone - Drums
Strings arranged by Stefan Girardet
Mixed by Clif Norrell
Recorded by Mike Hunter, Ian Caple and Ronnie Stone
Produced by Paul Draper
Written by Paul Draper and published by Universal Publishing Ltd.

Liner Notes:

"The worst bit of lyric writing of my career appeared in this song in the middle eight, but it was left over from an old school song I had, so I'll excuse myself. I would like to add I've never used any lyrics about flying through the sky since! We had a big choral ensemble of Liverpool's finest rogues to sing the ending of the album, and we all gathered at Parr Street Studios to perform the outro of this one together. Probably one of the best days in the studio we ever had! There is a subliminal message towards the very end of the singing with a chant about Duncan Ferguson. Listen!"

Paul Draper, Attack of the Grey Lantern 3CD Collectors Edition

Alternate Versions

An acoustic version of 'Dark Mavis' was released on Seven EP in October 1997, this was recorded at The Grey House, produced by Paul Draper, engineered by Mike Hunter and mixed by Mark 'Spike' Stent.

A 'near final' mix of the song was released on the 'Demo Tapes Volume One' bootleg; this version has alternative mixing and an alternative outro. This was taken from a cassette tape given to fan Siobhan Bennetts who then contributed it to the 'Demo Tapes' project.

Engineer Ronnie Stone released clips from two alternative versions of 'Dark Mavis' to promote his appearance at the Mansun Convention in August 2014. Lines 'Mavis what will he wear' and 'Kiss his vase' are changed to 'what the fuck will he wear' and 'kiss my arse'. Both clips can be heard here: [1]

Cover Versions

The song was covered by Mulford Drive for 'We're All In This Together: The Songs of Mansun'.

Lyrics

Wait around
I'll be walking quite a while
Don't be late, hard to take
Vicar twists and gets away

His lipstick's running
His dress is stunning
He's got high heels on
And his flock don't care now
Mavis, what he will wear?

In the path of righteous man
There is rubble where I stand
I'll be the one
You can kiss his vase
Until the end of the month

Vicar stay, 'cause your lipstick
Smeared away from your face
Vicar twist
Gray pajamas in your case

His tights are nylon
His nails by Revlon
He's got high heels on
And his flock don't care now
Mavis, what he will wear?

In the path of righteous man
There is rubble where I stand
I'll be the one
You can kiss his vase
Until the end of the month

And if you should see me passing by
Do not disturb me as I fly
Though I am walking here
This is where I'll be

In the path of righteous man
There is rubble where I stand
I'll be the one
You can kiss his vase
Until the end of the month

In the path of righteous man
There is rubble where I stand
I'll be the one
You can kiss his vase
Until the end of the month
Until the end of the month
Until the end of the month
Oh yeah, yeah
Na na na na na na na, oh