XTC Wiki

"Love at First Sight" is a song written by Colin Moulding. It appeared on the 1980 album Black Sea. It was released January 23, 1981 as a Canada-only single, wherein the song was edited to be quicker.

A live version appeared on BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert, later on the 1998 Transistor Blast box set.

Single tracklisting[]

  1. A-side: "Love at First Sight"
  2. B-side: "Beatown (live)" (Andy Partridge)

Quotes[]

Colin (on the single edit): “This was only released in North America, and they thought it was a bit sluggish.” Dave: “So rather than do a proper edit, they simply cranked up the speed.” Andy: “Ludicrous. Real Mickey Mouse territory, like it was done on helium.”

Andy (on the live version): “It's a very relaxed sounding Colin who ambles through ‘Love At First Sight’ kicked forward by Terry's electronic gulping snare. It was worth playing my shunting solo in this just to gaze over at ‘Gregsy’ grinning at the possibility of my tripping myself up with own guitar lead during dervish dance.”

Lyrics[]

See the lovers all gone crazy

looking for romance it seems

many sleepless nights will follow

some may lose but some succeed


Love at first sight

what they want is...

love at first sight


Make a play of lust intention

only just one thing in mind

make a slip could be forever

wedding bells, the shotgun kind


Love at first sight

what they want is...

love at first sight


Mouse takes the bait

so soon as he leaves his seat

there's no escape, very soon their eyes will meet


Love at first sight

what they want is...

love at first sight


Take your partner to surrender

then your misdemeanour's done

sacrifice of maidenhood

but little boys must have their fun

Love at first sight

what they want is...

love at first sight