It was released on 13 November 1990 on 4AD/Reprise Records in the United States and 21 November 1990 on 4AD/Nippon Columbia in Japan; the album received a limited-edition release in the United Kingdom on 3 December 1990.
In support of the album, Lush toured in both the US and Japan.
Upon its release, Gala failed to chart, but the album was well received by critics in both the UK and the US. “De-Luxe”, which was released as a promotional single in the US, did receive considerable radio airplay and placed in the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Sweetness and Light
Lush Lyrics
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See my self (I've been uptight)
See my life (I've been so tired)
See my sight (I could disappear)
See with you memories fading fast
And with you it's never going to last
You are the sweetness in my eyes
You are an apple in disguise
See with you
I never seemed to look the other way
Only to stay, only to breathe
Only to see
That space and light is what I really need
I never wanted to tell lies
You are the sweetness in my eyes
You are the juice I need for life
You are the sweetness in my eyes
In Lush's song Sweetness and Light, the lyrics express a sense of weariness and tension, with the repeated phrase "see my life, see my self" highlighting a feeling of being watched or judged. The singer admits to feeling tired and uptight, and the image of disappearing suggests a desire to escape from this pressure. However, in contrast to this negative self-image, the chorus introduces a person who is described as the "sweetness in my eyes" and "an apple in disguise."
The verses continue with the theme of memory and impermanence, as the singer suggests that memories are fading fast "with you" and that "it's never going to last." However, the chorus provides a positive counterpoint to this, suggesting that the person described earlier is a source of stability and vitality in the singer's life. The line "you are the juice I need for life" is particularly vivid, highlighting the idea that this person is essential for the singer's well-being.
Overall, the song seems to be about the tension between negative emotions and the desire for connection and positivity. The repeated chorus of "you are the sweetness in my eyes" provides a powerful contrast to the weariness and negativity of the verses, suggesting that even in difficult times, there are people and things that can bring light and sweetness into our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
See my life (I've been so tired)
I have been exhausted and devoid of energy, as if life has drained me away.
See my self (I've been uptight)
I have been anxious, nervous and stressed, as if I've been wound too tight.
See my life (I've been so tired)
I have been exhausted and devoid of energy, as if life has drained me away.
See my sight (I could disappear)
I feel like I'm fading away, becoming invisible and unimportant.
See with you memories fading fast
When I'm with you, my old memories seem to be disappearing quickly.
And with you it's never going to last
But even with you, I know that this feeling is only temporary, and it won't last forever.
You are the sweetness in my eyes
You are like a source of joy and happiness in my life.
You are an apple in disguise
You are like a hidden treasure, something precious that I've only just discovered.
See with you
When I'm with you,
I never seemed to look the other way
I never turn my attention away from you, because you're all I want to see.
Only to stay, only to breathe
All I want is to be close to you, to feel your presence and be alive.
Only to see
And to experience the beauty and brilliance of life with you beside me.
That space and light is what I really need
I realize that what I need most in life is freedom, openness, and illumination.
I never wanted to tell lies
I never want to deceive you or hide the truth from you.
You are the juice I need for life
You are like the vital energy that sustains me and gives me purpose in life.
You are the sweetness in my eyes
You are like a source of joy and happiness in my life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: EMMA VICTORIA JANE ANDERSON, Emma Anderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind