Their albums have been released through Peter Gabriel's Real World Records and they are also reportedly the best-selling band on the label, only exceeded in sales by Gabriel himself. Their striking live performances have often become the highlights of the WOMAD concert festivals. They signed a contract with Real World obliged to release five albums, of which the 2005 release Anatomic is the last. At this writing it is unclear what path the band will take in the future.
In 2003, they changed their name to the simpler Afrocelts; however, two of their latest albums, Pod, a compilation of new mixes of songs from the first four albums, and their fifth studio album Anatomic uses the long and familiar form. This decision is apparently informed by the fact that they are well-known as Afro Celt Sound System.
Release
Afro Celt Sound System Lyrics
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Because of the loss of me
I'm sitting amongst yourselves
Don't think you can't see me
Don't argue amongst yourselves
Because of the loss of me
I haven't gone anywhere
But out of my body
Reach out and you'll touch me
Make effort to speak to me
Call out and you'll hear me
Be happy for me
Don't argue amongst yourselves
Because of the loss of me
I haven't gone anywhere
But out of my body
Reach out and you'll touch me
Make effort to speak to me
Call out and you'll hear me
Be happy for me
Reach out and you'll touch me
Make effort to speak to me
Call out and you'll hear me
Be happy for me
The lyrics to Afro Celt Sound System's song "Release" are about death and the afterlife. The song offers a message of reassurance to those left behind when someone passes away. The singer is telling their loved ones not to be upset or argue amongst themselves because of their loss. Rather, the singer reminds them that death is not the end, but merely a transition. The singer is still with them in spirit, and they can reach out, speak to and hear from the singer if they make the effort to do so. The message is one of hope and comfort.
The repetitive nature of the lyrics reinforces the idea that the singer's presence is constant and always available to those who believe. The song is written in a way that it could apply to any belief system that imagines an afterlife - those who believe in heaven or reincarnation, for example. The song emphasizes the need for those left behind to focus on their own happiness, honor the memory of the departed, and celebrate their life. The song is a powerful and uplifting reminder that death is not an end but rather the beginning of a new journey, and that the love and connection shared between people transcends the physical plane.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't argue amongst yourselves
Don’t quarrel and fight over me
Because of the loss of me
Just because I am not with you
I'm sitting amongst yourselves
I am still present and with you
Don't think you can't see me
Don't assume that I am gone
Because of the loss of me
Just because I am not with you
I haven't gone anywhere
I am still present and with you
But out of my body
But my physical body is not here
Reach out and you'll touch me
Make an effort and you can still feel my presence
Make effort to speak to me
Try to communicate with me, as I am still here
Call out and you'll hear me
If you call out to me, I will hear you
Be happy for me
Do not grieve for me, rejoice that I am still with you in spirit
Reach out and you'll touch me
Make an effort and you can still feel my presence
Make effort to speak to me
Try to communicate with me, as I am still here
Call out and you'll hear me
If you call out to me, I will hear you
Be happy for me
Do not grieve for me, rejoice that I am still with you in spirit
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Integrity Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SIMON EMMERSON, JAMES MCNALLY, IARLA O'LIONAIRD, MARTIN RUSSELL, SINEAD O'CONNOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind