Alpha, their second album, also had a couple of hits ("Don't Cry" and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes") but its follow-up, Astra, was a flop. The group disbanded in 1985, only to reunite in 1990 without John Wetton; John Payne took his place. After churning out a couple of new songs for a greatest-hits collection, the band hit the road, including two sold-out dates in front of 20,000 fans in Moscow. Thereafter, they toured sporadically and released Aqua (1992), Aria (1994), Arena (1996), Aura (2001), and Silent Nation (2004). The band's lineup reverted to its original form featuring Wetton, Palmer, Howe, and Downes for Phoenix (2008) and Omega (2010). In 2012, the original Asia lineup returned with the studio album XXX, featuring the single "Face on the Bridge." The following year, Howe announced his amicable departure from the group to pursue other projects, and in 2014 Asia released the album Gravitas, featuring new guitarist Sam Coulson. In January 2017, a month and a half before the scheduled beginning of an extensive U.S. tour by the band, John Wetton died from colon cancer at the age of 67.
Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
There is another band with the same name:
2) Asia was an excellent hard rock band with a drive for epic, pomp-filled rock tunes. The band was from Rapid City, South Dakota and should not be confused with the famous U.K. one, which sadly outshone them and ended up rendering the U.S. group highly obscure despite the U.S. one's critical support. Going for a loose instrumental energy similar to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, their eventual line-up was made up of Michael English (vocals, bass, percussion), Larry Galbraith (vocals, guitars, mandolin), Mike Coates (guitars, mandolin, mellotron, piano, harpsichord, vocals), and Doug Johnson (percussion). They released two albums: 'Asia' (1979) and 'Armed to the Teeth' (1980).
Never Again
Asia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The planets and the stars, merely grains of sand
The darkness that I knew is no more
The sun will shine for me, of that I can be sure
This is the day, the day of my ascendance
A time for life, a time for independence
Never again will I bear arms against my brother
Never again will I dishonor anyone
Never again will I wish evil on another
Never again will I spill blood of any mother's son
The age of Gemini, a dazzling creation
A new enlightenment, a great illumination
Dark acts of history must never be repeated
I know I must treat you, the way I'd be treated
This is the day, the day of liberation
A time for life, for new regeneration
[Chorus]
I'm climbing now, I'm gaining altitude
And now my hands can feel the grip
My head is spinning with a synergy
The power that takes me up and up
[Chorus]
The song "Never Again" by Asia, is a powerful piece that expresses the realization of inner strength and the quest for peaceful and harmonious living. The opening lyrics "I saw the universe, I held it in my hand" could be interpreted as a metaphor for self-enlightenment, or the awakening of one's consciousness. The singer seems to have overcome dark and troubled experiences and has come out the other side with a newfound clarity and purpose. The use of planetary and celestial imagery such as "the planets and stars, merely grains of sand," further emphasizes this transcendence and the feeling of being connected to something larger than oneself.
The chorus, "Never again will I bear arms against my brother, Never again will I dishonor anyone, Never again will I wish evil on another, Never again will I spill blood of any mother's son," clearly expresses the theme of non-violence, mercy, and compassion. This suggests that the singer has learned the hard way the devastating effects of violence and hatred and now seeks a life of peace and reconciliation. The second verse seems to reflect the idea that history repeats itself, and the world must learn from its past mistakes and work towards a future where all are treated with equal respect and dignity.
In summary, "Never Again" is a song that speaks to the human spirit's resilience, the transformative power of inner enlightenment, and the universal desire for peace and harmony.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw the universe, I held it in my hand
I had the power and control over everything in my world
The planets and the stars, merely grains of sand
All the things that seemed large and important to me are now insignificant
The darkness that I knew is no more
My previous negative experiences are now in the past and no longer affect me
The sun will shine for me, of that I can be sure
I am optimistic and confident about my future
Never again will I bear arms against my brother
I will never again engage in violent conflict with anyone, especially family
Never again will I dishonor anyone
I will never again act disrespectfully towards others
Never again will I wish evil on another
I will never again have negative intentions towards others
Never again will I spill blood of any mother's son
I renounce all violent actions and will not physically harm anyone
The age of Gemini, a dazzling creation
A new era of enlightenment and light
A new enlightenment, a great illumination
A period of growth and learning
Dark acts of history must never be repeated
Lessons from past tragedies must be remembered and applied to prevent their recurrence
I know I must treat you, the way I'd be treated
I will show kindness and respect to others, as I wish to receive the same treatment
This is the day, the day of liberation
The start of a new, free, and independent period
A time for life, for new regeneration
A time for new beginnings and growth
I'm climbing now, I'm gaining altitude
I am making progress and moving forward
And now my hands can feel the grip
I am gaining control over my life
My head is spinning with a synergy
I am energized and enthusiastic about my future
The power that takes me up and up
I am driven and motivated to succeed
Lyrics © JAMES MOODY D/B/A JAMES MOODY MUSIC
Written by: GEOFF DOWNES, K WETTON JOHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andre guitarrone Rone
this asia album go's back to the days of Asia's first two albums great sound nice comeback well done guys.
Plutonius X
Astra was a great album too.
JasonMarshMusic
I actually think this was their best album. A lot of prog rock makes the mistake of being more muscle and brains than heart and guts. Pheonix has a lot of heart and guts.
Mauricio Matias
John Wetton is extremetely underrated... he is one of the best rock'n'roll singers ever!!!
Andre guitarrone Rone
Mauricio Matias good morning my friend you are so right John's voice is unbelievable and that's reason he's the voice of asia and the first 3 albums are good thanks for your comment and have a great day my friend asia forever...
Mauricio Matias
John Wetton's voice is UNEXPLAINABLE!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
רוברט ויינגר
john wetton was a bass player, a vocalist and a great musician, I knew him since the seventies from the days with Uriah heep, king crimson, asia and solo albums and projects, the voice of john wetton is one of a kind, R.I.P
Mitchell May
As Howe said, This is the REAL ASIA! Wetton was rock's best voice, a tenor with rich tone.
Pudji Astuti Purwati
Fantastic melodies and absolutely wonderful music. Thank you for bringing us such Masterpiece. I like ASIA very much and I hear it everyday. RIP Mr Wetton
Kenneth Krych
John like a lot of people had some dark days and there was one incident in particular that fits but better to leave it alone. The important thing is he always bounced back and gave us some of the best music and vocals in the last years. A number of his songs were autobiographical to a degree. Gone to soon but never forgotten. Loved the guy.