The band was initiated as a side project by Hughes and Bonamassa following a performance together in Los Angeles in November 2009, who on the advice of Shirley recruited Bonham and Sherinian later in the year. The name Black Country Communion is derived from the term Black Country, referring to the West Midlands area of England where Hughes and Bonham were brought up. The group's sound is intentionally reminiscent of popular classic rock groups of the 1970s, reflecting the previous work of frontman Hughes as well as the link between Bonham and his father John's band Led Zeppelin.
After disbanding Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham formed California Breed and Derek Sherinian joined Joe Bonamassa's touring band.
Their reunion album from 2017 is entitled BCC IV. It’s the first album to be released since the band’s breakup in 2013. Recorded in Malibu, California, with producer Kevin Shirley, released on September 22, 2017.
BCC IV expanded the combination of blues rock (Bonamassa’s solo work) and hard rock (Hughes’ previous work with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and Bonham’s link with Led Zeppelin) that took place on the first three albums. It’s a high quality hard rock album that brings a great feeling that classic rock is alive and in good hands.
Recorded in only seven days, the band was careful enough not to repeat the previous albums. BCC IV sounds bolder with heavy riffs, undeniable hooks, melodic flair and infectious choruses. Kevin Shirley’s importance is huge by guiding the band into the right directions for the album’s best interest, and the result is spectacular.
Midnight Sun
Black Country Communion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My quest is callin' me
I'm made, I break
Sting like a honey bee
Velvet, princely
Too late to disagree
Gauntlet, you flee
God speed your symphony
Knife edge, restless
Inside do test my nerve
High ledge, timeless
Slowly yet I serve
I sleep in the midnight sun
In shade I rest
With my saffron
I weep in the midnight sun
This last parade
I face the dawn
Out here in the midnight sun
I'm miles away
And I am gone
And I taste the cinnamon
On my way to Avalon
Refused, no sin
Outside the devil lurks
Confused, tailspin
We ride, we make it work
I sleep in the midnight sun
In shade I rest
With my saffron
I weep in the midnight sun
This last parade
I face the dawn
Out here in the midnight sun
I'm miles away
And I am gone
And I taste the cinnamon
On my way to Avalon
I sleep in the midnight sun
In shade I rest
With my saffron
I weep in the midnight sun
This last parade
I face the dawn
Out here in the midnight sun
I'm miles away
And I am gone
And I taste the cinnamon
On my way to Avalon
I'm on my way, I'm on my way
The lyrics of Black Country Communion's "Midnight Sun" seem to paint a picture of a mystical journey or quest. The metaphors of cascades and earthquakes, velvet and princely, along with the honey bee and gauntlet, all give the sense of a grand adventure. There is a feeling of restlessness, with the knife edge that tests the nerves, and the high ledge that is slowly served.
The chorus takes on a more melancholic tone, with the singer finding respite in the midnight sun and in shade, with saffron by his side. The repetition of "I sleep/I weep in the midnight sun" adds to the feeling of solitude and longing. The mention of cinnamon and Avalon adds to the mystical, almost surreal atmosphere of the song.
Overall, the lyrics of "Midnight Sun" may be open to interpretation, but it is clear that they create a sense of adventure, restlessness, and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Cascade, earthquake
A great disturbance or upheaval, like an earthquake, is beginning or underway
My quest is callin' me
I am being called forward by some drive or ambition that I must fulfill or satisfy
I'm made, I break
I am strong and resilient, but also vulnerable and prone to breaking
Sting like a honey bee
Despite being soft at times, I am also capable of inflicting pain and harm like a bee's sting
Velvet, princely
I am elegant, sophisticated and regal
Too late to disagree
It is now too late for anyone to object or stand in my way
Gauntlet, you flee
I am a challenge or test that others fear and avoid
God speed your symphony
May your art or creation be successful and inspire others
Knife edge, restless
I am constantly teetering on the edge of danger or uncertainty, making me anxious and tense
Inside do test my nerve
I am constantly testing and pushing myself to be stronger and more resilient
High ledge, timeless
I exist in a place of height and importance that transcends time and space
Slowly yet I serve
I am patient and deliberate in my actions, but always working towards some greater purpose or goal
I sleep in the midnight sun
I am at peace and content even in the midst of strange or unusual circumstances
In shade I rest
Even in moments of darkness or difficulty, I find moments of rest and comfort
With my saffron
I possess something that adds value or flavor to my life
I weep in the midnight sun
I find beauty and sadness in my surroundings, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by my feelings
This last parade
This moment or experience is the end of something important or significant
I face the dawn
I am prepared to face whatever challenges or opportunities the new day brings
Out here in the midnight sun
I am in a strange or unfamiliar place or situation
I'm miles away
I am physically or emotionally distant from those around me
And I am gone
I am leaving, departing or disappearing
And I taste the cinnamon
I am experiencing something enjoyable or satisfying
On my way to Avalon
I am on my way to a place of myth, legend or personal significance
Refused, no sin
I am not guilty of any wrongdoing or sin, nor am I subject to anyone's authority or control
Outside the devil lurks
Danger or evil is present in the world around me
Confused, tailspin
I am feeling disoriented, uncertain or overwhelmed
We ride, we make it work
Despite challenges or obstacles, we continue onward and overcome them
I'm on my way, I'm on my way
I am moving forward, making progress or approaching some goal
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GLENN WILLIAM HUGHES, JOE BONAMASSA, JASON BONHAM, DEREK SHERINIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind