Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Mirrorball
Blur Lyrics
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I was under sea, then I forget
I did nothing
Ocean park, where the sea goes crying
I remember flying reckless
I was there
Oh, boat stream
Hold close to me
I'll be back, when December comes
All the barriers of green fall down
Where is everything
Oh, mirrorball, you're spinning out to sea
Think I found you in the temple square
Under a wretched dream
So cry your eyes out
Oh, close to me
Hold close to me!
So cry my eyes out
Oh, close to me
Hold close to me!
Hold close to me!
Hold close to me!
The lyrics of Blur's "Mirrorball" are imbued with a sense of nostalgia and loss. The singer seems to recount memories of a past trip or experience, which has left a lasting impression on them. The opening line, "Mirrorball on a Jordan train," could be interpreted as an allusion to the dazzling and fleeting nature of life, much like a mirrorball at a party. The next line shows the singer feeling lost and overwhelmed in this experience, perhaps hinting at a mental struggle. The third line, "I did nothing," could be their retrospective self-criticism, where they regret not having done more in that moment.
The middle section of the song talks about Ocean Park and how the sea goes crying there. This could be a metaphorical representation of the overwhelming emotions the singer was feeling on this trip. They reminisce about flying recklessly, evoking a sense of freedom and abandon which may have been the highlight of the experience for them. As the section draws to a close, they call out to a companion to hold close to them, perhaps finding solace in the comfort of others, amidst the tumultuous waves of emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Mirrorball on a Jordan train
I saw my reflection on a disco ball while on a train in Jordan
I was under sea, then I forget
I was drowning in overwhelming emotions, but then I blocked it out
I did nothing
I didn't take any action to change my situation
Ocean park, where the sea goes crying
A place by the ocean where I hear the sound of waves crashing
I remember flying reckless
I recall acting impulsively without consideration of the consequences
I was there
I was present in that moment
So before you log out
Before you leave or disconnect from me
Oh, boat stream
The flowing water symbolizing the passage of time
Hold close to me
Stay near me for comfort and safety
I'll be back, when December comes
I'll return when the year is nearing its end
All the barriers of green fall down
The physical and mental obstacles that have held me back begin to disappear
Where is everything
I'm searching for my purpose and meaning in life
Oh, mirrorball, you're spinning out to sea
The glittering disco ball is reflecting its light towards the ocean
Think I found you in the temple square
I believe I encountered you in a sacred and peaceful place
Under a wretched dream
Beneath a terrible nightmare
So cry your eyes out
Express your emotions and release your tears
Oh, close to me
Stay by my side
Hold close to me!
I need you to hold onto me
So cry my eyes out
I'll let myself break down and cry
Oh, close to me
I need someone to comfort me
Hold close to me!
Please don't let go of me
Hold close to me!
I need your physical and emotional support
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Damon Albarn, David Rowntree, Graham Coxon, Steven Alexander James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind