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)
Polished Stone
Blur Lyrics
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I can't get up, well never mind
I know you'll pull me up by my bones
And say I'm sand to polished stone
Today's gone and it won't be long
Before we fall asleep and forget what we've done
We won't get up 'cause today is fun
We're alone
Now you bite my tongue
And when the alcohol's gone
I won't feel a thing
So you can't carry on
Today's gone and it won't be long
Before we fall asleep and forget what we've done
We won't get up 'cause today is fun
We're alone
It's numb
It's numb
It's numb
The song "Polished Stone" by Blur has a sense of melancholy infused into its melody that accentuates the painful and poignant nature of the lyrics. The song is about feeling low and not being able to get back up on one's feet. The singer laments that he has fallen to the ground and can't get up, but he knows that someone he cares about will always be there to pick him up again. The metaphorical reference to being sand to polished stone highlights how the person he is singing about has helped him to become a stronger and better version of himself. The lyrics reflect the idea that life can be difficult at times, and we all need someone to help us in moments of vulnerability.
As the song progresses, the singer talks about not being able to feel anything after the alcohol is gone, and the pain that comes with it. He hints at the idea that maybe he's been numbing himself and that everything is beginning to feel dull. He cheekily suggests you can't carry on, where "you" could mean the person he loves or the emotional struggles that he is fighting.
Line by Line Meaning
Now I fall to the ground
I have hit rock bottom
I can't get up, well never mind
I don't have the strength to get up
I know you'll pull me up by my bones
I have hope that you will help me
And say I'm sand to polished stone
You will transform me from something weak to something strong
Today's gone and it won't be long
The day is over and time is fleeting
Before we fall asleep and forget what we've done
We will soon forget what we accomplished today
We won't get up 'cause today is fun
We are enjoying this moment and don't want it to end
We're alone
We are in this moment together, just the two of us
Now you bite my tongue
You are hurting me
And when the alcohol's gone
When we sober up
I won't feel a thing
I will be numb and not be able to feel the pain
So you can't carry on
You won't be able to continue hurting me
It's numb
I have lost all feeling
It's numb
I have lost all feeling
It's numb
I have lost all feeling
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN ALEXANDER JAMES, DAVID ROWNTREE, DAMON ALBARN, GRAHAM COXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind