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)
The Debt Collector
Blur Lyrics
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1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, 4 Mississippi....
The opening lines of Blur's song "The Debt Collector" serve as a clever device to count the seconds until the song starts. However, one could interpret the use of this device in a more meaningful way - as a metaphor for the monotonous ticking away of time in one's life. The song then launches into a portrayal of a ruthless and heartless debt collector who proudly flaunts his power over those who owe him money. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who relishes in his ability to bring people to their knees, demonstrating a lack of empathy and a desire for control.
The chorus highlights the debt collector's love for his job and the satisfaction he derives from it. He sees his victims as nothing more than objects, to be used for his own gain. The final lines of the song, "you go around, you come around," suggest that he may eventually get what he deserves, and that his actions will have consequences. Overall, "The Debt Collector" offers a reflection on the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of power, cruelty, and karma.
Line by Line Meaning
1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, 4 Mississippi....
The song begins with a countdown that is often associated with delayed payment and the anticipation of a debt collector's arrival.
Since you went away
The absence of someone important has made time stretch out and feel unbearable for the singer.
1 year has felt like 10
The pain of missing their loved one has made the passing of time feel excruciatingly slow.
I wrote a letter to the taxman
The artist is trying to negotiate with the government in order to pay off their debt, perhaps implying that the debt is related to their missing loved one.
Said 'let me begin'
The artist acknowledges that they have begun a long and difficult process of debt repayment.
I've been waiting, waiting for the collector
The singer has been anticipating the arrival of the debt collector and the possibility of resolving their debt.
To take a picture, so I can follow her
The singer is willing to do whatever it takes to repay their debt, even if it means following the collector to learn more about their process.
I've been living like a hobo since you went away
The artist's sadness and burden of debt have affected their quality of life and made them feel like they are living on the streets.
Walking downtown
The artist is in a difficult situation and feels that they have no choice but to confront their debt head-on.
People, they all stop to stare
The artist is acutely aware of the judgement and scrutiny they face due to their financial struggles.
Ain't got no money
The singer is struggling financially and is unable to pay their debt.
I don't even have a bed to spare
The artist's hardships have left them with nothing, and they are unable to help others because they are barely surviving themselves.
I've been waiting, waiting for the collector
The singer is still desperate for a resolution to their debt.
Since you went away
The singer's debt and their loved one's absence are deeply intertwined and continue to cause them pain.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Albarn, Damon / Coxon, Graham / James, Steven Alexander / Rowntree, David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Super Fit Dad
I want this played at my funeral. After everyone has sat down, I want my coffin wheeled into the front of the church to this.
Phil_Insane
Super Fit Dad ME TOO!!
Dizzy Lizzy
And why not?
Lagum Lemoni
This except the coffin is on a rotating platform
Jimmy The Clown
I wish Blur were still together, they should be doing movie and tv show scores
This Is My Name
Blur is over 24 years old at this point. Their time has passed. The Magic Whip was a perfect final album.
Stuff With Soph
I'm glad they haven't over stayed their welcome. Their discography is one of the most consistent ones I have ever seen. My least favorite album of theirs is a 8.5/10. It would break my heart if they forced themselves to make music that wasn't as good as their previous works like loads of other bands.
J C
They're back baby!
Phil_Insane
😆
Liz Real Girl Beauty
My absolute favorite song by Blur. Followed by "Bank Holiday," but this really tops it. My son is getting into it too, which I love!