Signing to the now-legendary Sarah Records, the group issued its debut single "Around the World in Eighty Days" in August 1989, followed in February by "Noah's Ark". Absent a flexi-disc release, "Next Summer", Brighter wasn't heard from again until late 1991, when they issued the full-length Laurel; the EP Disney followed in October 1992, and was the trio's swan song.
Howard and Sharkey later reunited in the short-lived electro-pop project Hal before going their separate ways; Howard then went on to lead Harper Lee and play bass with the Trembling Blue Stars, while Sharkey co-founded Fosca in addition to pursuing a solo project, Pinkie. Alison, meanwhile, went on to teach media studies at a sixth-form college in Hove.
They broke our hearts from 1989 to 1993 while quietly attaining the "best band on Sarah Records" award.
Christmas
Brighter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stranded alone
As darkness closed my eyes
And no one says goodnight
Shadows on the wall
As lonely as I felt, as you are
I need you as you are
Cold days spent in dusk
It didn't unfrost(?)
Wasting time is sad
Jealousy's a privilege
Shadows on the wall
As lonely as I felt, as you are
I need you as you are
As time runs by
And as they changed
Burning while is time(?)
As you are
I love you as you are
I need you as you are
I love you as you are
The lyrics of Brighter's song "Christmas” seem to convey the feelings of loneliness and the need for someone by your side. The first verse begins with a feeling of being lost and stranded without anyone to accompany the singer. The line "darkness closed my eyes" suggests a state of gloom and despair.
The second verse also provides a similar sentiment, where the singer feels cold and wasting time is sad. The line "Jealousy's a privilege" is quite intriguing and may suggest that the singer has their own desires and dreams but is holding back in the absence of someone special.
The chorus "As lonely as I felt, as you are, I need you as you are" beautifully sums up the theme of the song. It appears as if the singer is yearning for someone's presence, and it doesn't matter how they are, as the singer needs them in their life.
The third verse talks about time running by and that things have changed, but the singer has still held on to their love for the person they need in their life.
Overall, the song appears to be about the need for love and companionship, especially during lonely times.
Line by Line Meaning
It sometimes feels lost
There are moments where I feel directionless and uncertain
Stranded alone
I am left feeling isolated and on my own
As darkness closed my eyes
The darkness surrounds me, making it difficult to see what's ahead
And no one says goodnight
I feel alone and unimportant, as if no one cares enough to say goodnight
Shadows on the wall
The bleak surroundings reflect the darkness in my own heart
As lonely as I felt, as you are
Even though I feel alone, I know that you are as well
I need you as you are
I crave your presence and support, just as you are
Cold days spent in dusk
The days are long and cold, and there seems to be no end in sight
It didn't unfrost(?)
The frost remains, and there doesn't seem to be any hope for warmth or relief
Wasting time is sad
I feel disheartened and lost when I feel like I'm not making progress or using my time wisely
Jealousy's a privilege
Feeling jealous can be a luxury, as it means that I have something or someone to be jealous of
As time runs by
The passage of time seems to be slipping away faster than I can keep up with
And as they changed
As circumstances around me shift and evolve
Burning while is time(?)
I feel like I'm racing against time, trying to accomplish everything before it's too late
As you are
I accept you and love you unconditionally, just as you are
I love you as you are
My love for you is unwavering and doesn't depend on any external factors
I need you as you are
I depend on you and cherish your presence, just as you are
I love you as you are
My love for you transcends any imperfections or flaws you may have
Contributed by Bentley S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.