In 1984 he formed the band Soundgarden with bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Throughout the late 1980s and 90s, Soundgarden experienced major success as one of the major grunge bands (along with groups such as Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam).
In 1990, Chris Cornell worked together with the (then) Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, and Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Mike McCready (who would later form Pearl Jam) in a project named Temple of the Dog. They wrote a 10 song album as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the singer of Mother Love Bone who had died the year before of a heroin overdose.
In 1997 Soundgarden split at the zenith of their popularity due to tensions in the group and Chris began a solo career. He released the sucessful album Euphoria Morning. Out of this album came the single Can't Change Me.
When Zack De La Rocha left Rage Against The Machine in 2001, Chris Cornell joined the instrumentalists of Rage Against the Machine to form the band Audioslave.
In 2006 Chris recorded a theme song for the James Bond 007 movie, "Casino Royale", titled You Know My Name, which is used as the opening song.
In the fall of 2006, Cornell started recording his second solo album Carry On, with producer Steve Lillywhite. Among some fellow artists who are expected to accompany him on his second solo release is friend and legendary musician Gary Lucas, who has contributed acoustic guitar to some of the tracks. Cornell has stated that he is always writing, and that there are some songs that he was not able to put into an Audioslave album. Carry On was released in the summer of 2007.
On February 15, 2007, Chris Cornell issued a statement that he was leaving Audioslave, shortly after Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk reunited with their former vocalist Zack de la Rocha to reform Rage Against the Machine.
Chris Cornell released his third solo album, Scream, with American rapper and record producer Timbaland on February 3rd, 2009. This album was a critical failure, and sold poorly. It is rumored that he is going to try and "De-Timbalandize" the tracks.
On January 1st, 2010, Chris Cornell announced the reunion of Soundgarden after a 12 year hiatus.
Chris Cornell was extremely revered among the music listeners for his powerful multi-octave singing and gritty, soulful vocal style. He was a baritone with an ability to sing extremely high in the tenor range, as well as in the lower register of a baritone voice. He showcased this in various songs, most notably the studio and the demo versions of "Beyond the Wheel", where he can be heard spanning three octaves. He has also experimented with various different vocal styles, ranging from light falsetto to brutal screams and chants.
On May 17, 2017, Cornell died in Detroit after performing at a show with Soundgarden. He committed suicide by hanging himself in his hotel room. Footage of his final concert was posted to YouTube.
Preaching The End Of The World
Chris Cornell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And who's feeling the same way as me
I'm twenty-four and I've got everything to live for
But I know now that it wasn't meant to be
'Cause all has been lost and all has been won
And there's nothing left for us to save
But now I know that I don't want to be alone today
So if you find that you've been feeling just the same
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
I've got a photograph I'll send it off today
And you will see that I am perfectly sane
Not for a lifetime or forever and a day
'Cause we know now that just won't be the case
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
There will be no commitment and no confessions
And no little secrets to keep
No little children or houses with roses
Just the End of the world and me
'Cause all has been gone and all has been done
And there's nothing left for us to say
But we could be together as they blow it all away
And we can share in every moment as it breaks
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
Chris Cornell's "Preaching the End of the World" speaks of an imminent apocalypse and the need for human connection in a time of crisis, as it talks about reaching out to a stranger for companionship in the face of an impending disaster. Cornell centers the verses on the themes of loss, desperation, and fear of loneliness, conveying a sense of urgency through the lyrics. He acknowledges the futility of trying to save anything or anyone, and instead invites the listener to connect with him at the end of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, I know there's someone out there who can understand
The singer is hoping to find someone who can empathize with his feelings and situation.
And who's feeling the same way as me
He is looking for someone who has similar emotions and thoughts.
I'm twenty-four and I've got everything to live for
The singer is still young and has many opportunities ahead of him.
But I know now that it wasn't meant to be
Despite his youth and potential, he has come to the realization that his life will not turn out the way he hoped.
'Cause all has been lost and all has been won
Everything that could have been gained or lost has already come to pass, making the future seem futile or pointless.
And there's nothing left for us to save
There is nothing to hold onto or preserve.
But now I know that I don't want to be alone today
Despite his pessimism, he still desires companionship.
If you find that you've been feeling just the same
He is hoping to make a connection with someone who shares his feelings.
I've got a photograph I'll send it off today
He plans to share a piece of himself with the person he hopes to connect with.
And you will see that I am perfectly sane
He hopes to assure the person that he is mentally stable and trustworthy.
Not for a lifetime or forever and a day
He doesn't expect or desire a long-term commitment or relationship.
'Cause we know now that just won't be the case
He recognizes the futility of such a commitment given the end of the world scenario.
There will be no commitment and no confessions
He reiterates that there can be no expectations or promises in such a dire situation.
And no little secrets to keep
He wants to be completely transparent and honest in this brief connection.
No little children or houses with roses
He acknowledges that there can be no future or traditional ideas of happiness.
Just the End of the world and me
The only certainty is the apocalypse and the temporary connection he can make with another person.
But we could be together as they blow it all away
Despite the apocalypse, two individuals can still find solace in each other's company.
And we can share in every moment as it breaks
This connection can give meaning to the fleeting moments before the end.
Call me now it's alright
He reassures the person that he is willing and available to connect.
You need a friend in the world
He acknowledges the universal need for human connection, especially during times of despair.
'Cause you can't hide
He acknowledges that despite one's attempts to hide from the apocalypse, it is inevitable.
If your intentions are pure
He wants to connect with someone who has genuine intentions and is not seeking to take advantage of the situation.
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
The main chorus reiterates his desire for connection and his willingness to be there for someone else in a time of crisis.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRIS CORNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sonja Benjamin
Hello, I know there's someone out there
Who can understand, and who's feeling the same way as me
I'm 24, and I've got everything to live for
But I know now, that it wasn't meant to be
[Pre-Chorus 1]
'Cause all has been lost and
All has been won
And there's nothing left for us to save
But now I know that I don't want to be alone today
So if you're finding, that you're feeling just the same
[Chorus]
So, call me now, it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You'll need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
[Verse 2]
I've got a photograph I send it off today
You will see that I am perfectly sane
Not for a lifetime or "forever and a day"
Because we know now, that just won't be the case
[Chorus]
So, call me now, it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You'll need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
[Bridge]
With no commitment
And no confessions
And no little secrets to keep
No little children or
Houses with roses
It's just the end of the world and me
[Pre-Chorus 2]
'Cause all has been gone
And all has been done
And there's nothing left for us to say
But we could be together as they blow it all away
And we could share in every moment as it breaks
[Chorus]
So, call me now, it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You'll need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
So, call me now, it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You'll need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
Top Junk
Lyrics
Hello, I know there's someone out there who can understand
And who's feeling the same way as me
I'm twenty-four and I've got everything to live for
But I know now that it wasn't meant to be
'Cause all has been lost and all has been won
And there's nothing left for us to save
But now I know that I don't want to be alone today
So if you find that you've been feeling just the same
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
I've got a photograph I'll send it off today
And you will see that I am perfectly sane
Not for a lifetime or forever and a day
'Cause we know now that just won't be the case
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
There will be no commitment and no confessions
And no little secrets to keep
No little children or houses with roses
Just the End of the world and me
'Cause all has been gone and all has been done
And there's nothing left for us to say
But we could be together as they blow it all away
And we can share in every moment as it breaks
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
Call me now it's alright
It's just the end of the world
You need a friend in the world
'Cause you can't hide
So call and I'll get right back
If your intentions are pure
I'm seeking a friend for the end of the world
Songwriters: Chris Cornell
whimser9
Such a tragic loss... Chris Cornell was among the greatest vocalists and songwriters we ever had. He took rock, blues, folk and punk and made it better.
If you wanted to escape to your deserted island, take his music and it would be enough.
I'm having trouble with this. So many great musicians dying in such a short span.
David Bowie, Jack Bruce, Chris Squire, Allan Holdsworth, Scott Weiland. And now Chris Cornell who leaves a beautiful family.
There had better be a proper respect given to his memory.
"Show me how to live "
sagipho
I remembering seeing him perform this song in 2009 in Tel-Aviv. He was introducing this song and saying it was written while he was in a really bad place. But that he's better now. Then he raised his hand and shouted ""I won!" to the crowd cheers. Really was a special moment. He was so happy then. I also remember his wife watching him from the left of the stage holding their baby. They looked so happy together and I thought how wonderful that she travels with him. After the show he and the band went to the side fence and just shook hands with everybody, it was a special night. R.I.P Chris. Missing you every day.
Bailey W
Truly sad, I wish he might’ve found his way back to these words before his life was taken by suicide.
Kimerle Viccaro
@יובי - UV I know, I’ll never forget Chris, he was amazing at everything and a wonderful person too❤️💔
יובי - UV
Was there too that night and also remember this indeed a touching moment. Heartbreaking :(
Gladys Dearman
yep
Kimerle Viccaro
I’ve seen that video so many times, I so hope that he would have held on💔🕊❤️
Elizabeth
I’ve known about Soundgarden for years and years (probably my whole life), but I didn’t start really paying attention to Chris Cornell until about a month ago. I remember asking my mom who he was on the day he died, I didn’t understand the emotional responses I was seeing from people. But now, a year after the fact, I feel a weirdly emotional connection to him as an artist and a deep curiosity towards him as a person, and I’m belatedly taking his death pretty hard. It feels unreasonably like someone close to me is gone, I can’t watch him in an interview or a music video without crying so hard I get a headache. I wish I’d had the chance to see him perform live.
Gingeroo
@rebecca rosen 1000%. And that’s NOT just a hunch.
rebecca rosen
i cried for at least 4 years,i still do on occasion...i saw soundgarden way back in '92,ive followed him since,i was devastated when it happened...i really doubt that he killed himself,instead,icky and the body guard had lots to do with it
nico tiro
I feel the same way it's really weird to have belated fangirl regret that an artist died but here it is. Felt like when Karl Lagerfeld died I missed out on his career live while it was happening. I didn't know Chris Cornell much more after the 90s and I don't know why not. He sings like an angel and his face looks perfect.