Before forming Collective Soul, Ed Roland had studied music composition and guitar playing at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Since the mid 1980's, Roland had been involved in underground music; either making unpublished demos or performing. He also worked at Real 2 Reel Studios in Stockbridge during the 1980's and early 1990's, which was owned by Will Turpin's father. Roland's main duties were producing, mixing and engineering work for local Atlanta artists. He also recorded his own demos and released his independent solo album Ed-E Roland in 1991. He had a pre-Collective Soul band in the late 1980's and early 1990's called Marching Two-Step which included Shane Evans, Michele Rhea Caplinger, and Matt Serletic.
Caplinger would go on to be a music industry publicist and she was appointed executive director of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy in 2000. Serletic would go on to produce albums for Collective Soul, Matchbox Twenty, Blessid Union of Souls, and Edwin McCain.
Prior to Marching Two-Step, in the early to mid 1980's, Ed had recruited keyboard player and backing vocalist Christopher Dykes, drummer Tony Caporale, and bassist Skip Godwin to play live in clubs and showcase for A/R personnel from various record companies. At this time the group was simply known as "Ed-E". During this time the band played several shows, played a part in a CBS "Movie Of The Week", and were guests on the local Atlanta television program "Music Peachtree Style", where local Atlanta based artists were interviewed and profiled. That initial version of the "Ed-E" band dissolved in the mid to late 1980's due to musical tastes among other differences.
Marching Two-Step were a band for several years, but never managed to grow beyond the local club scene. Roland's early attempts to be signed to a recording contract by a label ended in rejection. In 1992, he enlisted musicians to record a demo in a basement. Roland intended only to sell the songs to a publishing company and had no plans of forming a band out of it. The demo was passed along to an Atlanta college radio station which began playing "Shine", which became its most requested song. Amidst the surprise popularity, Roland agreed to perform live shows; enlisting his brother Dean as well as Shane Evans, Will Turpin, and Ross Childress in what would be the first line-up of Collective Soul. Atlantic Records took note of the popularity of the song and subsequently signed them.
Upon Collective Soul's signing, Atlantic wished to capitalize on the band's success and quickly re-released the 1993 demo Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid as their first studio album. Although reluctant to have the unpolished demo represent their new line-up, Collective Soul gained international recognition and double-platinum status with their debut. The band quickly began work on what they would consider their true debut record and were invited to perform at Woodstock 1994. They also toured extensively across North America.
The group's self-titled second album issued following year, was certified RIAA triple platinum, and logged a 76 week run on the Billboard 200. Notable singles from Collective Soul included US Rock Chart #1 hits "December", "Where The River Flows", and "The World I Know", #2 hit "Gel", and the Top 10 hit "Smashing Young Man".
Following a split with their manager, Collective Soul found their tour dates canceled and were called into the courtroom to face a legal battle that lasted into 1996. While the legal battles continued, the band went to a cabin, in the middle of 40 acres (160,000 m2) of cow pasture in Stockbridge, and began recording. They recorded into a computer their impromptu efforts of songs Roland penned, and these became Disciplined Breakdown. The legal case was eventually settled, and both parties were instructed not to discuss the outcome.
Disciplined Breakdown, released in 1997, did not sell as well as the band's previous records despite debuting higher on the charts. This album eventually became a platinum album, and produced two more #1 singles: "Disciplined Breakdown" and "Listen". The album peaked at #16 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
The band's fourth album was 1999’s platinum certified Dosage. The first single "Heavy" set a new high mark for 15 weeks at #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Singles such as "Run", "Needs", and "Tremble For My Beloved" also gained notable positions on the rock charts. The album was produced by Anthony J. Resta, who is known for his work with Duran Duran among others. The band also performed at Woodstock 1999, where they performed "Heavy", a cover of Ozzy Osbourne's song "Crazy Train", and a cover of U2's song "I Will Flow".
The group released their fifth studio album, Blender, in 2000. It did not fare as well as their other albums, although the first single "Why, Pt. 2" reached #2 on the mainstream rock chart. They also had additional radio hits with "Vent"and "Perfect Day"; the latter being a duet between Roland and Elton John. Eventually, the album was RIAA certified gold. Rolling Stone gave Blender a positive review. This was their second effort with Anthony J. Resta. The song "You Speak My Language" was a cover of a song written by the late Mark Sandman of the band Morphine. The song was originally on Morphine's 1992 album Good.
In 2001, Collective Soul released their greatest hits compilation, 7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits 1994–2001, which featured the new tracks "Next Homecoming" and "Energy". The record also marked the end of the group's contract with Atlantic Records.
Following the band's departure from Atlantic Records, Childress left the band. The band promoted their longtime guitar technician, Joel Kosche, to be the new lead guitarist. The band later created their independent label, El Music Group.
In November 2004, they released their sixth studio album, Youth, which debuted at #66 on the Billboard 200. "Counting the Days" became a Top 10 rock hit. The second single, "Better Now", received airplay on Adult Top 40 radio and was used in commercials for the cereal Special K. "How Do You Love" became a Top 20 hit on Adult Top 40 radio. During the recording of this album, Shane Evans left the band, with session musician Ryan Hoyle named as his replacement. Hoyle recorded 8 of the 11 drum/percussion tracks on this album. The resultant US tour lasted nearly two years, including shows in Canada.
Collective Soul performed two shows with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra in April 2005. A CD and DVD of the performances, entitled Home: A Live Concert Recording With The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra was released in February 2006.
In May 2005, they released an eight song acoustic EP compilation titled From the Ground Up, which had acoustic versions of past favorites and a new track titled "Youth". They also appeared on the WB show Charmed; playing "Better Now" at the beginning of the episode "Scry Hard".
Collective Soul's seventh studio album, Afterwords was released on August 28, 2007. The album is co-produced by Anthony J. Resta, who also contributed synthesizers, percussion and lead guitar on the song "Bearing Witness". The band made a deal with Target stores; making it the "exclusive physical retailer" of Afterwords for one year. The album was immediately available in digital form on iTunes. The song "Hollywood" was released as the first single in May. "Hollywood" also became the theme for the hit TV show American Idol. The second single from the album, "All That I Know", was released in November.
Afterwords debuted at #25 on the Billboard Comprehensive Albums chart (as albums available only from a single retailer were ineligible for the Billboard 200 at the time) and #5 on the Billboard Top Internet Albums chart. The band made an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on August 31 where they performed "Hollywood". They were also the musical guest on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on March 4, 2008.
Collective Soul released their eighth studio album, another self-titled, but designated by the band as Rabbit. It was released on August 25, 2009 by Roadrunner Records; a subsidiary of their previous label Atlantic Records. The first single was "Staring Down" and the second single was "Welcome All Again". "Staring Down" peaked at #17 on the Mediabase Hot AC chart and also charted on Billboard's Adult Top 40. The album debuted at #24 on the Billboard 200.
In September 2009, Collective Soul were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In their induction speech, Roland thanked a long list of former members and collaborators who were involved in the band over the past two decades, including Childress, Hoyle, and Brannon. He also invited Shane Evans to the stage to celebrate with the band.
On December 7, 2010, the band released a re-recorded version of "Tremble For My Beloved" as both a single and a video on iTunes. The video was also included on the DVD Music Videos and Performances from The Twilight Saga Soundtracks, Vol. 1.
On October 2, 2015, they released the album See What You Started by Continuing which peaked at 25 in the United States.
On June 21, 2019, they released the album Blood.
On August 12, 2022, they released the album Vibrating.
In a Moment
Collective Soul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the hush of disparity
Sure we know the problem lies
With some insecurities
But we'll never see eye to eye
As long as our tongues are tied
And we'll never be seen as one
In a moment it could happen
We could wake up and be laughing
In a moment it could happen
We could forgive and be happy
It's a shame our world responds to life
As a puzzle in disguise
I wish our course would lead us towards
The peace and loving kind
But we'll never walk hand in hand
Until we let old wounds mend
And we'll never sing songs as one
Until we find love
In a moment some wisdom could be learned
In a moment new voices could be heard
In a moment we could make heads turn
In a moment we could change
The song "In a Moment" by Collective Soul is a strong commentary on the human condition, particularly our tendency to build walls that prevent open communication and understanding. The first line describes the walls that we put up as we retreat into our own thoughts and feelings. These walls prevent us from connecting with others and lead to a sense of disparity or separation. The song acknowledges that this disconnection is caused by our insecurities, which prevent us from being vulnerable with one another.
The chorus of the song describes the hope that lies in the possibility of a moment of connection and understanding. It suggests that we could wake up and be laughing, forgive and be happy, and even change the world if we could just find that moment of common ground. However, the verses serve as a reminder that this moment can only happen if we are willing to let go of our old wounds, walk hand in hand, and find love. Without these things, we will not be able to see eye to eye or find unity.
Overall, "In a Moment" is a powerful call to action, urging us to look beyond our differences and find the common humanity that unites us all.
Line by Line Meaning
The walls came up as the thoughts went down
As we began to think differently, barriers arose between us.
To the hush of disparity
This has led to a silent disagreement and division between us.
Sure we know the problem lies
We are aware of the root cause of our issues.
With some insecurities
However, it is our own doubts and fears that continue to drive us apart.
But we'll never see eye to eye
As long as we refuse to communicate and listen to one another,
As long as our tongues are tied
We will never reach a mutual understanding
And we'll never be seen as one
Until we learn to work together and unite.
Until we find love
Love is the key to bridging the gap and bringing us together.
In a moment it could happen
At any given time, a positive change is possible that can bring us closer.
We could wake up and be laughing
Laughter and joy are within reach if we are willing to make an effort.
We could forgive and be happy
Letting go of past hurts can free us to experience happiness and contentment.
It's a shame our world responds to life
The unfortunate reality is that our society often reacts to life's challenges negatively.
As a puzzle in disguise
These problems are often complex and require work to solve, but the solutions can be hidden.
I wish our course would lead us towards
I hope that our journey can bring us closer, and help us find common ground.
The peace and loving kind
May peace and compassion guide our actions and words as we navigate our differences.
But we'll never walk hand in hand
Until we learn to put our differences aside and work together,
Until we let old wounds mend
Our past hurts and grudges must be dealt with before we can move forward.
And we'll never sing songs as one
Until we can come together and celebrate our shared humanity.
Until we find love
Until we learn to love and respect one another, we will remain divided.
In a moment some wisdom could be learned
We have the potential to learn and grow, even in the midst of conflict.
In a moment new voices could be heard
All voices deserve to be heard and acknowledged, and new perspectives can bring fresh insights.
In a moment we could make heads turn
We have the power to make a positive impact on the world, and inspire others to follow our lead.
In a moment we could change
We have the ability to change ourselves and our world, if we have the courage to do so.
Lyrics © Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ED ROLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cameron Lindh
My favorite song on this album always makes me feel just right ✅
Peggy Williamson
This band had always been so inspirational musically and lyrically. Blessed for sure❤
Kara Leinart
I have loved this band since they came out!!!
Josie Springfield
Great song from a great album.
Josh MacGregor
More people need to hear this. It makes me shed tears of joy, that's how fucking good it is.
Joella Bernas
I WAKE UP AND I LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM AND IT BRINGS JOY TO MY HEART FOR SO MUCH TRUTH IS SHARED. THANK YOU COLLECTIVE SOUL. SOON THE COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE WILL BE AND WE WILL LIVE AS ONE IN HARMONY FOR WE ARE ALL ONE IN THE SAME ALL A PART OF GOD AND GOD IS WITHIN EACH ONE OF US. GOD BLESS YOU I AM NAMASTE
Joella Bernas
LOVE IS THE ONLY THING.....WE ARE ALL MADE OF LOVE SO LET'S BE THE LOVE THAT WE ARE
rOWLbANd (The mentor & prophet of the last times)
Truly deeply do
Dane Logan
Amen
AdrenochromeDream
songs been stuck in my head all day so had to have a listen