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 Since the mid 1980's, Roland had been involved in underground music; either making unpublished demos or performing.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.
Precious Declaration
Collective Soul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then proceeded where thieves were no longer found
Can't crash now I've been waiting for this
Won't crash now I found some encouragement
Precious declaration reads
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
New meanings to the words I feed upon
Wake within my veins elements of freedom
Can't break now I've been living for this
Won't break now I'm cleansed with hopefulness
Precious declaration says
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
Once I jumped through hoops of fire
High and far as you required
I was blind but now I see
Salvation has discovered me
In Collective Soul's song "Precious Declaration," the lyrics speak of a person who has hitched a ride to the peaceful side of town and has come to the realization that thieves are no longer found in this place. This person has been waiting for this moment and has found encouragement to move forward. The lyrics then introduce a "precious declaration" that reads "Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now." This declaration is repeated throughout the song and represents a sense of individuality and ownership. The declaration is followed by the statement "I believe all hope is dead no longer," indicating a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
As the song progresses, the lyrics speak to a transformation the person has undergone. The person has discovered new meanings to the words they feed upon and feels a sense of freedom waking within their veins. They declare that they can't break now as they have been living for this moment and are now cleansed with hopefulness. The lyrical repetition of the "precious declaration" reiterates the sense of individuality and ownership, and the renewed hope provides a sense of positivity and possibility.
Overall, "Precious Declaration" is a song about personal evolution, growth, and transformation. It speaks to the idea that hope can be rediscovered and renewed, and that we all have the power to declare our own sense of individuality and ownership.
Line by Line Meaning
Hitched a ride to the peaceful side of town
I left my worries behind and sought a calm and quiet place
Then proceeded where thieves were no longer found
I went to a place where there was no danger of losing my valuables or being victimized by criminals
Can't crash now I've been waiting for this
I cannot let anything stop me because I have been anticipating this moment for a long time
Won't crash now I found some encouragement
I am determined to succeed because I have discovered some sources of inspiration and motivation
Precious declaration reads
The following statement is of great value and importance
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
I respect your possessions and boundaries, and I expect you to do the same for me
Precious declaration says
The following message is vital and relevant
I believe all hope is dead no longer
I have regained my faith and optimism, and I no longer think that everything is hopeless
New meanings to the words I feed upon
I have started to interpret the words and ideas that I encounter in a different and more meaningful way
Wake within my veins elements of freedom
I feel liberated and empowered, as if a new energy and potential is flowing through me
Can't break now I've been living for this
I cannot let anything discourage or defeat me because this is my purpose and my reason for living
Won't break now I'm cleansed with hopefulness
I am resilient and fortified by my positive outlook and my belief in a better future
Once I jumped through hoops of fire
I used to face dangerous and difficult challenges that required great courage and determination
High and far as you required
I pushed myself to the limits and beyond, trying to meet your expectations and demands
I was blind but now I see
I used to be ignorant or misled, but now I have gained insight and wisdom
Salvation has discovered me
I have been rescued or redeemed from a state of despair, and I feel grateful and blessed
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ED ROLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rangerpl
Hitched a ride to the peaceful side of town
Then proceeded where thieves were no longer found
Can't crash now I've been waiting for this
Won't crash now I found some encouragement
Precious declaration reads
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
New meanings to the words I feed upon
Wake within my veins elements of freedom
Can't break now I've been living for this
Won't break now I'm cleansed with hopefulness
Precious declaration says
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
Once I jumped through hoops of fire
High and far as you required
I was blind but now I see
Salvation has discovered me
Elaine Indjukov
Lyrics Precious Declaration - Collective Soul
Hitched a ride to the peaceful side of town
Then proceeded where thieves were no longer found
Can't crash now I've been waiting for this
Won't crash now I found some encouragement
Precious declaration reads
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
New meanings to the words I feed upon
Wake within my veins elements of freedom
Can't break now I've been living for this
Won't break now I'm cleansed with hopefulness
Precious declaration says
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
Once I jumped through hoops of fire
High and far as you required
I was blind but now I see
Salvation has discovered me
Andrew Petik
Hitched a ride to the peaceful side of town
Then proceeded where thieves were no longer found
Can't crash now I've been waiting for this
Won't crash now I found some encouragement
Precious declaration reads
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
New meanings to the words I feed upon
Wake within my veins elements of freedom
Can't break now I've been living for this
Won't break now I'm cleansed with hopefulness
Precious declaration says
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
Once I jumped through hoops of fire
High and far as you required
I was blind but now I see
Salvation has discovered me
David McDonald
Hitched a ride to the peaceful side of town
Then proceeded where thieves were no longer found
Can't crash now I've been waiting for this
Won't crash now I found some encouragement
Precious declaration reads
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
New meanings to the words I feed upon
Wake within my veins elements of freedom
Can't break now I've been living for this
Won't break now I'm cleansed with hopefulness
Precious declaration says
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
Once I jumped through hoops of fire
High and far as you required
I was blind but now I see
Salvation has discovered me
Precious declaration reads
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
Precious declaration reads
Yours is yours and mine you leave alone now
Precious declaration says
I believe all hope is dead no longer
Eric Steigerwald
Collective Soul had some really well-written, well-performed songs. A top shelf nineties band that deserved more recognition than they received.
AlexZander
Overall, my favorite band to come out of the 1990s.
alberto garcía
They became popular after the grunge era, maybe this is why the are not well known like other bands like Nirvana, Peral Jam or Soundgarden.
Michael Alamo
When I worked at Hard Rock Cafe SD..We had one of the Three guitarist axes hanging up..I feel bad,but the guitarist who played the PRS his was mounted and framed up on our 90s section
Michael Alamo
Agreed 💯
Andrew Davison
I know pretty much all their songs on the first 2 albums word for word . Use to sit in front of the stereo headphones on and read the lyrics in the cassette case
RetroSoulGirl
Collective Soul is a band about pure positivity, love, connecting and peace. And of course, fun! It's about time people discover their greatness on the internet... since the radio only plays "Shine" over and over. I'm 20 years old and I found this prolific band on YouTube last year. I am bipolar and they saved me from committing suicide last year. And now, I have meet and greet passes so I can thank the band soon for what they did for me and what they accomplish in their songs. Collective Soul. They are a band you'll never forget once you discover their musical abilities and power. Oh, it helps that they're southern gentlemen, too :)
Ryan Allen
@Railfan Bryan I’m right there with ya and got to see them live this summer, though not fully original the brothers are still jammin. Was absolutely fantastic, Ed’s like 50 and still rocks it
RacBeat girl76
Deep songs and also.fun songs. Music is the best therapy not some stupid doctor.
V Mtz
Hang in there. Refrain from taking your emotional temperature and rating how you feel. Take the good with the bad. Realize that happiness is always mixed in with frustration, dump the word sadness, except for certain occasions. Wish I was 20 and could do it all over again. I’m 65 and very happy, problems and all.