The band released their first album on vinyl, Self Non Self in July 1989. The intensity of that album garnered very good reviews and caught the attention of John Peel, who picked up on the album right away, with the group recording a session for him in the album's first week of release. Shortly afterwards they signed to the label Dedicated (which also became home to Spiritualized and Beth Orton) and went on to record their EP "Espero" in 1990, with the album "Wings of Joy" following a year later. The release of "Wings of Joy" caught the attention of Robert Smith of The Cure who picked the Cranes to open for them on their world tour in 1992. They then went on to record the albums "Forever" (1993), "Loved" (1994), "La Tragedie d'Oreste et Electre" (1995), and "Population Four" (1997).
After a 4 year break, Cranes re-emerged on their own independent label Dadaphonic to release "Future Songs" (2001) and "Particles & Waves" (2004), which saw the band heading in a more electronic direction while retaining the trademark sound of previous releases. In January 2007 the band released a download only album, "Live at Amsterdam Paradiso," originally recorded in 1991. The show captures the darker, heavier days of the early Cranes and is available only via www.dadaphonic.co.uk.
In 2008 Cranes albums "Wings of Joy', 'Forever' and 'Loved' were re-issued by Cherry Red Records, www.cherryred.co.uk as part of their series of 'influential artists' re-releases.
In October 2008 Cranes released their self titled album 'Cranes', to which they did a supporting tour. After that there was the odd performance here and there up until 2012 after which Cranes fell silent again.
In 2022 they re-emerged with several newly opened social media accounts to which the purpose soon became clear: Cranes have reformed in their original nineties line-up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the "Forever" album with some gigs in the UK (see events) and they are currently rehearsing.
In June 2023 they also released a 'new' album: their previously unreleased "Peel Sessions 1989-1990" which you can get on their Bandcamp site (see Linktree below) both digitally and on CD/Vinyl.
Current members
Alison Shaw – vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar (1985–1997, 2000–present)
Jim Shaw – guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums (1985–1997, 2000–present)
Mark Francombe – guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, spanner (1989–1997, 2022-present)
Matt Cope – guitar (1989–1997, 2022-present)
Former members:
Kevin Dunford – lead guitar (1988–1989)
Paul Smith – guitar, keyboards (1995–1997, 2000–2012)
Manu Ross – drums (1996–1997)
Ben Baxter – bass guitar (2000–2012)
Jon Callender – drums (2000–2007)
Jon Mattock – drums (2008–2012)
Cranes official Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cranesofficial
Let Go
Cranes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd like to get out of here...just leave it all behind...
I'd like to visit all the pictures I have in my mind
It makes me feel all right when I see how they shine
Somehow I always get it wrong
I guess I knew it all along
The tide that pulled me is too strong
I'd like to tear it all up...start it all again
I'd like to take you along 'cause you're my only friend
Maybe we'll think up a plan to get us out again
Maybe we'll feel hope and have love til the end...
Before you know it, its all gone
The happy dream you had is torn
'Cause things get broken in the storm
Pulled from you crushed against the wall.
The Cranes' song "Let Go" expresses a longing to escape the current state of affairs and embark on a journey of discovery. The singer expresses a desire to leave everything behind and explore the images in their mind. By doing so, the singer hopes to find some sense of comfort and happiness. However, they acknowledge that things have not always gone according to plan, and they have made mistakes along the way.
Despite attempts to change things by starting over, the singer recognizes that past missteps have a way of haunting the present. Yet, they remain hopeful that by taking a friend along, they can devise a plan that will lead them to a better place. Perhaps, they will experience love and hope together until the end.
The final line of the song, "Pulled from you crushed against the wall," suggests a bleak outcome to their story. It suggests that despite their efforts to find happiness, they are bound to come up short against forces beyond their control. The song's melancholic mood and somber lyrics highlight the frustration and resignation that can come from trying to take control of life's twists and turns.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd like to go...go...see what I can find
The desire to explore and discover new things.
I'd like to get out of here...just leave it all behind...
The need to escape the current situation and start fresh.
I'd like to visit all the pictures I have in my mind
The longing to experience the vivid memories and imaginative thoughts one has.
It makes me feel all right when I see how they shine
The comfort and joy of reminiscing on positive memories.
Somehow I always get it wrong
The realization of one's tendency to consistently make mistakes.
I guess I knew it all along
The acknowledgement of a previously ignored truth about oneself.
The tide that pulled me is too strong
The challenge of being overwhelmed by external forces beyond one's control.
So now I must just move along
The decision to let go of unchangeable circumstances and move forward.
I'd like to tear it all up...start it all again
The urge to completely change everything and start over.
I'd like to take you along 'cause you're my only friend
The desire to share the journey of starting anew with a close companion.
Maybe we'll think up a plan to get us out again
The hope for a collaborative effort to find a way out of a difficult situation.
Maybe we'll feel hope and have love til the end...
The potential for positive emotions such as hope and love to guide one through a challenging time.
Before you know it, its all gone
The sudden loss of something precious or important.
The happy dream you had is torn
The disappointment and sadness of having a positive vision shattered.
'Cause things get broken in the storm
The recognition that difficult moments can cause damage and destruction to one's life.
Pulled from you crushed against the wall.
The feeling of being forcefully thrown into an obstacle and feeling trapped and helpless.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RAVI SHANKAR, MOD SQUAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dagfinn Sandvik
Beautiful song
Guido Montanari
great!
minicooper71
Alison Shaw great
Uwe Lucas
How old is this baby on the Vocals?