Cranes are a shoegaze/dream pop group fronted by Alison Shaw and formed in … Read Full Bio ↴Cranes are a shoegaze/dream pop group fronted by Alison Shaw and formed in 1986. They were originally based on the south coast of England in Portsmouth.

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

Loved
Cranes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Try to hold on
Though it seems you can't go on
You know that you can be strong
Find a way to carry on

And God bless your soul
In the heavens up above
If you can't find a way

You must know that you are loved

Try to be strong
Find a way to carry on
I know you are brave
And I hope you find your way

Is there a reason why
the sky gets black at night and
Our hearts feel like stone
And you're left to face this alone?

Try to be strong
Find a way to carry on
I know you are brave
And I hope you find your way

I know you are brave
And I hope you find your way

Overall Meaning

The song "Loved" by Cranes is a melancholic yet encouraging song that delves into themes of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics convey a message of hope and remind the listener that they are loved and not alone, even in the darkest of times. The song urges the listener to hold on, be brave, and find a way to carry on.

The opening verse encourages the listener to be strong and find a way to carry on, even when it seems impossible. It reminds us that we are capable of being strong in difficult times and that we should never give up. The chorus then offers words of comfort, with the idea that even if we can't find a way forward, we are loved by someone, somewhere, whether it be a friend, family member or a higher power.

The second verse introduces the theme of loneliness and isolation, questioning why the sky gets black at night and why our hearts feel like stone when we are faced with difficult situations. Yet, the chorus repeats the message of hope and encourages the listener to be brave and find their way.

Overall, the lyrics of "Loved" offer a message of hope and resilience in times of darkness and despair. The song acknowledges the hardships that we all face but reminds us that we are not alone and encourages us to keep going no matter what.

Line by Line Meaning

Try to hold on
Encouraging the listener to persevere despite difficult circumstances

Though it seems you can't go on
Acknowledging the struggle and hardship that the listener may feel

You know that you can be strong
Suggesting that the listener has the inner strength to overcome adversity

Find a way to carry on
Urging the listener to keep moving forward despite obstacles

And God bless your soul
An expression of good will and a wish for the listener's well-being

In the heavens up above
Suggesting that there is a greater power observing and caring for the listener

If you can't find a way
Acknowledging that sometimes the struggle may feel overwhelming and there may be a sense of hopelessness

You must know that you are loved
Reminding the listener that they are valued and important

Is there a reason why
Pondering the nature of difficulties and why they exist

the sky gets black at night and
Offering a metaphor for the darkness and despair that may be felt

Our hearts feel like stone
Describing the heavy emotions that can weigh on us