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
Submarine
Cranes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't know where you are going
Way ahead looks so confusing
You don't know if you can hold . . .
There's a forest to get through
And all the stars want to guide you
So let your instincts fly and you'll be fine
And let the pressure go . . .
And let the pressure go . . .
There's a forest to get through and
You know that you're wanted too and
Forces pull you this way, that way
You don't know where you are going
Now can you feel the pressure in your mind
Cos there's too much to look for and to find
It all slips away from time to time
Let it go, let the panic fall behind
And let the pressure go . . .
Just let the pressure go . . .
And let the pressure go . . .
Just let the pressure go . . .
The song "Submarine" by Cranes explores the theme of feeling lost and overwhelmed by the pressures of life. The opening lines describe the confusion and lack of direction that comes from having too many forces pulling in different directions. The singer is faced with a daunting task, represented by the metaphor of having to navigate through a forest, but there are also signs of hope, in the form of stars that want to guide the way. The lyrics encourage the listener to trust their instincts, allowing them to find their own way through the confusion.
The chorus repeats the phrase "let the pressure go," emphasizing the need to release the tension and anxiety that comes with feeling overwhelmed. The second verse picks up on this theme, with the singer acknowledging the impossibility of finding everything they are looking for all at once. The lyrics encourage them to let go of the panic and instead focus on the present moment.
Overall, "Submarine" is a powerful reminder to take things one step at a time, and to trust oneself to navigate through difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Forces pull you this way, that way
External factors are causing uncertainty and unpredictability in your life.
You don't know where you are going
You feel lost and unsure of your direction in life.
Way ahead looks so confusing
The path forward seems unclear and overwhelming.
You don't know if you can hold . . .
You fear that you may not have the strength or capability to face the challenges ahead.
There's a forest to get through
Obstacles and difficulties lay ahead of you that must be overcome.
And all the stars want to guide you
Despite the uncertainty, there are signs and opportunities that can lead you towards your goals.
So let your instincts fly and you'll be fine
By trusting your intuition and inner drive, you can navigate through any challenges.
Let the clouds and sky follow your mind
By clearing your thoughts and focusing on your objectives, the external world can align with your path.
And let the pressure go . . .
Release your stress and anxiety, and focus on moving forward.
You know that you're wanted too and
Despite the challenges, there are people who value and support your journey.
Now can you feel the pressure in your mind
Anxiety and stress are weighing heavily on your thoughts and emotions.
Cos there's too much to look for and to find
The expectations and demands of society can feel overwhelming.
It all slips away from time to time
Despite your efforts, progress may be slow or temporary setbacks may occur, but this is normal and part of the journey.
Let it go, let the panic fall behind
Release your worries and stay focused on your goals, even in the face of setbacks.
Just let the pressure go . . .
Reaffirming the need to release stress, anxiety and external pressures.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gone Clap
Great song
Nana-Chan41
I was just a 2 month old baby in that time when they released the song