Tibet has been the only constant in the group, though Steven Stapleton (of Nurse With Wound) has appeared on nearly every Current 93 release. Michael Cashmore has also been a constant contributor since Thunder Perfect Mind. Douglas P. of Death In June has played on well over a dozen Current 93 releases, and Steve Ignorant of Crass (using the name Stephen Intelligent), Boyd Rice, runologist Freya Aswynn , Nick Cave, Björk, Andrew W.K., Will Oldham, Ben Chasny, Rose McDowall, Tiny Tim, Tony Wakeford of Sol Invictus, Marc Almond, John Balance of Coil, Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons, Baby Dee and Ian Read of Fire + Ice have also lent their talents over the years. Tibet is fond of the works of American writer Thomas Ligotti, and invited him to collaborate with Current 93.
Current 93 have released over twenty albums and many singles as well as having been a guest on many of the above listed artists' records. Tibet has also collaborated with Nature and Organisation and The Hafler Trio.
Much of Current 93's early work was similar to late 1970s and early 1980s industrial music: abrasive tape loops, droning synthesizer noises and Tibet's distorted, excoriating vocals. This early work became influential with the goth scene. Later works found Tibet mostly casting off such trappings in favor of a more organic sound, labeled by some as "apocalyptic folk" music, occasionally featuring his sinister nursery rhyme-influenced singing and primarily acoustic folk-styled music.
Tibet's lyrics have been fairly consistent, regardless of delivery: The earlier recordings reflect his preoccupation with death, Christ, mysticism, Aleister Crowley (Tibet borrowed the term "93 Current" from Crowley - the 93 Current being the current of Thelema or Agape), Tibetan Buddhism, Gnosticism, runes, swastikas, Noddy, The Wicker Man, and a variety of occult notions. The later to present-day period of Current 93's recordings increasingly reflect Tibet's interest in Christian mysticism. Tibet has stated that he identifies as a Christian.
Literary influences include Lautreamont's Les Chants de Maldoror, the Bible, The Poetic Edda, Hildegard von Bingen, John Dee, Heptarchia Mystica, The Thunder, Perfect Mind, William Blake, Louis Wain, writer Thomas Ligotti, occult British author Arthur Machen (originator of the title "The Inmost Light"), M.R. James's various ghost stories, The Cloud of Unknowing, Count Eric Stenbock, and Russell Hoban's Riddley Walker.
Musical influences include religious chants, traditional folk music, The Tam Lin ballad, The Incredible String Band, Sand, Comus, Blue Öyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Love, Shirley Collins, some progressive bands such as Yes, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and the British composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji.
David Keenan's book England's Hidden Reverse - A Secret History of the Esoteric Underground (SAF Publishing 2003) extensively covers Tibet's musical evolution along with that of Coil, Stephen Stapleton, and others.
Halo
Current 93 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why can't we all just walk away?
The lyrics "Why can't we all just walk away?" in Current 93's song "Halo" depict a situation where people are stuck in a toxic and abusive relationship, and no one seems to have the courage to leave. The song suggests that sometimes it's better to just walk away from a situation rather than staying and enduring the pain and suffering that come with it. The singer's voice is filled with emotion and desperation, urging the people involved to let go and move on with their lives.
The repetition of the lyrics emphasizes the urgency of the message and the hope that someone will listen and take action. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and relationships and consider if there are any situations where they might need to just walk away. "Halo" is a powerful reminder to prioritize one's own well-being and to value oneself enough to remove oneself from harmful situations.
Line by Line Meaning
Why can't we all just walk away?
Why is it so difficult for us to simply leave and move on from our current situation?
Why can't we all just say goodbye?
Why is it so difficult for us to bid farewell and put an end to our current ties and attachments?
There is danger in my head and in my heart
I am consumed by ominous thoughts that fill me with fear and anxiety, weighing down on me.
When I wonder why we're torn apart
Whenever I contemplate on the reasons behind our separation, it only brings me more pain and confusion.
With everything so incomplete
Despite all the connections and relationships in my life, nothing feels whole or fully satisfying.
The future's such a sterile world
The world ahead of us feels devoid of life and warmth, as if it is nothing more than a barren wasteland.
A dark machine without a pearl
It seems as though the future will only be filled with cold and mechanical environments without any beauty or wonder to be found.
As I wonder where you are tonight
I am consumed with thoughts of you, and pondering where you might be currently located in this moment.
I will look up at your star so bright
When these thoughts become too much to bear, I will gaze up at the shining star that to me represents you, and find solace in that symbol.
Halo around my hope
My hope is surrounded by a glowing, almost divine presence that gives me comfort and strength to carry on.
Halo bring me hope
This symbol of light and goodness is what guides and uplifts me when I feel lost or hopeless.
Halo around me
This powerful force is with me always, surrounding me like a protective shield from the harsh world around me.
Halo bring me peace
With this halo of hope and light encompassing me, I am able to experience peace and serenity even in the midst of chaos and strife.
Ring of faith, the dark of night
Through the trials and tribulations of life, my unwavering faith in this symbol is what guides me through the darkest of times.
I can't believe I'm still alive
Despite all the pain and heartache life has brought me, I am still here, breathing and surviving in spite of it all.
As I wonder where you are tonight
My thoughts continue to drift back to you, and my mind is filled with the possibilities of where you might be at this very moment.
I will look up at your star so bright
And no matter how lost and alone I might feel, I know that your light will always be shining above me, giving me hope and comfort.
Contributed by Michael D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@1nfiniteSeek3r
Listening again for the tenth time, you know from the first spoken words how epic this performance was.
@sloegenie
I am playing this right now and just on the off chance had a look to see if there were any gigs coming up - one in October at Shepherds Bush Empire for which I now have a ticket!
@jackparsons1513
❤
@1nfiniteSeek3r
Wow what a great version of All the World Makes Great Blood...
@Isabellaaskaan
01. 0:00:00 Halo
02. 0:03:15 Alone
03. 0:09:43 Mary Waits In Silence
04. 0:12:54 Calling For Vanished Faces II
05. 0:17:59 The Signs In The Stars
06. 0:21:11 All This World Makes Great Blood
07. 0:24:59 Good Morning, Great Moloch
08. 0:28:55 Whilst The Night Rejoices Profound And Still
09. 0:33:23 5 Hypnagogue 5
10. 0:36:04 A Silence Song
11. 0:41:49 Sleep Has His House
12. 0:45:23 4 Hypnagogue 4
13. 0:50:26 Fields Of Rape
14. 0:53:34 So: This Empire Is Nothing
15. 0:57:05 The Death Of The Corn
16. 1:01:18 Locust
@alejandravilla5706
//
@acc1541
Terrifuck