One of his projects is the supergroup The Good, The Bad & The Queen, where he plays the keyboard and sings. Other members of the band are Paul Simonon (bass, The Clash), Simon Tong (guitar, The Verve) and Tony Allen (drums, percussion). Their album (released in early 2007) is produced by DJ Danger Mouse (producer of Gorillaz album "Demon Days", member of Gnarls Barkley).
The Marvelous Dream Songfacts says that another of his projects is Dr Dee, an opera created by Albarn with theatre director Rufus Norris. The work is based on the life of Dr. John Dee (1527-1608), an Elizabethan courtier who was also a mathematician, alchemist, astrologer, spiritualist, philosopher and spy. The opera’s debut performance was at the Palace Theatre, Manchester in July 2011, as part of the 2011 Manchester International Festival. The soundtrack was released on May 8, 2012 by Virgin.
Years active : 1989–present
The Cormorant
Damon Albarn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have tried, have tried to swim away
Out to the buoy
Ebony rose
But the current's too strong
I now drift, daydreaming
To when we were happy here, on this beach
We played with our children
Tipping goes the cormorant
I think she knows I'm a pathetic intruder
Into the abyss
And I have watched her too
From the stoney beach
That was black in the last year
Before the storm
Elsewhere sometimes
I can see beyond the lighthouse
The uncharted cruise ship
Anchored way off
As though the last party on Earth continues
To vast horizons
Container ships
Full of glass vials
Daily life
The lyrics of Damon Albarn's song "The Cormorant" paint a picture of isolation and longing. The first paragraph suggests a feeling of being trapped or confined on an island. The singer has attempted to escape by swimming away but failed, possibly due to the strong current. As a result, they find themselves drifting aimlessly, daydreaming about happier times spent on the beach with their children. This paints a picture of a once joyful and fulfilling existence that has been lost.
The second paragraph introduces the concept of the cormorant, a bird commonly found in coastal areas. The singer observes the cormorant and feels a connection, perhaps sensing that both of them are intruders in some way. The use of the word "abyss" suggests a deep sense of loneliness or emptiness. Watching the cormorant from the stoney beach, the singer is reminded of a year that was dark and desolate before a storm. This imagery could represent a period of struggle or hardship that has left lasting scars.
The third paragraph introduces new elements to the narrative. The mention of the uncharted cruise ship anchored far off represents a stark contrast between the singer's isolated existence and the lively party happening elsewhere. It symbolizes a world full of people and activities that are inaccessible and distant, emphasizing the singer's feelings of exclusion and longing. The mention of container ships filled with glass vials adds a sense of mystery and potential danger to the scene.
The final paragraph, "Daily life," is a concise yet impactful statement that reflects the mundane and repetitive nature of the singer's current reality. It suggests that this state of isolation and longing is a daily struggle, highlighting the weight of their predicament. Overall, these lyrics capture the essence of loneliness, yearning for connection, and the feelings of being trapped or alienated from the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Am I imprisoned on this island?
Do I feel trapped and confined on this island?
I have tried, have tried to swim away
I have made multiple attempts to escape by swimming away
Out to the buoy
Towards the floating object in the water
Ebony rose
Dark flower blooming
But the current's too strong
However, the water's flow is too powerful
I now drift, daydreaming
I now float aimlessly, lost in reverie
To when we were happy here, on this beach
To the time when we used to experience joy on this beach
We played with our children
We engaged in playful activities with our kids
And they were happy too
And they also experienced happiness
Tipping goes the cormorant
The cormorant bird tilts, indicating something
I think she knows I'm a pathetic intruder
I believe the bird is aware that I am a pitiful trespasser
Into the abyss
Entering into the deep and unknown
And I have watched her too
And I have observed the bird as well
From the stoney beach
From the rocky shoreline
That was black in the last year
Which was dark and gloomy in the previous year
Before the storm
Prior to the turbulent weather disturbance
Elsewhere sometimes
Occasionally in other places
I can see beyond the lighthouse
I am able to perceive beyond the tall structure meant to guide ships
The uncharted cruise ship
The unknown and unmapped vessel for leisure travels
Anchored way off
Positioned far away from the shore
As though the last party on Earth continues
As if the final celebration on the planet is ongoing
To vast horizons
Extending towards expansive and limitless distances
Container ships
Large ships designed to transport cargo in containers
Full of glass vials
Containing numerous small glass containers
Daily life
The routine activities and events of everyday existence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Damon Albarn, Simon Tong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jackie Cáceres
😍Fantástico! Me encantó🎶 Mmmm.. esa voz 🙌 thx Damon😘
Mora Amaya
Es realmente magico, te lleva a otro lugar con solo cerrar los ojos
Hermoso <3
tylerpurrden
This sounds so insane on headphones
Codi Serville
Ooh! Yeah? I'll definitely have to put some on after work then
Hijo de Padre de Cerveza
Masterpiece, can´t describe it in other words
Teresa Trejo
Hermoso❤️me encanta 😍❤️
Jazoner (Josh)
Muito bom!
Patricia Fiore
Intimate and majestic melody. Incredible voice. Thanks Damon 💖
Karla Mila Musique
Super good Job Damon👏❤ Bolero vibes, ligero y melancolico.
Angie CQ
Realmente hermoso tu voz el sonido de los instrumentos , se siente a un lugar cálido cuando cierras los ojos y te lleva a un lugar mágico ❤️