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 Nearer the Fountain More Pure the Stream Flows
Damon Albarn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leaves no returning
It's fruitless for me to mourn you
But, who can help mourning?
To think of life, that did laugh on your face
In the beautiful past left so desolate now
When you've seemed immortal
Heaven's halo around you
Earth's hope to deceive
You were the fairest and dearest
Where many were fair, to my heart you were nearest
The year has it's winter as well as it's May
The sweetest leavers and the fairest decay
The nearer the fountain, more pure the stream flows
To think of life, that did laugh on your face
In the beautiful past left so desolate now
When you've seemed immortal
So sweet it did we
Heaven's halo around you
Around you
Earth's hope to deceive
Around you
Around you
The nearer the fountain, more pure the stream flows
These lyrics are from Damon Albarn's song "The Nearer the Fountain More Pure the Stream Flows." The song explores themes of loss, grief, and the transient nature of life. The lyrics express a deep sense of sorrow and mourning for someone who has passed away, reflecting on the beauty and joy they brought to life. The opening lines suggest that the person is gone and there is no possibility of their return, yet the singer still finds it hard to let go and mourns their absence.
The lyrics then reflect on the memories and the past when the person was alive and full of life. The phrase "to think of life, that did laugh on your face" implies that the person had a vibrant and joyous existence, but now their absence has left a desolate and empty feeling. The lines "when you've seemed immortal, so sweet it did we, heaven's halo around you" highlight the sense of awe and admiration the singer had for this person, considering them almost godlike or angelic.
The repeated line "The nearer the fountain, more pure the stream flows" serves as a metaphor for the fleeting and ephemeral nature of life. It suggests that as time passes and life moves forward, the memories and experiences become more precious and valuable. The water flowing from the fountain symbolizes the passing of time and the stream becoming purer signifies the intensity and purity of the memories.
Line by Line Meaning
You were gone, the dark journey there
You have passed away, gone on a journey to the dark unknown.
Leaves no returning
It is a journey with no possibility of coming back.
It's fruitless for me to mourn you
There is no point in grieving for you.
But, who can help mourning?
Yet, it is natural to feel sorrow and mourn your absence.
To think of life, that did laugh on your face
Reflecting on the joyous moments in your life, when laughter graced your face.
In the beautiful past left so desolate now
But now, that beautiful past feels empty and desolate.
When you've seemed immortal
When it appeared as if you would live forever.
So sweet it did we
It sweetness deeply touched us.
Heaven's halo around you
You were surrounded by a divine aura, heavenly in nature.
Earth's hope to deceive
The hopes and dreams of the earthly realm can be deceiving.
You were the fairest and dearest
Among many who were fair, you stood out as the most beautiful and beloved.
Where many were fair, to my heart you were nearest
While there were others who were fair, you held the closest place in my heart.
The year has its winter as well as its May
Just like a year has its cold winter, it also has its warm and joyful May.
The sweetest leavers and the fairest decay
Even the sweetest moments eventually come to an end, and the most beautiful things fade away.
The nearer the fountain, more pure the stream flows
The closer one gets to the source or origin, the purer and more uncontaminated the flow becomes.
Around you
Encircling you, surrounding you.
Earth's hope to deceive
The hopes and aspirations of the mortal world can be misleading.
Around you
Enveloping your presence, encompassing your being.
Around you
Encircling and surrounding you completely.
The nearer the fountain, more pure the stream flows
As one approaches the source, the purity and clarity of the stream intensifies.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre De Ridder, Damon Albarn, Simon Tong, John Clare
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jess Bowitz
When you say:
"(...)Earth's hope to decieve
you were the fairest and dearest
where many were fair, to my heart
you were the nearest(...)"
Oh man, I really felt that! :'(
Love you so much, Damon. Thanks for make my sadness a place to stay quiet in peace after he's gone.
SuperFatigaPibe
When he said
You were gone, the dark journey there
Leaves no returning
It's fruitless for me to mourn you
But, who can help mourning?
To think of life, that did laugh on your face
In the beautiful past left so desolate now
When you've seemed immortal
So sweet it did we
Heaven's halo around you
Earth's hope to deceive
You were the fairest and dearest
Where many were fair, to my heart you were nearest
The year has it's winter as well as it's May
The sweetest leavers and the fairest decay
The nearer the fountain, more pure the stream flows
To think of life, that did laugh on your face
In the beautiful past left so desolate now
When you've seemed immortal
So sweet it did we
Heaven's halo around you
Around you
Earth's hope to deceive
Around you
Around you
The nearer the fountain, more pure the stream flows
I felt that
Vincent Wright
@CMONCMON007 Oh yeah, it’s up there for me too. Probably my fifth or sixth favorite. GBQ is one of my favorite Damon projects/albums and my ranking always seems to change with each listen, so this is how I’d rank it currently:
1. Three Changes
2. Nature Springs
3. Herculean
4. Behind The Sun
5. Northern Whale
6. A Soldier’s Tale
7. Green Fields
8. Kingdom of Doom
9. History Song
10. The Bunting Song
11. 80s Life
12 The Good, The Bad And The Queen
What are your other favorites on the album? How do you compare it to Merrie Land? I think it’s better overall, but there’s a few songs on Merrie Landr I prefer over most on GBQ. (Truce of Twilight, Lady Boston, Ribbons)
It’s such a shame and a deep sadness that Tony Allen has left us. His spirit was such a special and unique treat to the world as a whole and music. He was so integral to the band that I doubt they ever considered a new drummer — there’s not a soul on the planet who comes close to his level, even if there was, it wouldn’t be GBQ… so glad D recorded with him for “How Far?” though! Hopefully we’ll get more collabs with Paul and Simon through gorillaz again. I remember in 2018/19 wishing they would come to America and being disappointed they didn’t. Honestly, the fact they released Merrie Land in the first place, especially after Damon was on a long and laborious tour is so incredible and something noone saw coming.
Did you ever see them live in person?
Sorry for the long winded reply, I just get really excited when I hear someone talk about GBQ. Most IRL people where I live don’t know Damon, and those who do only know about gorillaz, maaaybe blur, but never the short lived, esoteric GBQ. Even those on reddit/online forums dedicated to either Damon or Paul don’t get half as much attention as Gorillaz or The Clash.
The dog from Raditude
This man is an absolute legend. The frontman for two of my favorite bands, the composer for one of my favorite musicals, an amazing solo debut, and in my opinion, one of the best singing voices around today. Whatever he’s got in store for us, it’ll be great.
ferrets and me
Weezer pfp
Amy Harris
@Sensorium Museum thanks, I've never heard of that. appreciate it.
Sensorium Museum
@Amy Harris John Dee
Amy Harris
what is the Musical you mention, may I ask?
Suvrat Sharma
Just reading all the comments here makes me feel so happy... So many people out there who appreciate Damon's artistry like me! His voice is just ethereal, it makes me feel calm in my soul. Lots of love to all!
Amy Harris
@SuperFatigaPibe he doesn't stand still. he moves always forward. from 20 to 53 is tremendous growth in everyone's life. same with Damon.
Amy Harris
I love his voice too. once in an interview he said that his voice was an acquired taste, and I acquired it the moment I first heard it. each to ears own, right?
Jessica
@SuperFatigaPibe and gorillaz
SuperFatigaPibe
Sometimes it kinda surprises me the fact that this is the main singer flom blur....