Deep Purple have had several line-up changes and were broken up for eight years from 1976 to 1984, with drummer Ian Paice being the band's only constant member. The first four line-ups, which constituted the band's original 1968–1976 run, are officially indicated as Mark I (1968–1969), Mark II (1969–1973), Mark III (1973–1975) and Mark IV (1975–1976). Mark I comprised the founding members of Deep Purple, Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Rod Evans (vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards), Paice (drums) and Nick Simper (bass), while Mark II was the most commercially successful line-up, with Ian Gillan and Roger Glover replacing Evans and Simper respectively. Mark III saw David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes replace Gillan and Glover respectively, while Mark IV featured Tommy Bolin replacing Blackmore. The band split in July 1976 and Bolin died from a drug overdose five months later. In 1984, Deep Purple reformed with the Mark II line-up, which remained in place until Joe Lynn Turner replaced Gillan in 1989. Gillan rejoined in 1992, with Blackmore leaving for the second and final time the following year. He was replaced temporarily by Joe Satriani and then permanently by Steve Morse. In 2002 Don Airey replaced Jon Lord, which saw Deep Purple settle into its longest running line-up, unchanged for the next twenty years, until Morse announced his departure from the band in 2022. His place was taken by Simon McBride. Paice, Glover, Gillan, Airey and McBride comprise the current line-up of Deep Purple.
Deep Purple were ranked number 22 on VH1's Greatest Artists of Hard Rock programme] and a poll on radio station Planet Rock ranked them 5th among the "most influential bands ever". The band received the Legend Award at the 2008 World Music Awards. Deep Purple (specifically Blackmore, Lord, Paice, Gillan, Glover, Coverdale, Evans, and Hughes) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Second Movement
Deep Purple Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the light is gone out
How can I hear
When you speak so silently
More than enough
Is never too much
Hold out a hand
I'm so out of touch
Do unto me
As your heart would have you do
Looks on my head
Cannot get the message through
Sword in my hand
Can cut through the wood
Peace in my heart
Can summon the mood
What shall I do
When they stand smiling at me
Look at the floor
And be oh so cool
Oh so cool
How shall I know
When to start singing my song
What shall I do
If they all go wrong
What shall I do
The lyrics to Deep Purple's song Second Movement: Andante can be interpreted as a philosophical inquiry into the nature of human perception and communication. The first two lines elicit questions about how we perceive and interpret information in the absence of external cues, such as light or sound. The following lines seem to suggest that there is a threshold for our ability to process information, and that excess can lead to confusion or disconnection. The plea to "hold out a hand" might be an appeal for connection, for someone else to help the singer feel less out of touch.
The next verse seems to address the difficulty of conveying a message or being understood by others. The metaphor of a sword cutting through wood suggests that sometimes force or aggression is necessary to get someone's attention, while peace in one's heart might be a more effective way to influence others. The line "do unto me as your heart would have you do" is an allusion to the Golden Rule and seems to suggest that the singer believes in the power of empathy to bridge gaps in communication.
The final lines of the song are more ambiguous, but seem to be addressing the challenge of self-expression and the fear of failure. The line "how shall I know when to start singing my song" might refer to the difficulty of finding one's own voice or staying true to oneself in the face of social pressure. The final line "what shall I do" is left open-ended, inviting the listener to reflect on their own challenges and uncertainties.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I see
I am struggling to perceive things properly
When the light is gone out
The situation is dark and I can't find a way out
How can I hear
I cannot hear what you are saying
When you speak so silently
You are not speaking clearly or loudly enough
More than enough
I don't need anything more than what I have
Is never too much
I am happy with what I already have, there is no need for more
Hold out a hand
Please help me, I am feeling isolated and alone
I'm so out of touch
I am feeling disconnected from everything and everyone
Do unto me
Please treat me as you would like to be treated
As your heart would have you do
Conduct yourself based on empathy and compassion
Looks on my head
People judge me by my appearance
Cannot get the message through
They don't understand what I am trying to say
Sword in my hand
I have a powerful weapon available to me
Can cut through the wood
I have the strength to overcome adversity
Peace in my heart
I feel calm and peaceful internally
Can summon the mood
My good mood can inspire others to feel the same way
What shall I do
I am unsure of what action to take
When they stand smiling at me
I am being judged and evaluated by people who are appearing to be friendly
Look at the floor
I am so nervous that I cannot make eye contact
And be oh so cool
I am trying to remain calm and composed in the face of pressure
How shall I know
I am unsure of how to proceed
When to start singing my song
I am uncertain about when to share my ideas or express myself
What shall I do
I am stuck and do not know how to proceed
If they all go wrong
I am worried about what will happen if my plans do not succeed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheConstar90
ian gillan sounds like an angel fallen from the sky
Euan Elliott
The best live vocal of his career in my opinion. A proud moment for their parents I imagine, who were present at the venue.
the Bat
the look on the woman who is looking at Gillan is priceless, This is indeed one of my most favourite vocal performances ever by anyone.
the Bat
@Euan Elliott totally agree .
Linnéa Skoglund
Jon Lord, both a sheer genius and a complete gentleman <3 I love him to no end.
Enrique Gutiérrez
My father and i used to watch this dvd when i was a little boy, makes cry of happines everytime i hear it
Chris Skelson
rock and classic fusion , never to be repeated
MVR9467
One of the best groups of hart rock ever. I loved. Good times 60 & 70.
sharon carlson
LOVE HIS VOICE....any like his now for us to hear??
Andique
What a time and what a music! It comes back some day.