After the departure of Gish (who would later join Bark Psychosis) the three-piece Disco Inferno recorded the single 'Entertainment' with producer Charlie McIntosh. Their first album, Open Doors, Closed Windows, was released in 1991 on Che and received positive reviews, although most mentioned the heavy influence of late 1970s post punk bands, particularly Joy Division and Wire (In fact Disco Inferno's manager, Michael Collins, had previously managed Wire during their 70's incarnation). 'Entertainment', 'Open Doors, Closed Windows' and the 'Science' EP would later be collected on the album In Debt.
In 1992 the band released Summer's Last Sound, widely regarded as the first in a run of classic Disco Inferno EPs which saw the band's increasing use of samples. The band's use of sampling combined with traditional instruments - particularly Wilmott's bass - continued on the EPs A Rock To Cling To and The Last Dance and reached its peak on their second album D.I. Go Pop. After the full-on assault of D.I. Go Pop the band opted for restraint on the beautiful Second Language EP which also had a new-found optimism in Crause's lyrics.
Their final single, 'It's A Kid's World', sampled the distinctive drumbeat from Iggy Pop's Lust for Life and added in a series of old children's TV themes to good effect, but despite critical acclaim the band attracted little commercial success and split before their final album Technicolour was released in 1996.
From the Devil to the Deep Blue Sky
Disco Inferno Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The strength will soon be leaving me.
Our ships have sunk or run aground,
And only sharks now swim around.
Smashed and battered by the waves,
Support their hope of being saved.
And every passing ship to chance,
Salvation in a passing glance.
I may need dreams from time to time,
But dreams aren't keeping me alive.
My dreams have torn my life in two--
Now I just need a rock to cling to.
I'm often closer than I think,
Yet my grip is far too weak.
I grab a box and swim away,
Time and time and time again.
But not for me this time I guess
And then the next and then the next.
Is my fear of crashing waves
Greater than my fear of being saved?
I may need dreams from time to time,
But dreams aren't keeping me alive.
My dreams have torn my life in two
Now I just need a rock to cling to.
The lyrics to Disco Inferno's song "From the Devil to the Deep Blue Sky" paint a vivid picture of someone lost at sea, struggling to hold on to hope as they fight against the powerful forces of nature. The singer describes their surroundings as their ship sinks and they are left alone in the open ocean, with only the company of sharks. They are battered by waves and desperately searching for any sign of rescue from passing ships. But despite their efforts to stay afloat, they feel their strength slowly slipping away.
Amidst this struggle, the singer reflects on the role that dreams have played in their life. They acknowledge that dreams have brought them some comfort and solace in difficult times, but they also recognize that dreams alone cannot sustain them. They need something tangible to hold on to, a rock to cling to, that will keep them grounded and alive. Throughout the song, the singer grapples with the fear of being saved (and the unknown that comes with it) versus the fear of crashing waves (and the familiar but dangerous situation they find themselves in).
Overall, "From the Devil to the Deep Blue Sky" is a powerful meditation on survival, hope, and the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in the face of adversity. The vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics make this song a stunning tribute to anyone who has ever found themselves lost at sea, metaphorically or otherwise.
Line by Line Meaning
Drifting further out to sea,
I am moving away from land and civilization, facing isolation and disconnection.
The strength will soon be leaving me.
I feel weak and vulnerable, with my resources depleting quickly and my chances of survival dwindling.
Our ships have sunk or run aground,
My previous means of transportation and escape have failed, trapping me in a dire situation.
And only sharks now swim around.
I am surrounded by danger and predators that threaten my life and well-being.
Smashed and battered by the waves,
The relentless power of the ocean is causing physical and emotional harm to me.
Support their hope of being saved.
I hold onto the possibility of rescue and help, even though it seems unlikely or uncertain.
And every passing ship to chance,
I rely on the possibility of random encounters with other people, who might provide assistance or a way out.
Salvation in a passing glance.
I hope that someone will notice me and help me escape, even if it is just a passing moment of recognition.
I may need dreams from time to time,
I still hold onto my aspirations and fantasies, even in the face of harsh reality.
But dreams aren't keeping me alive.
I cannot survive on dreams alone, and I need tangible resources and support to stay alive.
My dreams have torn my life in two--
My fantasies and ambitions have caused internal conflict and division, making it harder for me to focus and survive.
Now I just need a rock to cling to.
I crave stability and security, hoping to find a solid foundation upon which I can build my survival and recovery.
I'm often closer than I think,
I might not realize the resources and opportunities that are available to me, or underestimate my own resilience and skills.
Yet my grip is far too weak.
Even if I recognize a possible solution or escape, I might still lack the strength or willpower to pursue it successfully.
I grab a box and swim away,
I seek out and use any tools or resources that I can find, even if they are imperfect or inadequate.
Time and time and time again.
Even if my attempts fail or are not enough, I keep trying and hoping to find a way out.
But not for me this time I guess
Despite my efforts and expectations, I still fall short and cannot find a resolution or escape.
And then the next and then the next.
My failures and disappointments keep repeating and compounding, adding to my despair and hopelessness.
Is my fear of crashing waves
I wonder if my anxieties and doubts are preventing me from taking risks or seizing opportunities, making my situation worse.
Greater than my fear of being saved?
I question if my hope for rescue and survival outweighs my fears and obstacles, or if I am resigned to my fate.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Ian Crause, Paul Wilmott, Robert Whatley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@samschofield2824
This is so much more subdued that something like mogwai or something.
@LaTomb3
FIRST