Earth and Fire (1967-1983 and 1987-1990) was a slightly psychedelic and sym… Read Full Bio ↴Earth and Fire (1967-1983 and 1987-1990) was a slightly psychedelic and symphonic pop band, with singer and front woman Jerney Kaagman and twin brothers Chris Koerts (guitars) and Gerard Koerts (keyboards) as its core members. The band members hailed from places Voorschoten, Voorburg and Leidschendam, suburban towns of The Hague, The Netherlands.

The band was founded in 1967 as Opus Gainfull, but changed its name into Earth and Fire as early as in 1968. The Koerts twins were two of the founding members.

The band's big break in The Netherlands came in 1970 with Seasons, a song written by George Kooymans, guitarist of fellow The Hague rockers Golden Earring. The single reached #2 in the Dutch charts. Between 1970 and 1983 eighteen Earth and Fire singles charted in The Netherlands. Nine made it to the top ten, two (1972's Memories and 1979's Weekend) reached #1. The latter was also hit internationally.

The band released eight studio albums, of which Reality Fills Fantasy (1979) was the most succesful one, reaching #2 in the Dutch album charts.

The departure of founding member Chris Koerts in 1979 marked the beginning of the end for Earth and Fire. The group eventually folded in 1983, after which Jerney Kaagman embarked on a solo career, to little commercial success.

Earth and Fire briefly resurfaced briefly in 1987, without the Koerts brothers and with Ton Scherpenzeel (formerly of symphonic rock band Kayak) as its musical leader. 'Earth and Fire Mark II' released one single that failed to chart, and no albums.

Where Were You
Earth and Fire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's not about where I went or who I was
It's not about what we did, but who we are
I'm taking you on this ride so far from home
We don't know where we are or where we'll go
I start the car and drive away
Chasing you
Wherever you go
Summer

Where are you?
Where have you gone?
I fell in love and I haven't felt this in so long
You went away for a year
We only lasted three months until you disappeared
Waste away the next two hundred and seventy three fucking days
Why'd you have to leave me here?
I start the car and drive away
Chasing you
Wherever you go
Summer
Where are you?
Where have you gone?
I fell in love and I haven't felt this in so long
Please don't leave me
We just met
You took my heart when you left
Summer
Where are you?
Where have you gone?
I fell in love and I haven't felt this in so long
Please don't leave me
We just met
You took my heart when you left
Why summer must you leave?
You meant everything to me

You're just a distant memory
Oh summer why'd you have to leave?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Earth and Fire's song "Where Were You" are actually a rendition of the traditional gospel hymn "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?". The original hymn is believed to have originated from African American slaves who were working in the plantations in the southern United States during the 19th century. The lyrics are a reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the emotional weight that it carries for believers. The song poses a series of questions to the listener, asking if they were there to witness the events of Jesus' crucifixion. It also expresses the singer's awe and fear at the magnitude of the event, causing them to tremble.

The lyrics are meant to inspire a sense of reflection and introspection in the listener. By asking if they were present at the crucifixion, it challenges the listener to consider their own relationship with Jesus and how they may have responded to witnessing such a pivotal moment in history. The powerful chorus of "Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble" reinforces the emotional weight of the topic and encourages the listener to deeply consider the significance of the crucifixion.

Line by Line Meaning

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Did you witness the horrendous act of crucifixion inflicted upon my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree...
Did you witness the cruelty of nailing him to the Cross like an animal?

Were you there when they pierced him in the side
Did you witness the brutality of piercing his side, causing immense pain and suffering?

Were you there when the sun refused to shine...
Did you witness the dramatic moment when the sky went dark and the sun disappeared?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb...
Did you witness the final resting place of my Lord as they laid him in the tomb?

Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Jason Colombini

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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