They released three albums during the '90s, with their debut Electronic selling over a million copies worldwide. However, the follow-up Raise the Pressure, despite debuting in the UK Top 10, was a commercial flop by comparison. The group's highest charting singles is 1992's Disappointed, which reached #6 in the UK. The band's biggest American hit was 1989's Getting Away With It which reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Twisted Tenderness was released in 1999 and again hit the UK Top 10. This third and final studio album was co-produced by influential New York club DJ and dance producer Arthur Baker, with whom Sumner had previously worked on New Order's 1983 hit Confusion, amongst other songs. Marr and Sumner remained the only official members of the band, but were joined by Doves Jimi Goodwin on bass and Black Grape drummer Ged Lynch.
In September 2006 the duo's work was compiled on the album Get The Message - The Best Of Electronic.
A New Religion
Electronic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A new dawn and a new religion
Help me and I will try
Lend me the hand of (life?)
Show me that I can fly
Just stand there by my side
How many words are written
It's there in front of you
Take a look it's quite a view
Oh how could I know
Reaping the seed that can't be sown
It happens all the time
But not when you're around
Why do some people shine
While others search the ground
It's like walking in the snow
It's happening right now
It's got to be somehow
Hello stranger you're the reason
That I live and that I keep on breathing
Sing me a lullaby
Don't let this baby cry
I'm lost inside my mind
Fresh water pure will clean me
Renew the force within me
Just something I must do
I would leave the world to you
The lyrics of Electronic's song "A New Religion" explore the idea of personal growth and transformation. The song begins with the singer leaving or letting go of something in their life, and embracing a new beginning symbolized by a new religion. They express a desire for help and support from someone else, but also acknowledge that ultimately, they are responsible for their own growth and must learn to fly on their own.
The second verse speaks to the frustration of feeling unheard and misunderstood by others, despite the presence of clear signs or messages. The singer is frustrated by others' inability to see the world as they do or to recognize the potential for growth and change. The chorus speaks to the idea that personal growth can be a lonely and isolating experience, yet it is still worthwhile and necessary.
In the bridge, the singer addresses someone specifically, calling them a "stranger" who gives them a reason to keep going. They ask for comfort and support, acknowledging that they feel lost and overwhelmed by their own thoughts. The singer also mentions the importance of cleansing and renewal as a necessary step towards growth.
Overall, the lyrics of "A New Religion" paint a picture of a person who is searching for something more in their life, and is willing to let go of the past in order to embrace a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
It's early but I'm leaving
I'm embarking on a new journey, leaving behind my old ways
A new dawn and a new religion
I'm adopting a new way of life, a new set of beliefs
Help me and I will try
I need support and guidance but I'm willing to put in the effort
Lend me the hand of (life?)
I need life's guidance and assistance
Show me that I can fly
Teach me that I am capable of so much more than I previously believed
Just stand there by my side
I need someone to support me and help me through my journey
How many words are written
There are so many words and teachings that have been written and documented
You can read but you don't listen
However, many people may read these teachings without truly absorbing and acting upon them
It's there in front of you
The knowledge and wisdom is readily available
Take a look it's quite a view
If you really pay attention and put in the effort, it's truly enlightening
Oh how could I know
It's impossible to understand everything and have all the answers
Reaping the seed that can't be sown
Trying to attain something that is impossible or unattainable
It happens all the time
This is a common occurrence
But not when you're around
But when you're present, things change for the better
Why do some people shine
Some people have a natural light and charisma to them
While others search the ground
While others may struggle to find their own light and purpose
It's like walking in the snow
Sometimes trying to find one's way and purpose can feel like walking through unfamiliar territory
It's happening right now
This journey is happening in the present moment
It's got to be somehow
There has to be a way to find my own path and make it work
Hello stranger you're the reason
Meeting new people and forming connections can give us new purpose and inspiration
That I live and that I keep on breathing
These connections and relationships give me life and motivation to keep going
Sing me a lullaby
I need someone to comfort and soothe me
Don't let this baby cry
Don't let me give up or lose hope
I'm lost inside my mind
I'm struggling to find my own way and may feel lost or overwhelmed
Fresh water pure will clean me
Exposure to new experiences and knowledge can help me find clarity and understanding
Renew the force within me
These experiences and connections can help me find new energy and strength
Just something I must do
This journey is something I feel compelled to pursue
I would leave the world to you
I want to make a positive impact and leave a meaningful legacy behind
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BERNARD (GB 2) SUMNER, JOHNNY MARR, KARL BARTOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Sullivan
The lyrics-
it's early but I'm leaving
a new dawn and a new religion
help me and I will try
lend me the hand of God
show me that I can fly
just stand there by my side
how many words are written
you can read but you don't listen
it's there in front of you
take a look it's quite a view
oh how could I know
reaping the seed that can't be sown
It happens all the time
but not when you're around
why do some people shine
while others search the ground
it's like walking in the snow
it's happening right now
it's got to be somehow
hello stranger you're the reason
that I live and that I keep on breathing
sing me a lullaby
don't let this baby cry
I'm lost inside my mind
fresh water pure will clean me
renew the force within me
just something I must do
I would leave the world to you
Read more: Electronic - A New Religion Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Population Problem
One of Electronics' finest tunes....
Shannon Stearns
Thanks so much. This helped me through a hardcore time when I was younger. Haven't heard it in years.
Ripley Texarkana
never heard this song, thanks for posting! I thought all three Electronic albums were great in their own way. There are a couple of duds on album two but its still pretty strong. "Make It Happen (extended)" is still an awesome song along with the rest of that album.
Brian Sullivan
The lyrics-
it's early but I'm leaving
a new dawn and a new religion
help me and I will try
lend me the hand of God
show me that I can fly
just stand there by my side
how many words are written
you can read but you don't listen
it's there in front of you
take a look it's quite a view
oh how could I know
reaping the seed that can't be sown
It happens all the time
but not when you're around
why do some people shine
while others search the ground
it's like walking in the snow
it's happening right now
it's got to be somehow
hello stranger you're the reason
that I live and that I keep on breathing
sing me a lullaby
don't let this baby cry
I'm lost inside my mind
fresh water pure will clean me
renew the force within me
just something I must do
I would leave the world to you
Read more: Electronic - A New Religion Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Shannon Stearns
Lend me the hand of God
Chris Romero
Was just watching Bernard Sumner Prozac Diaries moments ago and went to see if this song was posted and it was!! Just yesterday in fact. Magic. I've been looking to hear this song for many years now but couldn't find it anywhere. Very cool, thank you.
jedzdead
@stiffkittens24 No problem. I remember the track being on the Prozac Diaries. All 3 tracks on the Forbidden City single are great. Shame the 2nd Electronic album wasn't quite as good as it promised to be. Thanks for your comment.
siipris
Wow, I liked the second album best. Third album's great too. What a great group they were... been really into 'em lately! Thanks for the great post.
Chris Romero
Exactly. I did and still do enjoy their 2nd album but it wasn't nearly as good or as classic as their 1st album. I read it took Electronic 2 years to make the 2nd album. It was a shame it wasn't better.
MaxAndTheTatraplan
T E L E F U N KE N luv it! max