Since their formation, Europe has released eleven studio albums, three live albums, three compilations and nineteen music videos.
Europe rose to international fame in the 1980s with their third album, 1986's The Final Countdown, which has sold over 3 million copies in the United States and 15 million copies worldwide (including album and single). Europe has sold over 25 million records worldwide. The band has had two top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 chart (The Final Countdown and Out of This World) and two top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart ("The Final Countdown" and "Carrie").
Europe went on hiatus in 1992, reunited temporarily for a one-off performance in Stockholm on New Year's Eve 1999 and announced an official reunion in 2003. Since then the band has released six albums, Start from the Dark (2004), Secret Society (2006), Last Look at Eden (2009), Bag of Bones (2012), War of Kings (2015) and Walk The Earth (2017). They continue to have popular tours.
Europe has achieved new attention in the US due to being featured in a GEICO Insurance cable television commercial campaign viewed for many months across the US in 2015-16.
The band is mainly influenced by Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, UFO and Michael Schenker Group.
Born in 1979 from the underground rock music scene in the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, a young band called 'Force' sprung from the suburbs to win national acclaim in the early 80s, emerging victorious in a nationwide talent contest. Their main influences were arena-ready British hard rock bands of the 70s such as UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Led Zeppelin. Winning a recording contract, core members Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar) and John Leven (bass) re-named themselves 'Europe'.
They went on to record and release two spirited albums, 'Europe' and 'Wings of Tomorrow'. They broke through the musical mainstream in both Scandinavia and Japan. The band toured widely on the strengths of these two records, and, in 1984, they recruited new members Mic Michaeli (keyboards) and drummer Ian Haugland. The success these albums generated on their home soil as well as in the Far East landed them an international record deal with Epic Records in New York.
In 1986, Europe went on to release their third album, 'The Final Countdown', which was produced by Kevin Elson (who had notably worked with Journey and Mr Big). Upon its release, gaining major momentum from Moscow to Manhattan and Stockholm to Sydney and elsewhere, that album conquered the airwaves and the epic arena rock anthem that was its title track succeeded in penetrating the global psyche. The prominent (and now arguably legendary) keyboard riff and memorable melodies catapulted "The Final Countdown" into the top ten charts in the U.K and U.S., and it ended up reaching number one in 24 countries. Selling in excess of six million units and resulting in an extensive world tour, 'The Final Countdown' became a global phenomenon.
It was at this time that John Norum chose to leave Europe to pursue a solo career, and he was replaced by another well-known Swedish guitarist, Kee Marcello. About two years later, Europe emerged again with their fourth album, titled 'Out of This World'. Produced by Ron Nevison (who had worked with UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Heart), this album delivered what had become the trademark Europe melodies and inspiring musical arrangements. Also a remarkable success, Europe embarked on a second world tour, and they notably were the first international rock-act to perform behind the 'Bamboo Curtain' in Bombay, India in front of a 60,000-strong audience.
The follow-up to 'Out of This World' approximately came two years later. That album, titled 'Prisoners in Paradise', was inspired by the band's time residing in Los Angeles, California. Upon completion of yet another world tour in 1993, the members of Europe decided to take time out to pursue personal projects and record solo albums.
After an extended hiatus, the band came together again in 1999 (including original guitarist John Norum) on new year's eve in Stockholm Sweden to perform "Rock the Night" and "The Final Countdown", helping to usher in the new millennium. The performance not only marked Europe's first public appearance in almost a decade but also inspired a permanent reunion. Still, the band's members had difficulties getting their plans to come together.
In 2004, with John Norum firmly back in the band, the original Europe lineup returned to the world stage with "Start From the Dark" - a raw, cutting-edge rock album that delivered a brand new style of melodic rock. The release saw the band's welcome return to the road as they embarked on an extensive tour in Europe, the United States, and the Far East. Shortly thereafter, the band returned to the studio to record their 7th studio album titled "Secret Society" which was released in October 2006. Marking the most daring and innovative Europe album to date, "Secret Society" is both a return to their roots as well as a celebration of their collective musical experience and willingness to explore brand new territories. Followed by another world tour, the band continues to work hard to establish themselves yet again. It can be said that there are few bands from the 80's that still remain creative and relevant today with an edgy and modern sound.
Following their summer 2008 European tour, Europe returned to the studio to record and then release their eighth studio effort, " the Last Look at Eden." The band's latest work is "Bag of Bones," which they released in April 2012. Vocalist Joey Tempest remarked that he thought he'd "made a hardcore classic rock record with the blues knocking on the door." Showing that the group has still got it, the album debuted at #2 on Sweden's top album chart and has been certified Gold in Sweden while also receiving strong sales throughout Europe and in the U.K.
www.europetheband.com/
Time Has Come
Europe Lyrics
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Long for the white dove, no matter where she flies
Long for the stranger you know so well.
Pray for the soldier, who's wounded bad
Pray for the dreamer, he's still so sad
Pray for the stranger you know so well.
Now the time has come
For me to come back home.
Long for the eagle, on wings so strong
Long for the hunter, he won't be long
Long for the stranger you know so well.
The lyrics of Europe's song "Time Has Come" express a deep sense of longing for various things and people, both known and unknown. The first verse speaks of longing for a sailor beneath the skies and a white dove, which may signify a desire for freedom or escape. The mention of a stranger whom one knows well suggests the paradoxical feeling of familiarity and detachment from someone or something. In the second verse, the lyrics shift to a more somber tone, as they call for prayers for a wounded soldier and a sad dreamer. The repetition of "pray for the stranger you know so well" implies a plea for compassion and understanding towards those who may appear different or distant.
The chorus comes in as a declaration that the time has come for the singer to come back home. The lyrical refrain "long for the stranger you know so well" appears once again, but this time it is followed by a call to "pray for me." In this way, the song seems to convey a sense of vulnerability and yearning for connection, even in the face of uncertainty and the unknown.
Overall, "Time Has Come" is a poignant reflection on the themes of longing, compassion, and belonging. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for things and people that may be out of reach, while also inviting empathy towards those who may be struggling or distant.
Line by Line Meaning
Long for the sailor, beneath the skies
Yearn for the freedom and adventure that the sailor represents, under the vast expanse of the open sky.
Long for the white dove, no matter where she flies
Desire for peace, wherever it may be found, symbolized by the white dove.
Long for the stranger you know so well.
Feel a sense of familiarity and connection to someone who is technically a stranger.
Pray for the soldier, who's wounded bad
Hope and wish for healing and recovery for a soldier who has been seriously injured.
Pray for the dreamer, he's still so sad
Request for comfort and consolation for someone who is still struggling to attain their goals or aspirations.
Pray for the stranger you know so well.
Offer support and encouragement to someone who is practically a stranger but is familiar and important to you.
Cause I'm coming home.
Announcement that the singer is returning home, possibly after a long journey or period of absence.
Now the time has come
Acknowledgment that the moment being waited for or anticipated has finally arrived.
For me to come back home.
Explicit statement that the singer is returning home, possibly emphasizing how long they have been away or how important the journey has been.
Long for the eagle, on wings so strong
Admire the power and majesty of the eagle, soaring through the air with grace and strength.
Long for the hunter, he won't be long
Anticipation for the arrival of someone who is skilled or determined, like a hunter tracking prey.
Long for the stranger you know so well.
Feel drawn towards someone who is still essentially a stranger, yet familiar in some inexplicable way.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOEY TEMPEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind