In October 1978, McCulloch founded Echo & the Bunnymen with Will Sergeant (guitar), Les Pattinson (bass), and a drum machine (allegedly named Echo), making their live début at Eric's in November that year. In October 1979 the Bunnymen exchanged the drum machine for Pete de Freitas on drums. With their line up solidified, the Bunnymen played in the late 1970s and early 1980s, releasing their critically praised debut album, Crocodiles in 1980, and the heavier, bass driven, Heaven up Here in 1981. They released their third album Porcupine in 1983 with the lead single "The Cutter" finishing in the Top 10 of the UK Charts. Ocean Rain followed in 1984.
In 1988, McCulloch left the group to pursue a solo career under the impression the Bunnymen would be laid to rest, if only temporarily. When the remaining Bunnymen continued using the name with new singer Noel Burke, the split became permanent with McCulloch referring to the band as "Echo & the Bogusmen".
In 1990, McCulloch released the album Candleland which reflected a more mature outlook on the world, owing to the recent deaths of McCulloch's father and his friend Pete de Freitas. The album peaked at number 18 in the UK Charts. It yielded two Modern Rock Tracks hits, "Proud To Fall" (No. 1 for 4 weeks) and "Faith and Healing." His album Mysterio was released in 1992, but the public's interest in the former Bunnyman was waning and it sold less than its predecessor. Shortly after, McCulloch left the public eye to devote more time to his family.
McCulloch rekindled his relationship with Will Sergeant, leading to the formation of Electrafixion in 1994. The band released the album Burned which peaked at number 38 in the UK and included the top-30 hit "Sister Pain." The band soon found themselves performing set lists composed of half Electrafixion songs and half Echo & the Bunnymen songs.
In 1997, Echo & the Bunnymen reformed and released the album Evergreen to positive reviews and chart success. Evergreen made the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart and the single "Nothing Lasts Forever reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart.[12] The reformed Bunnymen have since recorded several further albums, the most recent being Meteorites[/abum] which was released in 2014.
I Know You Well
Ian McCulloch Lyrics
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To be changed or to stay true
Are you primed to make the killing
Or too scared to follow through
When all the blood is spilling
Will it be too real for you
I know you well
I know you well
I know you well
Yes, I know you well
When everything is hollow
Holiness will call for you
And I will have to follow
And you will follow too
Will all those silver dollars
Be enough to see us through
They know us well
They know us well
They know us well
Yes, they know us well
Is your mind made up or willing
To be changed or to stay true
Are you primed to make the killing
Or too scared to follow through
When all the blood is spilling
Will it pour right out of you
You know me well
You know me well
You know me well
Yes, you know me well
You know me well
In Ian McCulloch's "I Know You Well," the lyrics explore themes of loyalty and truthfulness. The song is written in the form of a question and answer dialogue and poses a series of questions that prompt a reflection on one's character. The singer asks the listener about the strength of their convictions and calls on them to examine whether their commitment is genuine or wavering. The lyrics also speak to the idea of violence and the consequences of actions, asking if someone is willing to go through with their plans or if they are too afraid to follow through.
The repetition of the phrase "I know you well" reinforces the sense that the singer has a deep understanding of the listener, and that the questions they are posing are rooted in a genuine desire to learn more about them. The concept of knowing someone well is significant because it suggests that even though the listener may not be fully aware of their own character or motivations, the singer has insight into who they are.
Overall, "I Know You Well" is a contemplative and introspective song that invites the listener to reflect on their own values and beliefs. It highlights the importance of being true to oneself and staying committed to one's principles even in the face of difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Is your mind made up or willing
Are you already set in your beliefs or open to changing your mind?
To be changed or to stay true
Are you willing to change your views or committed to staying the same?
Are you primed to make the killing
Are you prepared to take extreme action?
Or too scared to follow through
Or are you too afraid to act on your impulses?
When all the blood is spilling
When the situation becomes violent and chaotic
Will it be too real for you
Will you be able to handle the reality of the situation?
I know you well
I understand your motivations and tendencies
When everything is hollow
When everything seems empty and meaningless
Holiness will call for you
You will search for something to give your life meaning
And I will have to follow
I will be there to support you on your quest
And you will follow too
You will also be seeking something to hold onto
Will all those silver dollars
Will all the material possessions you've accumulated
Be enough to see us through
Be sufficient to sustain us through difficult times
They know us well
Others understand our habits and tendencies
You know me well
You understand my motivations and tendencies
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ian McCulloch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind