During the eigthies they operated in changing line-ups with Chandler and Dawkins the only permanent members of the band. In 1984 they released their first demo tape, titled Baboon Enquiries. From 1987 untill their spilt in 1989 they were produced by Steve Rothery of Marillion. During that period the band had a formal line-up of Chandler, Dawkins, Pete Salmon on keyboards and Mark Law on drums. After another three demo tapes in 1987 and 1988, the band released an eight-track vynil self-titled record in 1989, mainly comprised of the previously released demos, as well as a video of their concert shot in the Marquee. After the split Salmon and Law started the band Ultraworld.
In June 1990 Chandler reformed the band with Steve Christley on drums, Nick May (ex Dagaband and Tamarisk) on bass and his friend Martin Orford (of IQ) on keyboard and backing vocals. In 1992 Jadis finally released their "first" real album, More Than Meets the Eye. During the recording proccess of the album May was replaced by IQ bass player John Jowitt (ex Ark). Gary Chandler wrote most of the music and lyrics, but the whole group in general is given song-writing credit.
In the mid-nineties, Orford and Jowitt left the band and were replaced by Mike Torr on keyboards and Steve Hunt on bass, but when Torr missed a gig, since it took place without his knowledge, and Hunt wasn't able to stick to the strict rules of Chandler of staying sober during gigs and not taking drugs, they were both replaced by the returning Orford and Jowitt.
Shortly after completing their album Photoplay in 2006 Orford left the band for a second time due to musical differences. Shortly after he quit IQ as well to spend all his time on the record label Giant Electric Pea, creating his own music. He has now left the music business altogether having released two 'solo' albums - these actually featured guest musicians from IQ and Jadis, as well as John Wetton on vocals.
He was replaced by Giulio Risi, who is not a full member but joins the band on a session basis. John Jowitt also left Jadis and was replaced by Andy Marlow. Live the band is accompanied by Steve Thorne on guitar and vocals.
Discography:
1984 - Baboon Enquiries (cassette)
1987 - Out Of Reach / G13 (cassette DEM1)
1988 - Don't Keep Me Waiting / In The Dark (cassette DEM2)
1988 - Live (cassette DEM3)
1989 - Jadis (lp, Back Beat 004/12)
1989 - Live At The Marquee 18-02-1989 (video)
1992 - More Than Meets The Eye (cd)
1993 - Once Upon A Time (cd ep)
1994 - Across The Water (cd)
1996 - Once Or Twice (cd ep)
1997 - Somersault (cd)
1998 - As Daylight Fades (cd)
2000 - Understand (cd)
2001 - Alive Outside (cd)
2003 - Fanatic (cd)
2003 - View From Above (dvd)
2004 - Medium Rare (cd)
2005 - More Than Meets The Eye (cd remastered with bonus cd)
2006 - Photoplay (cd)
2012 - See Right Through You
2016 - No Fear of Looking Down
Wonderful World
Jadis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From a bed of golden sound
A new found revelation
As freedom takes your hand
Would you like to stay forever
See the lonely people cry
Or stare into the limelight
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
Can I live through this deception
Am I punishing myself
I will crawl in your direction
To the edge of the world
Staring at the sunset
The beauty of an amber sky
In a second I start reliving
What has happened and I question why
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
I can hardly wait, my watering eyes
Life is bleeding me dry - I try
You'll never believe it
Put a warm smile on an ice cold face
It's a highlight of the day
When tears are washed away
By the rain drops in the sun-shine
Against the white wall stands
A lonely shell of a man
He cries with anger, but once again falls silent
Time to leave - time to go
It tears your heart out mire than you'd know
Then as the darkness takes the day
A thousand people fade away
The lyrics of Jadis's "Wonderful World" describe conflicting emotions and perspectives of the world we live in. The opening lines suggest a newfound appreciation for life and freedom, but quickly veers towards the realization that while there is beauty in the world, there is also darkness and suffering. The line "see the lonely people cry" and the contrast between "staring into the limelight" and "helpless creatures die" paint a picture of anguish and contrast.
The lyrics then turn introspective, questioning one's own ability to believe in the world and the constant struggle to reconcile the good with the bad. The line "can I live through this deception" brings a sense of uncertainty and doubt to the forefront. The imagery of staring at the sunset and the beauty of the world, coupled with the questioning of why bad things happen, illustrates the complexity of human emotions and the difficulty in finding answers.
The final lines of the song paint a bleak picture of the passage of time and the eventual fading away of people. The lyrics overall are a poignant reflection on the beauty and tragedy of life and the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Displaying signs of life
Showing small indications of vitality
From a bed of golden sound
Emerging from a place of pleasant noise
A new found revelation
A fresh realization
As freedom takes your hand
As liberty guides you forward
Would you like to stay forever
Are you inclined to remain indefinitely?
See the lonely people cry
Observe the isolated individuals weep
Or stare into the limelight
Alternatively, gaze at the spotlight
Whilst the helpless creatures die
While the powerless animals perish
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
And yet you proclaim this is a marvelous world
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
Once again you insist it's a magnificent world
Can I live through this deception
Can I endure this deceit
Am I punishing myself
Am I causing harm to myself
I will crawl in your direction
I will crawl in your direction
To the edge of the world
To the edge of the world
Staring at the sunset
Gazing at the sunset
The beauty of an amber sky
The loveliness of an orange-colored sky
In a second I start reliving
Suddenly I begin to experience again
What has happened and I question why
I wonder why what occurred happened
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
And still you inform me that it's a fantastic world
And then you tell me it's a wonderful world
Once more you confirm it's an extraordinary world
I can hardly wait, my watering eyes
I can hardly wait, my eyes brimming with tears
Life is bleeding me dry - I try
Life is draining my essence - I endeavor to cope
You'll never believe it
You will never comprehend it
Put a warm smile on an ice cold face
Illuminate a cold expression with a warm grin
It's a highlight of the day
It's the most noteworthy part of the day
When tears are washed away
When tears are cleansed
By the rain drops in the sun-shine
By the rain drops in the sunshine
Against the white wall stands
Erect against the white wall
A lonely shell of a man
A solitary, lifeless man
He cries with anger, but once again falls silent
He sobs with fury, but then quiets down again
Time to leave - time to go
Time to depart - time to move on
It tears your heart out more than you'd know
It breaks your heart more than you comprehend
Then as the darkness takes the day
Subsequently, as the darkness envelops the day
A thousand people fade away
One thousand individuals disappear
Contributed by Kayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andres Gmo. Cabezas
Excelente banda. Su rock de gran nivel; gratamente sorprendido. - Más aún si están asistidos por Steven Rothery de Marillion los papis.
Ricardo Prates
Epic band! Gary Chandler just reunite peace and harmony in all his lyrics! For all those love real music and great musicians Jadis is all about!
MothershipOracle
the lyrics on the 1st 2 albums took on a deeply spiritual meaning for me back in the early 90's.......-amazing how we can all interprete others words to fit our own lives. great band!
Terence Chaulk
Excellent 👍
European Metal Channel
awesome song
Carolina Thiel
Love this song! Where do I find lyrics???
roberto chiang
Listen to this always makes me happy!!!
GUILLE08
Then as the darkness takes the day, A thousand people fade away,
a great truth, that day by day we ignore
poliut2001
Great Band !!! Thank You from Italy
Tuurke01
This song reminds me of the good old "It Bites" sound. Fabulous.....