Their sound is roughly based on the sounds of 90s Britpop mixed in with 60s psychedelic rock, with heavy influences of Indian pop music as well as classic hard rock throughout. Their first album, 'K' was released in the United Kingdom in 1996, and it became the fastest selling debut album since 'Definitely Maybe' by Oasis. Selling 850,000 copies in the U.K. and a further 250,000 in the U.S., the band achieved success with their singles "Hey Dude" and "Tattva" climbing into the top 40. Their second album released in 1999, 'Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts', however, did not have the success of the first, selling only a fraction of 'K' despite a slightly higher marketing budget. Later that year, Mills announced the band would be breaking up due to unwanted pressure loaded upon them by their label and the urge to move on.
On 11th July 2006, Kula Shaker announced that they would be reforming, and the group set about creating an iTunes-exclusive E.P. They started by touring smaller venues in the U.K. Their third album, 'Strange Folk', was released on 20th August 2007, and their fourth, 'Pilgrim's Progress', was released on 28th June 2010. While touring since then, they have also released a Christmas single. Frontman Crispian Mills is also known for his solo work and his role in the band The Jeevas
Grateful When You're Dead/Jerry Was There
Kula Shaker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're driving roads to suicide, I know you can sympathise
If your love is a cheatin' and if you're blinded by the pain
Your honeymoon in summer is a picnic in the rain...
You'll be grateful when you're dead
Grateful when you're dead
Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba
I'm shaking, I shake the spear before your eyes
Well if you know your history, you will read between the lines
If you're waiting for a vision, to illuminate your mind
To leave this world of misery, oh eave it all behind...
You'll be grateful when you're dead
Grateful when you're dead
Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba
Jerry was there,
Jerry was there (many times!)
Oh I'm telling you man, Jerry was there
You could feel his presence everywhere
Oh I'm telling you man, Jerry was there
You could feel his presence everywhere
"I seen him man - looked me right in the face"
The lyrics to Kula Shaker's “Grateful When You’re Dead/Jerry Was There” mention the pain and hardships that one can experience in life. The artist paints a picture in the listener's mind and draws their attention to the struggles that many people face on a daily basis. The song speaks to individuals who may be contemplating suicide, who have experienced cheating in romantic relationships, or who are generally experiencing difficult times. The use of the phrase “Your honeymoon in summer is a picnic in the rain” suggests that life can be unpredictable and difficult even in moments that are typically joyful.
The artist goes on to suggest that one will be grateful when they are dead. This line could be interpreted in a few ways. It could mean that death is a release from the struggles of life, making one grateful for the end of their pain. It could also mean that in death, one is able to find a sense of peace or spiritual calm that is not attainable in life. The repeated line “Jerry was there” seems to be referencing Jerry Garcia, the lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead. The artist recounts his own sightings of Garcia and notes that his presence could be felt everywhere.
Overall, “Grateful When You’re Dead/Jerry Was There” speaks to the complexities of life and the challenges that people face. It suggests that finding meaning in struggles can be difficult and that sometimes the best we can hope for is a release from our pain. However, the song also finds beauty in the presence of Jerry Garcia and his ability to bring joy and spirituality to those who encountered him.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm painting, I paint a picture in your mind
I'm trying to make you imagine something by creating a mental image through my words
If you're driving roads to suicide, I know you can sympathise
If you're feeling hopeless and lost, I understand how you feel
If your love is a cheatin' and if you're blinded by the pain
If the person you love is unfaithful and you can't see beyond your hurt
Your honeymoon in summer is a picnic in the rain...
Your happy moments can turn into disappointments and failures
You'll be grateful when you're dead
Life is hard, but after it ends, you'll finally be at peace
Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba
I'm shaking, I shake the spear before your eyes
I'm warning you about the dangers that lie in front of you
Well if you know your history, you will read between the lines
If you understand the past, you'll be able to interpret the present better
If you're waiting for a vision, to illuminate your mind
If you're hoping for clarity and insight to help you move forward
To leave this world of misery, oh eave it all behind...
To escape from this world of suffering, you need to let go of everything that's holding you back
Jerry was there,
The legendary Jerry Garcia (of the Grateful Dead) was present
Jerry was there (many times!)
Jerry was there on multiple occasions, and his spirit lives on
Oh I'm telling you man, Jerry was there
Jerry's spirit was felt strongly and made an impact
You could feel his presence everywhere
Jerry's influence and energy were present in the air
"I seen him man - looked me right in the face"
"I saw him, and he made eye contact with me and left an impression"
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Porcospino
One of the most underrated bands ever
Missy Mathews
This song was my first words. When I was 10 months old, my dad would sing this to me to help me sleep. I woke up one morning and he walked in and I just sang “ba ba ba!” I was only a baby when this song came out. I’m 22 now, and it’s still my favourite song.
Ray Mysterio
I'm a bad boy believe it or not but this album scares me. It's scary how good it is... A masterpiece
Beth Daly
love this album. Brings back fantastic memories of the 90's!
Noodles37UK
Let's hope my Nephews' and Neices' generation will bring back brilliant music to the mainstream. Heard this in '96 and was WOWED.
Bobby Shaftoe
90's at their best.... Kula Shaker,brilliant,different from the rest!!
riotribunal
Some musics from this album are VERY GOOD !
Ford Capri
Bournemouth, Dorset, UK. Thanks for an awesome gig last week, anyone waiting to see them.........YOU HAVE A REAL TREAT IN STORE..............been the best part of 20 years since I properly listened, love it now just as much as back then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
seasonedsevencolors
I was 15 in '96 in India. Big fan of Brit rock since mid-90s.
Thirdeye147
You could feel his presence everywhere. .smartdogs tops this....just