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
Ophelia
Kula Shaker Lyrics
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Precious heart, young Ophelia
Willow veil'd, silken sail'd
Floating through my dreams
You were tired of this shadow life
Of fears that holds us tight
I will lie beside the river now
For ever and a night
For ever and a night
Doubt the stars are on fire
Doubt Truth to be a liar
But never doubt I love you
'Till the day I die
Like a breeze upon a summer's eve
You blew into my mind
I will wait upon your precious heart
Until the day I die
My Ophelia
My Ophelia
My Ophelia
My Ophelia
My Ophelia
The lyrics of Kula Shaker's song Ophelia speak of a deep longing for someone who is perhaps no longer there. The singer addresses a character, possibly a child or a loved one, calling them "young Ophelia" and "precious heart." The imagery in the second stanza is particularly vivid, with the willow trees and floating silk creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The third stanza hints at unrest and dissatisfaction with the current state of things, "this shadow life / of fears that holds us tight."
The sudden shift in tone in the fourth stanza is striking. The singer declares that they "will lie beside the river now / for ever and a night." The phrase "for ever and a night" suggests a final, definitive departure from the world of the living. This could be interpreted as a suicide or simply a desire to be close to Ophelia in death. The final stanza reaffirms the deep love that the singer feels for Ophelia, declaring that they will wait for her until the end of their own life.
Overall, the lyrics of Ophelia convey a sense of deep, passionate love and longing for a person who may be gone. The imagery is evocative and poetic, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the sense of otherworldliness and reverie that permeates the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my child, how I need you
The singer is expressing their intense desire for companionship and support from Ophelia.
Precious heart, young Ophelia
The singer is referring to Ophelia as someone dear to them, and acknowledging her youth and innocence.
Willow veil'd, silken sail'd
The singer is using metaphorical language to describe Ophelia's grace and beauty.
Floating through my dreams
The artist is saying that Ophelia occupies their thoughts and imagination.
You were tired of this shadow life
The artist is acknowledging that Ophelia had grown weary of a difficult or unfulfilling life.
Of fears that holds us tight
The singer suggests that fear has kept Ophelia, and perhaps themselves, from living a more fulfilling life.
I will lie beside the river now
The singer is expressing a desire to be close to nature, perhaps in a state of reflection or solitude.
For ever and a night
The artist seems to be suggesting they will be alone beside the river for a long time.
Doubt the stars are on fire
The artist is saying that even if the most fundamental aspects of reality seemed untrue, their love for Ophelia would remain constant.
Doubt Truth to be a liar
The artist is expressing the same sentiment as in the previous line, but in a more general way.
But never doubt I love you
The singer is reassuring Ophelia that their love is unwavering and genuine.
'Till the day I die
The artist is perhaps suggesting that their love for Ophelia will endure even beyond their own mortality.
Like a breeze upon a summer's eve
The singer is using metaphorical language to describe the entrance of Ophelia into their thoughts or life.
You blew into my mind
The singer is saying that Ophelia made a profound impact on them, occupying their thoughts in a powerful way.
I will wait upon your precious heart
The singer is saying that they will be patient and respectful of Ophelia's needs and desires, and that they see her as someone special and valuable.
My Ophelia
The artist is using an endearing nickname or term of affection to refer to Ophelia.
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.