Love Spirals Downwards was begun by multi-instrumentalist Ryan Lum and then-girlfriend Suzanne Perry. In 1991, Lum and Perry recorded a demo, which led to a contract with Projekt Records. Over its 8-year history, the band released four full-length albums, a career retrospective, and a CD single, selling (by their own account) in excess of 40,000 CDs. They were also included on over two dozen various artist compilations, including the Heavenly Voices series released by the German label Hyperium.
Perry's sister Kristen collaborated with Lum on two tracks for the 1998 album, Flux. One of her songs, "Psyche ," was used on episode #501 of Dawson’s Creek, originally airing on 10/10/2001. This episode is included on the Season 5 DVD set.
Jennifer Wilde (then working under her maiden name, Jennifer Ryan Fuller) collaborated with Lum and Perry on two tracks for Love Spirals Downwards' 1994 second release, Ardor. Her vocals from one of these songs, "Sunset Bell," were reused for a new version of the song 4 years later on the band's album, Flux. Wilde went on to form her own band, Liquid State, in January 2006.
Although the band never officially broke up, in 1999 Lum began releasing music under the shortened moniker, Lovespirals, featuring new vocal collaborator, Anji Bee. In January 2000, the Love Spirals Downwards career retrospective CD, Temporal, was released by Projekt with no indication of the duo's split.
Soon after the 2002 release of Lovespirals' first full-length album, Windblown Kiss, Projekt announced that Perry would release an EP under the band name, Melodyguild. Though recorded in 2003, the band's debut EP, Aitu, wasn't released until mid-2008. Perry has since collaborated with Falling You on material released in 2006 and 2008.
In 2007 Projekt re-released the first two Love Spirals Downwards albums remastered by Ryan Lum with additional tracks included in newly designed digipacs.
by your side
Love Spirals Downwards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just to be there by your side
I've felt the water
As it's river flows to dry
The night sky warms me
Tell me, should I close my eyes
Those lights that blind me
Say you, "just you step inside"
Right by your side
Right by your side
Ooh how you keep patience safe lies
Crossing this ocean's too wide
How could that warmth be the right sky
Crossing to be by your side
Right by your side
Right by your side
I'd cross the ocean
Just to be there by your side
I've felt the water
As it's river flows to dry
The night sky warms me
Tell me, should I close my eyes
Those lights that blind me
Say you, "just you step inside"
Right by your side
Right by your side
Ooh how you keep patience safe lies
Crossing this ocean's too wide
How could that warmth be the right sky
Crossing to be by your side
Right by your side
Right by your side
The lyrics of Love Spirals Downwards' song "By Your Side" evoke themes of deep longing, dedication, and a sense of commitment in a relationship. The repeated phrase "I'd cross the ocean just to be there by your side" emphasizes the lengths the singer is willing to go to be with their loved one, suggesting a strong desire and devotion. The imagery of crossing the ocean symbolizes the vast distances the singer would traverse to be close to the person they care about, highlighting the importance of their presence in their life.
The reference to feeling the water as its river flows to dry conveys a sense of fluidity and change, perhaps reflecting the ups and downs of the relationship or the passage of time. The night sky providing warmth and the idea of closing one's eyes further add to the intimate and sensory nature of the connection being described. The mention of lights that blind and the invitation to "step inside" could symbolize moments of uncertainty or challenges in the relationship, but also imply a sense of trust and vulnerability between the two individuals.
The repetition of the phrase "Right by your side" reinforces the central theme of companionship and being there for each other through thick and thin. The juxtaposition of keeping patience despite safe lies and the vastness of crossing oceans suggests that the singer is willing to endure hardships or challenges for the sake of staying close to their loved one. The mention of warmth and the idea of the right sky symbolize a sense of comfort, security, and happiness that the singer finds in being by the side of their significant other.
Overall, the lyrics of "By Your Side" by Love Spirals Downwards capture the essence of unwavering support, emotional depth, and the willingness to go to great lengths for love. The imagery and emotive language used in the song create a poignant and heartfelt portrayal of a profound connection between two individuals, emphasizing the importance of being present and supportive in each other's lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd cross the ocean
I would go to great lengths
Just to be there by your side
Just to be with you
I've felt the water
I have experienced the emotions
As it's river flows to dry
As its current fades away
The night sky warms me
The beauty of the night comforts me
Tell me, should I close my eyes
Should I let go and trust
Those lights that blind me
The distractions that hinder me
Say you, "just you step inside"
Encouraging me to take a leap of faith
Right by your side
By your side
Ooh how you keep patience safe lies
Oh, how you maintain patience despite deceit
Crossing this ocean's too wide
Overcoming great obstacles
How could that warmth be the right sky
Could that sense of comfort be the perfect place
Crossing to be by your side
Going through challenges to be with you
Writer(s): Helen Adu, Stuart Matthewman, Andrew Hale, Paul Denman
Contributed by Keira K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.