The Fish era is often categorized as neo-progressive. They originally started as "Silmarillion" (from Tolkien's book) with heavy influences from classic Genesis but went on to develop their own distinctive sound. The band was formed in 1979 by Mick Pointer (drums), Steve Rothery (guitar), Doug 'Rastus' Irvine (bass), and others, soon adding vocalist Fish (real name Derek W. Dick), Diz Minitt (bass), and Brian Jelliman. By the time of their first album, 1983's Script for a Jester's Tear, the bass position had been taken over by Pete Trewavas and keyboards by Mark Kelly.
The studio albums Fugazi (1984), Misplaced Childhood (1985), and Clutching at Straws (1987), as well as the 1984 live album Real to Reel all sold respectably, and the band scored a hit single in Britain with Kayleigh in 1985.
When Fish left the band in 1988 after four albums he was replaced by Steve Hogarth. A former member of The Europeans and some-time collaborator with The The and Julian Cope, Hogarth brought a new energy to the band.
Across a further ten albums, Hogarth – along with existing members Rothery, Kelly, Trewavas, and Mosley – have reinvigorated and constantly redefined Marillion’s sound. They forged into new musical territories with a succession of inventive, emotional albums, displaying little regard to the vagaries of hit charts or radio playlists.
After the release of 1999’s marillion.com the band freed themselves from record company pressure once and for all by launching their own record label, the Intact imprint.
Thanks to their pioneering embrace of the Internet through their website http://marillion.com, Marillion have developed a unique and intimate relationship with their fans. From sponsoring entire tours of the USA to funding the recording of recent albums, Marillion’s global fan-base is unique in its affection and dedication. As a result, such passionate, wholesale support has allowed Marillion to step outside of the conventional music industry and find their own path.
In 2001 Anoraknophobia saw Marillion take the groundbreaking step of asking fans to pre-order an album 12 months before release. An amazing 12,000 people signed up, helping to finance the recording. The band once again took pre-orders for the 2004 release Marbles, but this time the money was channelled into a campaign fund to promote its launch. The success of singles Don't Hurt Yourself and You're Gone – the latter making it all the way to number 7 – vindicated the band's independent strategy.
Their 2007 album Somewhere Else reached number 24 in the UK album chart with their most recent single Thankyou Whoever You Are hitting the UK singles chart at number 15. The band shows no signs of fading away after more than 25 years of activity.
Their 15th album, "Happiness is the road", was physically released in October 2008 but was originally available exclusively from the band's website. It was released with little promotion and a deluxe pre-order package was made available as with Marbles. 'Happiness is the Road' is the second studio double album of a long career (2004's Marbles was the other). A UK and European tour followed the album's release, and the band is taking special effort to record every show in the "Happiness on the Road" tour, making the recordings available from the band's website.
Cinderella Search
Marillion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The light at the end of the bottle, alcoholic alphabet
Through the looking glass the proof in my own reflection
Five senses down and reeling on the Cinderella search
On the rebound, fumbling all the lines
Decay on the vertical hold with a horizontal aim
Conversation needs translation
On the rebound, writing all the lines
Dreaming bartenders, bourbon and saxophone
Out of luck, out of charm, out the game of rejections in a cigarette city
Only courting the homing of direction on the Cinderella search, Cinderella search
But the Samaritan of the heartbroken, heartbroken
Swam through the nicotine seize, and we exchanged the kiss of life
Resurrection in a trance, the model, the Grail, in a Marquee of promises
I touched the dream, I hold the dream, I have the dream
To end the Cinderella search, Cinderella search, oh no more, no more!
Exposing bedside manners on a work extension
Awaiting development with paranoid Polaroid eyes, Polaroid eyes
The footman memorised the number
But the prince still holds both the slippers
And would you leave a palace for a bed sit
And Canterbury Tales, Canterbury Tales?
Maybe it was infatuation or the thrill of the chase
Maybe you were always beyond my reach and my heart was playing safe
But was that love in your eye I saw or the reflection of mine?
I'll never really know for sure, you never really gave me time
Give me time, won't you give me that time!
Welcome back to the circus
Welcome back to the circus
Welcome back to the circus
I always use the cue sheets but never the nets
Always the cue sheets but never the nets
Never the nets, never the nets
Nevertheless, nevertheless, nevertheless, nevertheless, nevertheless
Welcome back to the circus!
The lyrics to Marillion’s song Cinderella Search describe the experience of someone who is struggling to find themselves after going through a period of emotional turmoil. The singer is on the rebound and is unable to communicate effectively, struggling to make sense of the world they find themselves in. They feel lost and disorientated, using alcohol to escape their reality. The lyrics describe the world as seen through the prism of their own experience: the proof of their existence is only found in their own reflection. They are searching for something intangible, something they cannot quite explain, something that might bring a sense of meaning back into their life.
The second verse of the song expands on this idea. The singer is still struggling with communication, unable to connect with others around them. The world they inhabit is disorientating, with everything around them dissolving into a kind of dream. They are on a search for something, but they do not know what it is. The third verse sees the singer reaching out for salvation. They meet someone who understands their pain and helps them to reconnect with the world. This encounter leads to a feeling of resurrection, as if the singer has been given a second chance at life.
Overall, the lyrics to Cinderella Search reflect a sense of disorientation and confusion, combined with an ultimate sense of hope. The singer is lost and searching for something they cannot quite name, but they are able to eventually find their way back to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
On the rebound, fumbling all the lines
Feeling emotionally unstable and unsure of what to say or do next
The light at the end of the bottle, alcoholic alphabet
Drinking to excess in an attempt to find happiness or meaning, but only finding more problems and dependence
Through the looking glass the proof in my own reflection
Realizing that the issues and problems being faced are a result of personal choices and actions
Five senses down and reeling on the Cinderella search
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to trust one's own perceptions while searching for a happy ending
Decay on the vertical hold with a horizontal aim
Losing oneself in a downward spiral while trying to achieve a goal that only leads to more dissatisfaction
Conversation needs translation
Struggling to communicate effectively and be understood by others
Three dimensions down dissolving on the Cinderella search, Cinderella search
Feeling lost and disoriented in a quest for happiness that only leads to more confusion and disillusionment
Dreaming bartenders, bourbon and saxophone
Escaping reality through alcohol and fantasizing about a different, more exciting life
Out of luck, out of charm, out the game of rejections in a cigarette city
Feeling powerless and unattractive while trying to navigate a harsh, unforgiving environment
Only courting the homing of direction on the Cinderella search, Cinderella search
Desperately seeking a clear path forward, but only finding more dead ends and obstacles
But the Samaritan of the heartbroken, heartbroken
Someone who has gone through similar struggles and understands the pain and sadness felt by others
Swam through the nicotine seize, and we exchanged the kiss of life
Finding hope and renewal through a meaningful connection with someone else
Resurrection in a trance, the model, the Grail, in a Marquee of promises
Experiencing a powerful, transformative moment that feels like a breakthrough or major accomplishment
I touched the dream, I hold the dream, I have the dream
Finally experiencing the happiness and contentment that was being sought, and feeling grateful to have found it
Exposing bedside manners on a work extension
Revealing one's true self in a professional setting, and possibly risking one's reputation or career
Awaiting development with paranoid Polaroid eyes, Polaroid eyes
Feeling anxious and uncertain while waiting for something to happen, and constantly looking for signs or clues
The footman memorised the number
Making a lasting impression on someone, even if it may not lead to a happy ending
But the prince still holds both the slippers
Feeling like the key to happiness is still just out of reach, and wondering if it will ever be attainable
And would you leave a palace for a bed sit
Questioning whether sacrificing comfort and luxury is worth it in order to pursue a different path or opportunity
And Canterbury Tales, Canterbury Tales?
Contemplating the idea of leaving everything behind and embarking on a new adventure or journey, like the characters in the Canterbury Tales
Maybe it was infatuation or the thrill of the chase
Wondering if the feelings of attraction and desire were genuine or just a passing infatuation, or if the excitement came from the pursuit rather than the actual person
Maybe you were always beyond my reach and my heart was playing safe
Recognizing that the object of desire may have been unattainable all along, and feeling like one's own fear and insecurity prevented them from taking risks and pursuing true happiness
But was that love in your eye I saw or the reflection of mine?
Questioning whether the other person truly reciprocated the feelings of love, or if it was all in one's own mind
I'll never really know for sure, you never really gave me time
Feeling uncertain and frustrated about the lack of clarity or closure in a relationship, and wishing for more time to understand what went wrong
Give me time, won't you give me that time!
Pleading for a chance to figure things out and find a sense of closure or resolution
I always use the cue sheets but never the nets
Following a plan or strategy, but ultimately feeling like it doesn't really help or provide any actual results or success
Never the nets, never the nets
Continuing to try and succeed, even in the face of repeated failure and disappointment
Nevertheless, nevertheless, nevertheless, nevertheless, nevertheless
Despite all the difficulties and setbacks, still persevering and never giving up
Welcome back to the circus!
Acknowledging the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life and relationships, and accepting that it will always be a little bit of a circus
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEREK WILLIAM DICK, MARK KELLY, IAN MOSLEY, STEVE ROTHERY, PETE TREWAVAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Allison Hewitt
My absolute fav marillion song. Just beautiful. Fish at his best. And the guitar solo is sublime xxx
Alcofrolicchap
Same for me and it was a B Side!
Paco 88
Fish is the heart of the band, and always the best singer.😀🎸🎸
odd-roger bergland
I'd like to call you my friend, coz you're so right
Blizbor Pipi
Nie zgodzę się. Zawsze muzyka jest na pierwszym miejscu. Tekst to wisienka na torcie.
Colin Gregson
Love this group to bits. Both with Fish and Steve!!. Most underrated group ever !!
BOT_WARS
"and Steve!!" Never mind, totally different bands. The Hogarth era is more like his previous efforts 'How we live' or 'the Europeans', worlds apart from the fish era
itkojecockot
Marillion is still great, but I certainly miss their old style..... it was much more dynamic and creative...... everything they did back in the 80´s was genius
Good Forever
because no one is like a fish.
Diego Ojeda
Qué temazo clásico, una maravilla Cinderella Search. La segunda parte es épica, tiene un ritmo bailable increíble e hipnótico.