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.
Under the Sun
Marillion Lyrics
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Dreary and grey
Most every day but not any more
We come out of our homes
We lie down
Under the cloud that never comes
We roll in the radiation
Under the sun
Under the sun
The polar ice is melting
'Suits me fine
We go to the beach
On the Northern Line
We watch the sea
Comin' up the street
Under the sun
Under the sun
It used to rain
Dreary and grey
Most every day but not any more
We take off our clothes
And have some fun
Under the sun
Under the sun
The lyrics to Marillion's "Under the Sun" speak of a world that has changed. Once, rain was a constant presence, making the days dreary and grey. But now, the sun shines down and people lie down, even under clouds that never seem to bring rain. The song describes a world where people can embrace the sun, without fear of burning or increased radiation exposure. The melting polar ice suits the singer fine, and they go to the beach with ease.
The mood and tone of the song are optimistic and celebratory. The singer is thrilled with the changes in the world and the opportunity to revel in the sunshine. They don't seem concerned about the consequences of global warming or the potential dangers of radiation. For them, the sun represents freedom, joy, and liberation.
Overall, the song seems to be about embracing change, even when it is uncertain or potentially dangerous. It advocates for living in the present moment and making the most of what we have. It is a song of hope and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
It used to rain
In the past, it was common for the weather to involve rain
Dreary and grey
The weather was often unpleasant and overcast
Most every day but not any more
However, this is no longer the case and the weather has changed for the better
We come out of our homes
As a result of the improved weather, people are now able to go outside more frequently
We lie down
People are now enjoying the weather and taking opportunities to relax
Under the cloud that never comes
The weather is now consistently sunny and cloudless
We roll in the radiation
People are taking advantage of the sunlight and exposing their skin to it
And we make love
The improved weather is causing people to feel more amorous
Under the sun
These romantic encounters are taking place outdoors in the sunshine
The polar ice is melting
Climate change is causing ice in the polar regions to melt
'Suits me fine
The singer is personally fine with this outcome
We go to the beach
People are now able to enjoy beaches that were previously inaccessible due to ice
On the Northern Line
People are traveling to these beaches using public transportation
We watch the sea
People are now able to view and enjoy the ocean in ways they couldn't before
Comin' up the street
In some locations, the rising sea levels are affecting coastal communities and infrastructure
Under the sun
Despite these issues, people are still enjoying the improved weather and spending time outdoors
It used to rain
Again, the song reflects on the past and how the weather has changed for the better
Dreary and grey
Describing the previous weather as unpleasant and uninviting
Most every day but not any more
Again, emphasizing how the weather has dramatically improved
We take off our clothes
People are now able to wear more revealing or lighter clothing due to the warm weather
And have some fun
People are enjoying themselves and feeling more carefree as a result of the improved weather
Under the sun
The song continues to emphasize how much people are enjoying this new weather pattern
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVE HOGARTH, MARK COLBERT KELLY, IAN FRANCESKO MOSLEY, STEVEN THOMAS ROTHERY, PETER JOHN TREWAVAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind