Karn was born Anthony Michaelides in Nicosia, Cyprus before emigrating to London, England at the age of 3. He has worked with noted New Wave artists Gary Numan, Kate Bush, Midge Ure and Joan Armatrading as well as being a member of Dali's Car with Peter Murphy of the gothic post-punk group, Bauhaus. In the 1990s he worked with artist David Torn as well as a number of Japanese musicians, including the band NiNa.
He has a distinctive playing style and sound on the fretless bass guitar which makes his playing immediately recognizable not to mention highly influential. With his contribution Japan is often considered one of the most unique and greatest groups of the late glam rock to new wave era. After Mick's first solo release Titles in 1982, Pete Townshend claimed that "Mick was by far the best bassist in the UK", and so invited him to join him in a super group to celebrate the engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Karn played the aluminium neck Travis Bean bass in all Japan albums up to Gentlemen Take Polaroids. In 1981 he moved onto the renowned Wal basses and bought two fretless mk1, one with Tulipwood facings and the other being a Cherry solidbody. Mick recorded Japan's last studio album Tin Drum with the Wal and has continued to use them, helping further their popularity worldwide.
It is interesting to note that Karn's mastery of the fretless bass,with his own unique sound,eclectic voicings,and oft strange intervals,belies the fact that he has little to no knowledge of music theory.
"I don't know about being the best, I still can't read music so I'm certainly not technically the best, I don't even know what the notes are on a bass. Sometimes I'm told I can't play that note with this chord, to which I reply: well, why not if it sounds good? The best? No, but having never heard anyone play in a similar way, I'd certainly consider perhaps being the most original!"
Still,one can only guess at the inner working of an artists' gears as they turn and propel an art that can not be denied.
After all,can a colorblind painter be judged by his choices in hues? Is not the final product,as well as the act,the sufficient sum?
Mick Karn has carved out for himself an incredible career with thousands of adoring fans,students of his unique style on the bass, and the respect of his peers.
Suggested listening:
With Dalis Car "The Waking Hour"
With Gary Numan "Dance", "Telekon"
With David Torn "Door X"
With Torn/Karn/Bozzio "Polytown"
With Japan Anything!
With Rain Tree Crow "Rain Tree Crow"
With Yoshihiro Hanno "Liquid Glass"
With JBK "-ism", "Playing In a Room with People"
Mick Karn "Bestial Cluster","The Tooth Mother","Love's Glove","More Better Different"
Answer
Mick Karn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In danger, never shall I fear
In Armour angels will appear
(Women)
More
More
More we need
(Men)
More and more
I believe the answer
(Women)
You see as I saw
My will done before
Put question to mind
Life touch to the blind
You feed only mystery
(Children)
Forgiving Lord and Master clear
In danger, never shall I fear
And burdons all shall disappear
The lyrics of Mick Karn's song Answer convey a message of faith and hope in the face of danger and uncertainty. The opening lines sung by children testify to this belief, as they proclaim that they have no fear because they trust that "in Armour angels will appear" to protect and guide them. This trust in divine protection is echoed throughout the song, as the men and women chorus join in with the refrain of "More", indicating their desire to find the answer to life's mysteries and challenges that lie ahead.
The women's verses delve deeper into the concept of the answer that they seek. They describe their experiences of questioning the mystery of life and seeking to understand it. The line "You feed only mystery" suggests that life can be full of uncertainties and challenges that we struggle to comprehend. However, the women sing with conviction that they have seen signs of a higher power guiding them, and they are determined to find the answer that will give them peace and clarity.
In the final verse, the children return to proclaim their faith in a forgiving and clear Lord and Master who will help them overcome any burdens they carry. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the promise that these burdens will disappear with the help of divine intervention.
Line by Line Meaning
In danger, never shall I fear
I will never feel afraid even in dangerous situations
In Armour angels will appear
I will be protected by angels in protective gear (armor)
More
We need more of something
More
More
More we need
Need to find the answer
We need more answers and we need to keep searching for them
More and more
I believe the answer
The more I think about it, the more I believe that I have found the answer
You see as I saw
My will done before
Put question to mind
Life touch to the blind
You feed only mystery
You see things the way I saw them before, and I had already made up my mind about what I wanted. You're asking questions that are difficult to understand and aren't helping to make life easier for those who are struggling
Forgiving Lord and Master clear
In danger, never shall I fear
And burdons all shall disappear
I trust in a merciful God who will forgive me and protect me from danger. Any challenges or burdens in my life will eventually be lifted and disappear
Contributed by Nicholas E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.