Things kicked into high gear when he replaced John Foxx as the singer of the famous electronic music group Ultravox in 1979. Shortly afterwards, the New Wave band had a huge U.K. hit with "Vienna", and it became one of Britain's most popular groups for several years. As well, later that year, Ure also formed the band Visage. In 1980, Ure and Thin Lizzy leader Phil Lynott co-wrote Lynott's biggest solo hit, titled "Yellow Pearl". A re-recording of the song done in 1981 was used as the theme for 'Top of the Pops', a music-centered television series.
In 1984, Ure co-wrote, with Bob Geldof, the Band Aid hit, "Do They Know It's Christmas?". He was one of the few featured stars who did not sing solo on the recording. The following year, Ure scored his one and only solo U.K. number one single with "If I Was", a wistful track that's since been considered his 'signature song'. This was followed by an album titled 'The Gift'. With Ure's mind clearly on other matters, Ultravox took second place and soon dissolved.
Ure's solo career continued into the 90s with sporadic success. However, "Breathe" was an international hit single, helped by its inclusion in a TV advertising campaign for Swatch watches. Ultravox songs with his work remained popular among many electronic music fans.
Ure more recently organized the Live 8 concerts with Bob Geldof with the aim of pressuring G8 leaders into following his recipe for ending world poverty. In 2005 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music and charity.
Ure has been married twice: to actress and writer Annabel Giles (with whom he has one daughter, Molly) and to Sheridan Ure (with whom he has three daughters, Kitty, Ruby and Flossie).
His daughter Molly has followed her father into the music industry, as the guitarist and vocalist of all-girl group The Faders.
May Your Good Lord
Midge Ure Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
May your good lord show a sign
And when you seek forgiveness
May your good lord take the time
May your good lord talk to mine
When you light a candle
May your good lord see it glow
May your good lord make it grow
To cast a light across the land
From killing fields to desert sands
From distant shores to where I stand
Will your good lord make it so
And after all I think and do
I can't believe that this is true
If I cry out treason
May your good lord make them pray
All these men of reason
Leading nowhere, lost their way
Turning riches into rags
Turning rags into the street
Turn the streets into a hell
May your good lord have his day
And after all is said and done
I can't believe our gods are one
Turning riches into rags
Turning rags into the street
Turn the streets into a hell
May your good lord have his day
What would it take to take a hold
A shepherd searching for a fold
The greatest story ever told
Somebody's lying
If I believed in something
Would your good lord make it true?
Give me the sword of justice
Show me the hate to put it through
Cut down the bitter tears
The sleepless nights, the waking fears
The empty words, the silent ears
Would your good lord love me too?
The song "May Your Good Lord" by Midge Ure is a song that highlights seeking guidance and protection from a higher power. It is a plea for personal strength and the hope for divine assistance in navigating the complexities of life. The lyrics reference seeking forgiveness and the desire for a sign from one's good lord. The song further speaks to the intention to light a candle, to cast light and inspiration across the land from killing fields to the desert, and for the good lord to take action and make the world a better place.
The song also shows themes of frustration with leaders and institutions that have lost their way, turning riches into rags, and rags into the street, ultimately turning the streets into a living hell. There is an acknowledgement that the darkest parts of society need divine intervention to right the wrongs and to bring justice to the world. The lyrics at the end of the song call for the shepherd to lead the way and declare that despite the uncertainties and the bitter tears shed, hope should never be abandoned, and at the very least, we should continue to believe that someone is watching over us.
Line by Line Meaning
When you hold your hands out
May your good lord give you a sign if you show faith and ask for help.
And when you seek forgiveness
May your good lord take time to listen and understand your remorse.
May your good lord talk to mine
May the gods connect and guide our paths in a higher purpose.
When you light a candle
May your good lord be your beacon of hope and light the way.
May your good lord see it glow
May the divine presence acknowledge your devotion and bless you.
Shining through the darkness
May your good lord illuminate your heart when you face uncertainty and fear.
May your good lord make it grow
May your faith and love blossom into a spiritual transformation.
To cast a light across the land
May the divine force spread its love and peace throughout the world.
From killing fields to desert sands
May your good lord end violence and suffering, in all corners of the world.
From distant shores to where I stand
May your good lord connect and empower people from all walks of life.
Will your good lord make it so
May your good lord grant us the strength and wisdom to make this world a better place.
And after all I think and do
Despite my actions and thoughts, I still have doubts about the nature of the divine.
If I cry out treason
If I voice dissent or rebel against tyranny, may your good lord protect me.
May your good lord make them pray
May your good lord bring justice and redemption to those who wronged others.
All these men of reason
All the politicians and leaders who have lost their humanity and morals.
Leading nowhere, lost their way
Failing to lead their people towards progress, justice, and compassion.
Turning riches into rags
May your good lord humble the greedy, selfish, and corrupt ones.
Turning rags into the street
May your good lord uplift the poor, oppressed, and marginalized ones.
Turn the streets into a hell
May your good lord hold accountable those who inflict pain, misery, and chaos on others.
And after all is said and done
Despite all the struggles and hardships we face, I still hope for a better future.
Turning riches into rags
May your good lord transform the hearts and minds of the oppressors and exploiters.
Turning rags into the street
May your good lord amplify the voices and rights of the poor and voiceless ones.
May your good lord have his day
May your good lord judge and balance the scales of justice, compassion, and truth.
What would it take to take a hold
What actions and mindset do we need to create a more just and peaceful world?
A shepherd searching for a fold
A compassionate and wise leader who guides and protects their flock.
The greatest story ever told
The narrative of humanity's suffering, hope, and redemption, woven by our collective struggles.
Somebody's lying
The people in power manipulate and silence the truth to preserve their interests and agenda.
If I believed in something
If I have faith in a cause or ideal, will it have a positive impact on the world?
Would your good lord make it true?
May your good lord bless the ones who seek truth, love, and justice with success and fulfillment.
Give me the sword of justice
Give me the power and means to fight for what is right and fair.
Show me the hate to put it through
Help me identify and confront the injustices, prejudice, ignorance, and hatred that poison society.
Cut down the bitter tears
May your good lord heal the wounds and sorrows of those who have suffered injustice and cruelty.
The sleepless nights, the waking fears
May your good lord comfort and empower the ones who have lost their peace and hope.
The empty words, the silent ears
May your good lord inspire and support those who speak up for the truth and the oppressed ones.
Would your good lord love me too?
May your good lord embrace and cherish the ones who have empathy, kindness, and courage in their hearts.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind