Minus 8 masters the whole spectrum of Downbeat, Drum & Bass and Nu-Jazz. Th… Read Full Bio ↴Minus 8 masters the whole spectrum of Downbeat, Drum & Bass and Nu-Jazz. There are only a few internationally known DJs, producers and remixers from Switzerland. Robert Jan Meyer, aka Minus 8, is one of them. As a leading man in this group, his name is mentioned together with the names of Alex Attias (aka Beatless / Mustang / Catalyst / Bel Air Project) and the Straight Ahead label posse.

Robert Jan Meyer is an Architect and the brother of a well-known Swiss rave promoter. He started to make music at the end of the 80's, first as a bass-player in a Funk-band, but soon his fascination with Midi-equipment led to experiments with a keyboard and sampler. At the beginning of the 90's, Robert launched his Minus 8 project as a slow and peaceful answer to all the Plus 8 (on a turntable) speed madness that was prevalent in club music at the time.

By 1993 he also started DJing, playing mostly Acid-Jazz, Rare Groove, Funk, and Hip-Hop. Since then, Robert has consistently supported Swiss club culture with all his talents. He's also toured as support for big UK names like Goldie, Grooverider, Hype, Krust, Storm, Bad Company and Adam F. And now he's in-demand as a remixer. As all that wasn't enough, he's also found time to put together a great series of compilations - "Science Fiction Jazz"

The first ever Minus 8 release, "The Sweetest Sounds," was the actually the first release on DJ Cam's Paris-based label Inflammable. In 1997, Minus 8's first album "Beyond," followed (also on Inflammable), and received excellent reviews. "Beyond" was followed by a second album, "Beyond Beyond" for UK label Higher Ground (part of Sony UK). The English Trip-Hop and Drum & Bass scenes influenced both of these albums.

Beautiful Day
Minus 8 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I woke up this morning
I said to myself
Should laugh of should I cry
It's a little bit strange building castles in the rain
So I made up my mind and said to myself

It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day today
It's beautiful, beautiful day

Don't take it away

Funny little things
Can make my day
Funny little things
Can make my day

It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day today
It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day today
It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day today

It's beautiful, beautiful day
Don't take it away

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics to Minus 8's song "Beautiful Day," the singer is contemplating their emotions upon waking up in the morning. They question whether they should laugh or cry, suggesting a sense of internal conflict. They acknowledge that it is a bit odd to be building castles in the rain, which can be interpreted symbolically as striving for something against all odds or in difficult circumstances. Despite this, they ultimately decide to make a positive choice and declare it to themselves.

The repetition of the phrase "It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day today" emphasizes the singer's optimism and appreciation for the present moment. They find joy in the small, unexpected things that happen throughout the day, as portrayed through the line "Funny little things, can make my day." These moments of amusement or delight bring brightness and positivity to their experience.

The repetition of the phrase "Don't take it away" further emphasizes the singer's desire to hold on to this beautiful day. It could mean they are afraid of losing the enjoyment or positivity they've found, or perhaps they are making a plea to the universe or to other people to not spoil or ruin their experience.

Overall, "Beautiful Day" conveys a message about the power of choice in shaping one's perspective and the appreciation of small joys in life. It encourages embracing the present moment and finding happiness in unexpected places, despite any difficulties or conflicts that may arise.

Line by Line Meaning

When I woke up this morning
At the start of my day

I said to myself
I thought to myself

Should laugh of should I cry
Should I find humor or be sad

It's a little bit strange building castles in the rain
It's peculiar to dream big in unfavorable circumstances

So I made up my mind and said to myself
Therefore, I decided and told myself

It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day today
Today is an exceptionally lovely day

It's beautiful, beautiful day
It's a wonderful day

Don't take it away
Please don't ruin it

Funny little things
Small, amusing occurrences

Can make my day
Can significantly brighten my day

It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day today
Today is an incredibly beautiful day