With the departure of their rhythm section in 1988, Mulcahy and Neal changed the direction of the band, becoming a duo and touring as the opening act for The Sugarcubes. Their 1989 release of Me and Mr. Ray (recorded at Prince's Paisley Park Studios) led to the band finding a new rhythm section (drummer Scott Boutier and bassist Dave McCaffrey) and signing with the now defunct Morgan Creek label, who funded their 1992 album Drenched with producer John Porter (of Roxy Music and The Smiths note).
After Drenched, legal problems with the label left the band and its name in limbo. But interest continued, notably with a Nickelodeon offer for the band to write music for a new television show entitled The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Neal, disillusioned with the label experience, declined the offer; but Mulcahy accepted, and he and the band's rhythm section did the project under the name Polaris, which lasted three years and included at least one episode (Season 1, "Hard Day's Pete") in which Neal appears with the rest of the band. Their song "Hey Sandy" is the theme to Pete & Pete.
In 1996, the band's legal issues resolved, Miracle Legion released Portrait Of A Damaged Family on the Mezzotint label. Since then, Mulcahy has released three solo lps, and Mr. Ray has recently begun to play shows again in the Northeast, both solo and with Jellyshirts. Their Drenched-era rhythm section Scott Boutier and Dave McCaffrey have been staples as the rhythm section for Frank Black and the Catholics.
In recent years, reruns of Pete & Pete on the Noggin channel has unexpectedly renewed interest (and led a new generation) to the music of Miracle Legion.
Truly
Miracle Legion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And gladly gladly
I would give myself away
I would change in front of you
And do the things I have to do
And if I could
I would change my spots
Truly truly truly
It's you I serve
And slowly slowly
I am getting up my nerve
I need to make you understand
All of the unknown plans that I have planned
And if I could
I would change my spots
And then I would love you for yourself but
Truly truly truly
And now it's boiling over
And it's getting hotter in here it's getting hotter in here
And I am lost until you come
I've imagined it a hundred times because
I'm not frightened but I wish I was
And if I could
I would change my spots
And then I would love you for yourself but
Truly truly truly
The lyrics of the song Truly by Miracle Legion depict the willingness of the singer to transform for the person they love. They are ready to completely surrender themselves and do everything they need to do to make the relationship work. The opening lines suggest that the singer is waiting for a chance to transform and give themselves away with a single movement. The line "I would change in front of you" is powerful, indicating that the singer is willing to evolve into someone else for their beloved.
The second stanza of the song conveys the depth of the singer's feelings. They want to change their existing traits to suit their lover and expresses a desire to convey the unknown plans they have for their future. The repetition of "Truly" reinforces the sincerity of the singer's emotions. In the third stanza, the singer indicates that their feelings have boiled over and they cannot function without the presence of their beloved. The last line of the stanza, "I'm not frightened but I wish I was," showcases the vulnerability that this transformation implies.
Overall, the song is about being open to transformation for the person we love and how it requires us to be in a space of vulnerability and surrender.
Line by Line Meaning
One sudden movement
A single unexpected action
And gladly gladly
With enthusiasm and happiness
I would give myself away
I would sacrifice my own desires for you
I would change in front of you
I am willing to transform myself for you
And do the things I have to do
I would carry out anything necessary for you
And if I could
If it were possible for me
I would change my spots
I would alter my character flaws
And then I would love you for yourself but
Only then would I appreciate and love you for who you truly are
Truly truly truly
Emphasizing the truth and sincerity of the statement
It's you I serve
You are the object of my devotion
And slowly slowly
Gradually, with caution
I am getting up my nerve
I am building the courage to act
I need to make you understand
I want to communicate something important to you
All of the unknown plans that I have planned
My secret intentions and schemes
And now it's boiling over
Emotions are escalating uncontrollably
And it's getting hotter in here it's getting hotter in here
The intensity of the situation is increasing
And I am lost until you come
I feel disoriented and aimless without you
I've imagined it a hundred times because
My thoughts have been consumed with this scenario many times
I'm not frightened but I wish I was
I don't feel afraid, but part of me wishes I did
Contributed by Luke A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Perry's Phonographs & Records
this music is TRULY fantastic! discovered thru Polaris, and mind was blown!! so ahead of their time!!
Evan Muller
almost a shame that this had to be uploaded by Mark Mulcahy himself... but what a beautiful song. Been trying to share this song with friends, and this makes things a lot easier. Thanks for posting.
Nonexistanthuman
Check out Discogs, there is a few still up but they are mostly international. Would recommend it!
Mr. Mingo was stuck in my head for days. Not very expensive too
Evan Muller
+Nonexistanthuman whoa, nice score. Where'd you find it?
Nonexistanthuman
+Evan Muller Just recently bought the record that was still brand new, really excited to show my friends next time we drink.
David James Buckner
I remember when I picked this up on Melrose Ave the week it came out. Between the U.K. and the American underground the future seemed wide open in the late 80's. Fast forward 30 years, and we get The Voice.
righteousrat
I forgot how good Surprise Surprise Surprise was. Wow. I think this album might actually be better than Me and Mr Lee... Thank you for being you, Mr Mulcahy.
David Giles
This album will probably always be my favorite of all time. Now I just need to own a physical copy of it.
Jonathan Carson
Enjoyed ML’s Cats Cradle shows back in the day (early 90s). Mulcahys madman persona on stage and layered lyrical storytelling plus the great band made great memories. Ear candy for young poets and lovers…
Lion Heart
Polaris,miracle legion,bands like these treasures over ANYTHING!!!!