Moby found commercial and critical success with his fifth album Play (1999), which, after receiving little recognition, became an unexpected global hit in 2000 after each track was licensed to films, television shows, and commercials. It remains his highest selling album with 12 million copies sold. Its seventh single, "South Side", featuring Gwen Stefani, remains his only one to appear on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 14. Moby followed Play with albums of varied styles including electronic, dance, rock, and downtempo music, starting with 18 (2002), Hotel (2005), and Last Night (2008). His later albums saw him explore ambient music, including the almost four-hour release Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep. (2016). Moby continues to record and release albums; his twenty-first studio album, Resound NYC, was released in May 2023.
In addition to his music career, Moby is known for his veganism and support for animal rights and humanitarian aid. He was the owner of TeaNY, a vegan cafe in Manhattan, and Little Pine, a vegan restaurant in Los Angeles, and organized the vegan music and food festival Circle V. He is the author of four books, including a collection of his photography and two memoirs: Porcelain: A Memoir (2016) and Then It Fell Apart (2019).
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby
Discography
Moby (1992)
Ambient (1993)
Everything Is Wrong (1995)
Animal Rights (1996)
Play (1999)
18 (2002)
Hotel (2005)
Last Night (2008)
Wait for Me (2009)
Destroyed (2011)
Innocents (2013)
Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep. (2016)
These Systems Are Failing (2016)
More Fast Songs About the Apocalypse (2017)
Everything Was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt (2018)
Long Ambients 2 (2019)
All Visible Objects (2020)
Live Ambient Improvised Recordings Vol. 1 (2020)
Reprise (2021)
Ambient 23 (2023)
Resound NYC (2023)
Nearer
Moby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord nearer
I'm getting nearer
My home
One day soon
I shall cross that river
I'm going to leave on
Leave on forever
It goes on
Lord no more this world
I'm going to sleep on
The lyrics of Moby's song "Nearer" are quite straightforward and offer a sense of comfort, acceptance, and peace to the listeners. The song starts with the repetition of "I'm getting nearer, Lord nearer" which reflects the idea of approaching the end of life and getting closer to one's eternal rest. The repetition of this phrase also emphasizes the inevitability of death that everyone has to face.
The second verse talks about crossing the river, which is often used as a metaphor for death. The line "I'm going to leave on forever" conveys the idea that death is an eternal departure from the earthly existence, and the spirit transcends to another realm. Moreover, this verse suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather a natural occurrence that brings one closer to the ultimate peace.
Finally, the lyrics conclude with the phrase "Lord no more this world, I'm going to sleep on" which indicates a sense of acceptance and resignation. The final line suggests that death is like sleeping, a peaceful state of rest, and a welcomed release from the world's struggles and pains.
Overall, "Nearer" is a spiritual song that reflects on the transience of life, the inevitability of death, and the hope of eternal rest in the afterlife.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm getting nearer
I am getting closer to my ultimate destination.
Lord nearer
With the grace of God, I am getting nearer to my home.
I'm getting nearer
I am getting closer every day to where I truly belong.
My home
My true home, where my heart and soul will find eternal peace.
One day soon
The day is coming soon when I will depart from this world.
I shall cross that river
I will make the ultimate journey from this life into the afterlife.
I'm going to leave on
I am leaving this world behind very soon.
Leave on forever
My departure from this world will be permanent and final.
It goes on
Life in this world will continue without me.
Lord no more this world
I will no longer be a part of this earthly existence.
I'm going to sleep on
I will rest in eternal slumber in the afterlife.
Contributed by Jasmine E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Champion Man
I just listened through the whole 18 b sides last night. Icredible stuff, much of which I haven't heard since I was a kid when my parents would play this, or when I had the curiosity to play various CDs laying around the home.
I didn't appreciate what a gem some of Moby's older works are. Truly just spirit lifting. This one tops my list.
Lucas Lumley
Just learned that 18 has a B-side in 2022.
Incredible hearing this for the first time in 2022. :)
Thanks, Moby.
Champion Man
A good find.
Dubious Wretch
One of my favourite songs of all time. It inspires me to write.
Mircea
Nearer, Slow Light, Stay with me and many other songs from moby..all of these have such a nostalgic yet peaceful music, it makes me feel like I am all alone in this world or that I lose someone very special to me ( which I did). amazing music moby, thanks for making me feel goose bumps whenever I listen to any of these nostalgic songs that I mentioned
mipha_manu
exactement
Nil Mar
esta es una de mis favoritas siempre la escucho.
TRILL559
This beat was ahed of its time sounds like it would’ve came out today on those chill/Lofi/homework edit videos . mobey is a genius
Michael Lucas Lumley
Swear to god - my exact thoughts while listening today.
Aria Lynn
I love this version of Moby