While "Good" earned the band critical notoriety and substantial underground cred, they did not -- with this release or any subsequent -- break into the mainstream. After the release of Good, the band replaced Dupree with Billy Conway, a former bandmate of Sandman. Morphine's 1992 release of Cure for Pain, promoted by heavy touring, received some mainstream positive attention, selling over 300,000 copies worldwide and spawning a chart hit in many countries with the single Buena
Subsequent releases include Yes and Like Swimming.
On July 3, 1999, Mark Sandman collapsed on stage in Palestrina, Italy, a suburb of Rome. He was pronounced dead of a heart attack at the scene. He was 46. Morphine released The Night -- arguably their best effort -- posthumously in 2000.
After Sandman's death, the remaining band members reformed and continued to record as Twinemen and later as The Ever Expanding Elastic Waste Band
In 2004, the Mark Sandman box set Sandbox was released by Hi-n-Dry, Mark Sandman's own label. It contains two CDs and a DVD of previously unreleased material spanning Sandman’s musical career. The DVD features clips from early Sandman shows, interviews from the Morphine tours, and various videos from other Sandman solo and group projects, such as Treat Her Right.
"Some day there'll be a cure for pain,
And that's the day I throw my drugs away" - Mark Sandman
Links:
The Other Side - A Morphine Fanzine
Morphine at Myspace
Kerouac
Morphine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His words the words so many words just
All brothers of the same horn sisters the saxophone
Notes music words a melody a quote a figure eight a figure
If you listen close to the drummer
It's like a mirror and your invisible
Like your in a back seat
No handles on the doors just a beautiful driver up front
Kerouac the observation machine
Caressing the most passing of scenes with photographic love
Passionate photographic love
Venerable as anyone knew
His memories pull shades up and down
Doors are not done telegrams arrive
Every morning something extra ???
Remembering everything like a snatch of melody
A drumbeat remembering mythologizing
So fast all the time moving
The words the words are drumsticks pounding out drum beats
Like a monk like a monk melody
With mistakes yea mistakes and sudden inspirations
Edges corners explosions convections
All fast through a slow motion landscape
Yea fast through a slow motion landscape
The lyrics of Morphine's song "Kerouac" are a tribute to the poet and novelist Jack Kerouac, the author of the seminal Beat Generation book "On The Road." The song is an ode to Kerouac's writing style, which is characterized by spontaneous prose and a jazz-like rhythm. Morphine's lead singer and songwriter, Mark Sandman, was known for his interest in jazz and blues, and these influences are evident in the song.
The lyrics describe Kerouac's writing as a form of music, with his words being the same as notes, and his stories as melodies. The saxophone is mentioned as a metaphor for the writing style, with its notes being like the words that make up Kerouac's stories. The drummer is also mentioned, and the lyrics suggest that if you listen carefully, you can hear the rhythm of Kerouac's writing in the beat of the drums.
The song also references Kerouac's method of observation, where he would observe the world around him in great detail and capture it in his writing. The lyrics describe Kerouac as a "observation machine," who captures the passing scenes with "passionate photographic love." The references to telegrams and memories suggest that the song is also about the passage of time and how Kerouac's writing immortalizes moments that would otherwise be forgotten.
Line by Line Meaning
Kerouac yea Kerouac
This song is an ode to the writer Jack Kerouac and his impact on music, literature and culture.
His words the words so many words just
Kerouac's words were abundant, complex and far-reaching, leaving a lasting impression on many people.
All brothers of the same horn sisters the saxophone
The words of Kerouac, musicians and artists alike all share a common bond and create a similar mood and tone.
Notes music words a melody a quote a figure eight a figure
Kerouac's words are musical and poetic, they evoke imagery and move in an organic and flowing manner.
If you listen close to the drummer
The listener is encouraged to pay attention to the subtleties and nuances in the rhythm section of the music.
It's like a mirror and your invisible
The music and words of Kerouac allow one to see oneself more clearly, revealing truths about oneself that may have been hidden.
Like your in a back seat
The listener is swept up in the journey of Kerouac's words and feels as though they are along for the ride.
No handles on the doors just a beautiful driver up front
Kerouac's words are not meant to be controlled or contained, they are free-flowing and guided by an unseen force.
She knows where she's going
The mysterious force behind Kerouac's words knows the direction and intent of the journey.
Kerouac the observation machine
Kerouac was a keen observer of life, people and his surroundings, and his words reflect this quality.
Caressing the most passing of scenes with photographic love
Kerouac's attention to detail and love of life is reflected in his words, which capture fleeting moments with vivid clarity and depth.
Passionate photographic love
Kerouac's writing exudes a passion for life and the beauty contained within it.
Venerable as anyone knew
Kerouac was highly respected and admired by many people for his writing, philosophy and approach to life.
His memories pull shades up and down
Kerouac's memories are powerful and evocative, and they can shift the mood and tone of a situation or piece of writing.
Doors are not done telegrams arrive
Kerouac's words are not confined by traditional structures or conventions, and can arrive in unexpected and unconventional ways.
Every morning something extra ???
Kerouac's writing was prolific and expansive, with new ideas and concepts arising with each new day.
Remembering everything like a snatch of melody
Kerouac had a remarkable memory, and his recollection of events and people was often compared to the way music is remembered and recalled.
A drumbeat remembering mythologizing
Kerouac's writing often takes on mythological qualities, imbuing everyday events and people with a sense of magic and wonder.
So fast all the time moving
The pace of Kerouac's words is frenetic, with a constant momentum that propels the listener and reader forward.
The words the words are drumsticks pounding out drum beats
Kerouac's words are like drumsticks, creating a rhythmic and musical quality that is both captivating and hypnotic.
Like a monk like a monk melody
Kerouac's writing has a meditative and introspective quality, reminiscent of traditional monk chants and melodies.
With mistakes yea mistakes and sudden inspirations
Kerouac's writing was not without imperfections, but these flaws and unexpected moments contributed to its raw and authentic quality.
Edges corners explosions convections
Kerouac's words are dynamic and multi-faceted, with sharp edges, sudden changes and explosive moments that keep the listener engaged.
All fast through a slow motion landscape
Kerouac's words move quickly and with great energy, even in situations where time seems to move slowly or stand still
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Mark Sandman, William Conway
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Phil Renaud
I just picked up On The Road by Jack Kerouac!
Leo Martinez
Kool music!!!