On Christmas Day 2005, the Manics' official site posted a solo track by Nicky called I Killed the Zeitgeist, however the song was only available to download for one day.
Wire has since released an iTunes-only download single named The Shining Path in mid-July 2006, and his first album was released on 25 September 2006, entitled I Killed The Zeitgeist.
Shining Path
Nicky Wire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Creeping up and making plans
Watch the governments crash
Hope dead, like Jesus on the cross
Felt the shining path
Fingers crossed it will be the last
Felt the shining path
[Chorus]
And I want you to know
These feelings I show
Will fade like summer snow
For as long as we know
Felt the shining path
Breaking bones and shaking hands
I'm dealing with some loss
How can you cope when it moves so fast
Felt the shining path
Fingers crossed it will be the last
Felt the shining path
Fingers crossed it will be the last
[Chorus: x2]
And I want you to know
And I want you to know
And I want you to know
The song "Shining Path" by Nicky Wire is about the political and social turmoil that exists in our society. The "shining path" refers to a revolutionary communist group in Peru that was responsible for numerous acts of violence in the 1980s and 1990s. The lyrics suggest that the path of violence and rebellion is not the right way forward, and that there needs to be a different approach to bring about change.
The first verse talks about how the "shining path" is creeping up and making plans, and how governments are crashing. This suggests that the revolutionary movement is gaining power and governments are struggling to deal with it. The second verse talks about the loss and pain that comes with this type of movement. The lyrics suggest that change needs to happen, but not through violence and destruction.
The chorus highlights the fact that the feelings and emotions associated with the "shining path" will fade away eventually. The lyrics suggest that there needs to be a more sustainable and peaceful way to bring about change rather than the use of violence.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the state of our society and the need for change. The lyrics suggest that while the revolutionary path may seem appealing in the short term, it is not a sustainable solution.
Line by Line Meaning
Felt the shining path
I sensed the lure of extremism which promises to provide solutions through violence.
Creeping up and making plans
Quietly advancing and building strategies to overthrow the government.
Watch the governments crash
Witness the collapse of the institutions that cannot cope with the current situation.
Hope dead, like Jesus on the cross
Optimism has vanished, just like hope died with Jesus on the cross.
Fingers crossed it will be the last
Hoping that this extremist movement will be the last one to arise.
Breaking bones and shaking hands
Using violent means and establishing alliances to achieve their goals.
I'm dealing with some loss
I'm experiencing some negative consequences as a result of this movement.
How can you cope when it moves so fast
It is difficult to manage the repercussions of this extremist movement, which is rapidly spreading.
And I want you to know
I want to communicate my feelings about this issue.
These feelings I show
These emotions I'm displaying.
Will fade like summer snow
They will vanish, like snow melts in the summer time.
For as long as we know
For the duration of our awareness of this issue.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gl4d10
This album is so damn good, I wish I could've learned some kind of language to articulate it.
@ArkadianDream
idk what's the deal with everybody slagging his voice and intonation.. it's definitely not the first time someone who can't really sing does lead vocals. Also, I love his voice!
@turnleftaticeland
Right? Everyone loves Lou Reed, everyone loves Bob Dylan
@themanicstreet
One of my favourites from Nicky :)
@thesound-chameleonman3580
Take it all back... great album.. vocals i won't mention. It works that's all that matters.
@gl4d10
Imagine criticising Joplins singing or something though, let a man sing, he's just trying to say something. And v well thought out lyrics, would love if Nicky still had time for solo stuff like James, such a message should not need even nearly as dressed a package as this.
@themanicstreet
aw, no problem! haha! your welcome, I'm glad to read that it like you :D
@jameyinegypt
Being fair to him the backing music is very good , unfortunately his singing isn't! but it kind of work's. 7/10
@thesound-chameleonman3580
I was formally Jameyinegyptsland!
@themanicstreet
@keiosaka985 I've red it's about "Echo and the Bunnymen" but also I've red it has some connection to the Peruvian Communist Party ... I'm not pretty sure.