Their debut album Mind Fruit produced the track "It's a Fine Day," a cover of a 1983 single by Jane & Barton, which topped the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1992 and reached number five on the UK singles chart.
The song, now considered a house music classic, is the basis of Orbital's 1993 track, "Halcyon + On + On", found on their second eponymous album (the "la la la" section of the "It's A Fine Day" chorus was backmasked and sampled throughout the song). Norwegian artist Erlend Øye also covered the song on his album that was part of the DJ-Kicks series.
Interestingly enough, Hawkshaw, impressed with the Orbital track, returned the favor by appearing in the video for "Halycon + On + On" playing a housewife who was 'under the influence' (even though she looked like she was daydreaming, but that could be disputed). The other single release from "Mind Fruit", was "I Talk To The Wind". This was not a big chart success in the UK, only reaching number 52.
Opus III's second album Guru Mother surfaced in 1994 and produced another number-one dance song "When You Made the Mountain". A third U.S. dance chart entry, "Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration)" hit number 14.
The group disbanded after their second album. Hawkshaw is still a major presence in dance music, lending her vocals to a number of electronic and dance music artists and tracks well into the 21st century.
When You Made the Mountain
Opus III Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The centuries
Going back to zero
Say I'm a fool
And every man a hero
I am the future
I am the coming force
Mother nature
Somewhere to climb upon
Somewhere to look at you from
When you made the mountain
You made me
When you made the mountain
You made me
When you made the mountain you made me
Opus III's "When You Made the Mountain" is a gripping song that boasts vague lyrics meant to be interpreted in the listener's way. At first glance, the song is a well-articulated tribute to mother nature, appreciating all of its wonders and the fact that it's the reason for humanity's existence. The "centuries going back to zero" lyric means that history no longer matters as the central focus shifts to appreciating mother nature's current state. The assertion that "Every man is a hero" implies that every man has a role to play in preserving the earth, which is a hero's duty.
The lyrics also indicate that the future is for the ones who value nature and seek to preserve it. In this context, the singer is a representation of the future and the coming force meant to protect and preserve nature. The singer states that mother nature will take no other course, meaning if humanity does not protect nature, it will ultimately protect itself. The chorus "When you made the mountain, you made me" emphasizes the point that mother nature created humanity and that humanity is a part of nature.
In conclusion, "When You Made the Mountain" is a song that emphasizes the importance of treasures of nature us as humans often overlook. The song inspires listeners to initiate action against human-made harm to the environment around us. Ultimately, the song portrays a scenario where nature protects itself if humanity fails to intervene.
Line by Line Meaning
La la la la la, la la la la la
The opening sounds depict a serene and positive vibe, as if the singer is in a peaceful place surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.
The centuries
The times of the past, a significant period of existence.
Going back to zero
Starting again from scratch, wiping the slate clean and creating anew.
Say I'm a fool
Others may criticize, reject, or dismiss the singer's choices and ideas as foolish or absurd.
And every man a hero
Despite the negativity, the song recognizes that every person has a unique talent, skill, or attribute that makes them admirable and capable of achieving something incredible.
I am the future
The singer feels confident and visionary, believing in his or her own ability to create a better world and a brighter future.
I am the coming force
The future belongs to the singer, who will be a powerful and influential force to be reckoned with.
Mother nature
The artist acknowledges the overwhelming power and beauty of nature, which has the ability to shape and inspire our lives in profound ways.
Will take no other course
The natural world is not subject to human desires or needs, and will follow its own path without regard to our plans or wishes.
Somewhere to climb upon
The mountain offers a challenge and a goal to strive towards, a test of strength, endurance, and determination.
Somewhere to look at you from
The higher vantage point of the mountain provides a new perspective on the world, a chance to see further and clearer than before.
When you made the mountain
The song recognizes the mountain as a natural wonder, formed by time, geology, and geography beyond human control. It is a symbol of the magnificent beauty of nature.
You made me
The singer sees his or her own identity and personality as influenced and shaped by the natural world, which has imbued them with strength, courage, and determination.
When you made the mountain
The repetition of these lines emphasizes the significance and power of the mountain, and by extension, the natural world in shaping both us and the world we inhabit.
You made me
The song ends on a note of gratitude and recognition, acknowledging the humble and awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world, and the role it has played in shaping our lives and our futures.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARTIN BRAMMER, KEVIN DODDS, IAN GRANT MUNRO, NIGEL SINCLAIR WALTON, KIRSTY HAWKSHAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Fly Drive 2020
First tune I ever played on local radio (LCR in Loughborough) in October 1994. Crackin' stuff!
alaina66
Absolutely LOVE IT!! So WAY before it's time to dance!
darkshiningstar3
unknown gem?? Thats exagerating, this song actually topped the charts in USA back in 1994 it was one of their biggest hits along with It's A Fine Day and I Talk To The Wind
Chris Jenks
Back in 1994, the century going back to zero seemed in the future then 2000 (00) came and now we are 20 years on
Adam5pl
nice! :)
Mirek Heikkila
<3
Chelsea Garside
I miss the video :(
M Scuba
What version is this? The track I remember was more tightly arranged and led off sounding like 1:08 on this one.
Danilo Bodroža
Well, here you go, I'll answer the question for you after 11 years. I will be totally surprised if this account is even still active to begin with.
This is a The Opus III Original Mix version that was released on original vynil and also on the Guru Mother Album a year later.
M Scuba
@Danilo Bodroža thanks. Idk what it was about this group they seemed to vanish as rapidly as they showed up. It was a real drag to find music I liked back then Pre-Internet as you were pretty much stuck to whatever mass market crap the music stores sold, which was why I taped as much as I could off this underground dance music station in my area