As the years progressed, the PiL line-up would change, adding renowned drummer Martin Atkins in 1979 as the direction of the band evolved. Compared to their first three albums, the later 1980’s/early 1990’s period saw a more conventional sound to the musical aspect, but still retaining Lydon’s biting lyrics. The album Compact Disc (aka Album or Cassette, depending on what format you have it on), recorded by Lydon with a slate of studio musicians organized by producer Bill Laswell, is considered the artistic highpoint of this period of PiL’s evolution. PiL reached their commercial zenith with their aptly titled ninth album, 9, during 1989/1990.
PiL kept going as a Lydon project until 1993, when Lydon disbanded the group. Their final lineup consisted of Lydon, Ted Chau (guitar, keyboards), Mike Joyce of The Smiths (drums), John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees (guitar), and Russel Webb (bass).
Chant
P.I.L. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With outlines and figures of leaders in silent and gone
Our eyes draped in color with each passing hour and our bodies grew small
And voices, once listless burst out in pitches so tall
We arched our backs to see the light
Sway to the downbeat fire
In their heads they were so inspired
At that moment we motioned to the sun
Waved our hands around based on the idea of time
Oh, ah, oh, ah, oh, ah
Wife us and clothe us, and clothe us until the dawn burst forth
Straight from the backroom, years that were calling for more
Who is the next one? Show 'em the limelight
Who is the next one? Show 'em the limelight
Check to the front sun and show 'em the limelight
Who is the next one? Show 'em the limelight
At that moment we motioned to the sun
Waved our hands around based on the idea of time
At that moment we motioned to the sun
Waved our hands around based on the idea of time
Oh, ah, oh, ah, oh
The lyrics to "Chant" by Public Image Ltd. are poetic and abstract, leaving room for interpretation. The song seems to describe a transformative experience, possibly a religious or spiritual one, where a group of people are united in a moment of euphoria. The lyrics use vivid imagery to evoke this experience, with phrases such as "a wind rushed in and circled our heads in a blazing trail," "our eyes draped in color with each passing hour," and "voices, once listless burst out in pitches so tall." The passage of time and the changing of the physical body are also mentioned, with the line "our bodies grew small."
The chorus of the song repeats the line "who is the next one? Show 'em the limelight," which adds to the sense of unity and excitement. The final lines of the song suggest both a sense of renewal ("wife us and clothe us, and clothe us until the dawn burst forth") and a call for progress ("years that were calling for more").
Overall, the lyrics to "Chant" present a powerful image of a shared experience where individuals come together to create something greater than themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
A wind rushed in and circled our heads in a blazing trail
A feeling of excitement and energy overtook us suddenly.
With outlines and figures of leaders in silent and gone
We felt the presence of historical figures who have gone before us.
Our eyes draped in color with each passing hour and our bodies grew small
As time passed, our surroundings and experiences became more vibrant and overwhelming, while we personally felt insignificant.
And voices, once listless burst out in pitches so tall
We found our voices and confidence, becoming louder and more authoritative.
We arched our backs to see the light
We looked upwards and were filled with a sense of wonder and awe.
Sway to the downbeat fire
We were moved by the strong and steady rhythm.
In their heads they were so inspired
Others around us were also deeply moved and inspired.
As they danced to their hearts' desire
Others began to dance freely and joyfully.
Who is the next one? Show 'em the limelight
We were hyping up and calling out to the next person to step forward and show their talents.
Check to the front sun and show 'em the limelight
We looked towards the future and encouraged others to take risks and shine.
Wife us and clothe us, and clothe us until the dawn burst forth
We were asking for support and guidance until we saw the light of a new day.
Straight from the backroom, years that were calling for more
We felt like we were breaking out of a confined space and answering the call for something greater.
At that moment we motioned to the sun
We were experiencing a significant and memorable moment.
Waved our hands around based on the idea of time
We were caught up in the rhythm and energy of the moment.
Oh, ah, oh, ah, oh
A chant of enthusiasm and celebration.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN WILLIAM REYES, EDWARD NOLAN REYES, IAN M. MORENO, LEE LADOUCEUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
twistedspanner
This is why Keith Levene is a genius!
Anthony Manuzi
Believe or not this was a very calculated and organized PIL album where the idea that music must reflect the meaning of the songs. Here it is not just Lydon appealling and moaning but so does the guitar while the bass and drums try to march on...
SNICOVERS
It's a good song
Matthew Richards
this is absolutely worth a mention in the Guardian
Angelique Tavares
if they did'nt mention the Box then , either they hadn't pressed, or they aren't worth reading.
Matthew Richards
first heard this on re-broadcast peel session in early '86levene is a genius
PostPunkFan
Love this. PiL were the bollocks!
Astrid Olearczyk
No, its another Sound - i like the Sound from the Pistols more. I'm only here 'cause Johnnys vocals
Jill Valentin
@Astrid Olearczyk he never said it was the same sound...
Canal do Santos
@Astrid OlearczykPIL was much better than the Pistols, ffs!