In 1991, Praga Khan met Oliver Adams and along with Jade 4U, formed the production team MNO (comprised of the first letter of their forenames). Shortly after, they produced a series of popular British rave hits. The most popular, "Injected With A Poison", which hit the #16 spot in the UK and #1 in Japan.
While taking a break from his several side projects, Praga Khan released his first studio album, "Conquers Your Love", in 1996. Several albums followed a little while later; Pragamatic in 1998, Twenty First Century Skin in 1999, Mutant Funk in 2000, Mixed Up in 2001 and Freakazoidz in 2002.
A lucky break also happened when Paul Verhoeven, during the shooting of Basic Instinct, walked into "The Limelight" disco in New York, looking for a song for his movie. When the track "Rave the Rhythm" was played, he stepped up to the DJ and asked who that was. The song was included on the soundtrack, after which a whole bunch of other movies followed including Sliver, Virtuosity, Strange Days, Bad Lieutenant and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Praga Khan also worked on the soundtrack for the first Mortal Kombat game and the first movie's popular "Techno Syndrome" (the de facto Mortal Kombat theme) under the moniker "The Immortals"; thus also responsible for the camp classic line from the Sub-Zero theme, "Chinese ninja warrior, with your heart so cold..."
Contribution to the theatrical scene was made with his musical collaborations in The Next Dimension (2005) and Code Red.
Northern lights
Praga Khan Lyrics
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When I'm washing off my face
And getting ready for the night
For just another ride
Far away from home
I try to catch some sleep
Tired of being on the road
How much more can we take
I don't wanna know
Driving through the night
I see skylines passing by
Rain is pouring down outside
It's just another ride
Far away frome home
I think about my life
About the memories I hide
About the loneliness inside
How much more can we take
I don't want know
The song Northern Lights by Praga Khan is a melancholic reflection on the life of a musician who is constantly on the road, performing to crowds and chasing a dream that they may never fully grasp. The lyrics evoke a sense of loneliness and separation from the rest of the world as the singer drives through the night, away from home, pondering on the memories and experiences that shape their life.
The first stanza of the song talks about the city being asleep, which is symbolic of the singer's disconnection from the world around them. They are preparing for another night of performing and are tired of constantly being on the road, getting high, and chasing a dream that they may never fully achieve. The second stanza is a reflection of the singer's thoughts as they drive through the night, thinking about their life and the memories they try to hide. The chorus, "How much more can we take, I don't want to know" signifies the emotional exhaustion and weariness that the singer feels towards the constant struggle of being a musician.
Overall, the song is a poignant commentary on the life of a musician and the highs and lows that come with it. It speaks to the emotional toll that constant touring and performing can take on a person and the deep sense of longing and loneliness that often accompanies it.
Line by Line Meaning
The city is asleep
The urban area is devoid of street sounds and bustling activities.
When I'm washing off my face
I cleanse my visage as I prepare to start my night activities.
And getting ready for the night
I'm getting myself set for the night's engagements.
For just another ride
This is just one of many rides I've taken.
Far away from home
I'm a considerable distance away from my usual dwelling place.
I try to catch some sleep
I attempt to obtain some slumber.
Tired of being on the road
I'm exhausted from so much traveling.
Tired of getting always stoned
I'm tired of constantly being inebriated.
How much more can we take
I don't know if we possess the capacity to endure further.
I don't wanna know
I'd prefer not to have any information regarding this topic.
Driving through the night
I'm driving during late hours of the day.
I see skylines passing by
The distinctive cityscapes are in motion as I drive.
Rain is pouring down outside
Precipitation is descending heavily from the sky, inundating the surroundings.
It's just another ride
This occurrence is no different than any previous rides.
Far away from home
I'm distant from my place of residency.
I think about my life
Contemplating about my existence occupies my thought processes.
About the memories I hide
I have a few experiences I keep concealed from others.
About the loneliness inside
A feeling of isolation permeates me internally.
How much more can we take
I'm unsure if we have the endurance for additional challenges.
I don't want to know
I'd prefer ignorance over knowledge regarding further adversity.
Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.