Simple Minds have achieved 24 top 40 singles on the UK Singles Chart, including eight top 10 and one number one, and 26 albums on the UK Albums Chart, including 22 top 40 albums, 12 top 10 albums and five number one albums: Sparkle in the Rain (1984), Once Upon a Time (1985), Live in the City of Light (1987), Street Fighting Years (1989), and Glittering Prize 81/92 (1992). They have sold more than 60 million albums worldwide, and were the most commercially successful Scottish band of the 1980s. Simple Minds have also achieved considerable chart success in the United States, Australia, Germany, Spain, Italy and New Zealand. Despite various personnel changes, they continue to record and tour.
In 2014, Simple Minds were awarded the Q Inspiration Award for their contribution to the music industry and an Ivor Novello Award in 2016 for Outstanding Song Collection from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors (BASCA). Other notable recognitions include nominations for both the MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction and MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction for "Don't You (Forget About Me)" in 1985, nomination for the Brit Award for British Group in 1986 and for the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group in 1987. "Belfast Child" was nominated for the Song of the Year at the Brit Awards 1990.
The nucleus of Simple Minds consists of the two remaining original members, Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (electric and acoustic guitars, occasional keyboards after 1990, saxophone and violin). The other current band members are Ged Grimes (bass guitar), Cherisse Osei (drums), Sarah Brown (backing vocals), Gordy Goudie (additional guitar and keyboards) and Berenice Scott (keyboards). Notable former members include Mick MacNeil (keyboards), Derek Forbes (bass guitar), Brian McGee and Mel Gaynor (drums).
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Minds
Discography
Life in a Day (1979)
Real to Real Cacophony (1979)
Empires and Dance (1980)
Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call (1981)
New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) (1982)
Sparkle in the Rain (1984)
Once Upon a Time (1985)
Street Fighting Years (1989)
Real Life (1991)
Good News from the Next World (1995)
Néapolis (1998)
Our Secrets Are the Same (1999/2004)
Neon Lights (2001)
Cry (2002)
Black & White 050505 (2005)
Graffiti Soul (2009)
Big Music (2014)
Acoustic (2016)
Walk Between Worlds (2018)
Direction of the Heart (2022)
Ghost Dancing
Simple Minds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Satellites come crashing down
I see them falling out the skies like eagles
All mirrored glass and shattered egos
But in a corner of the world we'd meet to laugh and drink and plan our sequels
'Cause in the alleyways and bars downtown
They're singing up from here to there can we go
This city comes alive at night, see these city walls are heaving
breathing
Come say what you see in me
'Cause boy, I believe in you
Come say what you're seeing
All gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
You talk about the Lebanon
You tell me 'bout the Dawn in Eden
You talk about South Africa
I tell you about the Irish children
You say one more Polish Knight could come and blow away the doors to Freedom
And if Mother Ethiopia could blow away the tears that we see run
O blow them away,
Blow, blow away
We will blow them away
O blow, blow away
Blow, blow away
Blow, blow away
Come say what you see in me
'Cause boy, I believe in you
Come say what you're seeing
They're all gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
You know I believe in you
Oh yes I believe, you know I believe in you
You say you believe
I believe, I believe, going all the way through, yeah
Come take me back home, come on and take me away
Ghost Dancing
The car pulled up, the girl she jumped in
The boy he wore a medal that was shining from his skin
With the windows pulled up, their radio tuned in
She's hitting from the stars, he's hitting for the moon
She said, one last kiss while you look across the Land
Move it into overdrive and take me by my hand
When the car broke, the rebels saw smoke
And they all went to heaven in a stupid fantasy, go
Take me away
In "Ghost Dancing" by Simple Minds, the singer describes a world that is falling apart. Cities and buildings are crumbling while satellites crash down. However, there is still hope for a better future. The singer talks about meeting with others to laugh, drink, and plan for a better tomorrow. Even amid the chaos, the city comes alive at night with music and energy. The singer urges someone to tell them what they see in them because they believe in that person. The song ends with a quote from someone wanting to be taken away.
The song seems to be about finding hope amid chaos and destruction. The singer describes a world that is falling apart, but still, people find a way to come together and enjoy life. The idea of ghost dancing is a reference to a Native American ritual, where dancers believed they could bring their ancestors back from the dead, and the world could be brought back to the old ways. The song seems to suggest that even in a world that seems like it is ending, people can come together and create a new future.
Line by Line Meaning
Cities, buildings falling down
The destruction of civilization is evident; society is in ruin.
Satellites come crashing down
Even the advanced technology we depend on is failing and crashing down.
I see them falling out the skies like eagles
The once-powerful machinery of society is now frail and falling apart like the majestic eagles, a symbol of freedom and strength.
All mirrored glass and shattered egos
The reflection of ourselves, once polished and prideful, is now broken and shattered, just like the city's mirrors, which represents a facade. With nothing to show, we are left with ego damage.
But in a corner of the world we'd meet to laugh and drink and plan our sequels
Despite the destruction and chaos around us, people bond together to share laughter, drink, and dream of a better future.
'Cause in the alleyways and bars downtown
People find comfort in more intimate places, such as bars and alleyways, instead of grand, overwhelming structures in the city center.
They're singing up from here to there can we go
People are looking for hope and direction, asking questions like: Where do we go from here?
This city comes alive at night, see these city walls are heaving
When darkness falls, the city becomes vigorous and dynamic. However, even though the city is still standing, it appears ready to collapse.
And if these old city walls should crash, amid the rubble you'd find us breathing
Even if the city falls apart, the people will survive and push to rebuild, as we breathe in the fresh air of a new beginning.
Come say what you see in me
I am expressing my vulnerability, hoping for someone to understand and accept me.
'Cause boy, I believe in you
I trust you and want to get closer to you.
Come say what you're seeing
Tell me your perception and feelings towards me.
All gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
Everything is gone now; people continue to dance out of respect for the past and its memories.
You talk about the Lebanon
You speak of the destruction and pain of the people in Lebanon.
You tell me 'bout the Dawn in Eden
You talk about the rebirth of life, and the hope that is conveyed through the biblical story of the Garden of Eden.
You talk about South Africa
You mention the apartheid and violence in South Africa.
I tell you about the Irish children
I share details about another population suffering and the severity of the situation with Irish children.
You say one more Polish Knight could come and blow away the doors to Freedom
You express the need for a hero, a champion capable of breaking down barriers for those seeking freedom.
And if Mother Ethiopia could blow away the tears that we see run
If Ethiopia, a powerful symbol of a motherland, could take away the pain and suffering that we see, relief would be found.
O blow them away,
Expressing a need to erase the pain and suffering, once and for all
Blow, blow away
Removing any semblance of pain, difficulties, or sorrow.
We will blow them away
Together, we will work to defeat the pain and suffering that persists, and bring joy and hope to the world.
O blow, blow away
Whatever is causing pain, difficulties, or sorrow will be obliterated or blown away.
Come say what you see in me
I am identifying myself in the context of the pain and struggle of the world.
'Cause boy, I believe in you
'You' refers to all of humanity, and believing in our ability to prevail despite the odds.
Come say what you're seeing
Calling out to people, to share your vision and hope for the future.
They're all gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
The pain and sorrow mentioned before is now gone, and people dance in honor of those who have passed, while looking toward the future.
You know I believe in you
Maintaining hope and belief in the power of humanity to overcome adversity despite the odds.
Oh yes I believe, you know I believe in you
Reiterating the belief in humanity and its power to rise above all difficulties.
You say you believe
The 'you' refers to humanity as a whole.
I believe, I believe, going all the way through, yeah
Maintaining faith in a better tomorrow, self-determination and the ability to achieve.
Come take me back home, come on and take me away
Feeling as though things have gone off track, and a sense of longing for a return to the way things once were.
The car pulled up, the girl she jumped in
A couple seeks escape in each other, leaving the world behind.
The boy he wore a medal that was shining from his skin
The boy wears a medal that symbolizes the world's incapability to protect its people.
With the windows pulled up, their radio tuned in
The couple completely disconnecting from reality and choosing to ignore it while seeking solace together.
She's hitting from the stars, he's hitting for the moon
The girl is a dreamer, while the boy is ambitious and reaching for the stars.
She said, one last kiss while you look across the Land
A final kiss before leaving the world behind and fleeing to a different place.
Move it into overdrive and take me by my hand
A rush of adrenaline, the couple speeding away from reality and toward their personal utopia.
When the car broke, the rebels saw smoke
The car crash, representing the couple's illusion being shattered and the realization that they're not invincible.
And they all went to heaven in a stupid fantasy, go
The couple dies together, escaping from the world they no longer wish to face, even though it was a poor choice.
Take me away
The call for transportation to run away from the harsh realities of the world.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, EMI Music Publishing
Written by: CHARLES BURCHILL, JAMES KERR, MICHAEL JOSEPH MACNEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BOBLFC1
Cities, buildings falling down
Satellites come crashing down
I see them falling out the skies like eagles
All mirrored glass and shattered egos
But in a corner of the world we'd meet to laugh and drink and plan our sequels
'Cause in the alleyways and bars downtown
They're singing up from here to there can we go
This city comes alive at night, see these city walls are heaving
And if these old city walls should crash, amid the rubble you'd find us
breathing
Come say what you see in me
'Cause boy, I believe in you
Come say what you're seeing
All gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
You talk about the Lebanon
You tell me 'bout the Dawn in Eden
You talk about South Africa
I tell you about the Irish children
You say one more Polish Knight could come and blow away the doors to Freedom
And if Mother Ethiopia could blow away the tears that we see run
O blow them away,
Blow, blow away
We will blow them away
O blow, blow away
Blow, blow away
Blow, blow away
Come say what you see in me
'Cause boy, I believe in you
Come say what you're seeing
They're all gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
You know I believe in you
Oh yes I believe, you know I believe in you
You say you believe
I believe, I believe, going all the way through, yeah
Come take me back home, come on and take me away
Ghost Dancing
The car pulled up, the girl she jumped in
The boy he wore a medal that was shining from his skin
With the windows pulled up, their radio tuned in
She's hitting from the stars, he's hitting for the moon
She said, one last kiss while you look across the Land
Move it into overdrive and take me by my hand
When the car broke, the rebels saw smoke
And they all went to heaven in a stupid fantasy, go
Take me away
@patrickstocks3986
Cities, buildings falling down
Satellites come crashing down
I see them falling out the skies like Eagles
All mirrored glass and shattered egos
But in a corner of the world we'd meet to laugh and drink and plan our sequels
'Cause in the alleyways and bars downtown
They're singing up from here to there can we go
This city comes alive at night, see these city walls are heaving
And if these old city walls should crash, amid the rubble you'd find us breathing
Come say what you see in me
'Cause boy, I believe in you
Come say what you're seeing
All gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
You talk about the Lebanon
You tell me 'bout the Dawn in Eden
You talk about South Africa
I tell you about the Irish children
You say one more Polish Knight could come and blow away the doors to Freedom
And if Mother Ethiopia could blow away the tears that we see run
O blow them away
Blow, blow away
We will blow them away
O blow, blow away
Blow, blow away
Blow, blow away
Come say what you see in me
'Cause boy, I believe in you
Come say what you're seeing
They're all gone just ghost dancing, going all the way through
You know I believe in you
Oh yes I believe, you know I believe in you
You say you believe
I believe, I believe, going all the way through, yeah
Come take me back home, come on and take me away
Ghost Dancing
The car pulled up, the girls she jumped in
The boy he wore a medal that was shining from his skin
With the windows pulled up, their radio turned in
She's hitting from the stars, he's hitting for the moon
She said, 1 last kiss while you look across the Land
Move it into overdrive and take me by my hand
When the car broke, the rebels saw smoke
And they all went to heaven in a stupid fantasy, go
Take me away
@isabel1983
3:25 man, you can FEEL Jim Kerr’s voice in your soul! He’s such a phenomenal singer, his delivery is very powerful ✨🙌🏼
@daveb6214
Jim's voice and Charlie's guitar playing are almost magical they complement each other .
They definitely still Alive and Kicking Today .
@toriannsteele9262
Well I'm 43 I still love Jim Kerr and Simple Minds since 1985
@jennisue20
Simple Minds music no matter what era they've composed their songs, remain timeless. They are by far the most creative & talented band that I have had ever had the pleasure to discover in the early 80's. Their live performances are incredible and many songs are better than the studio versions.. Jim Kerr, I love you...
@rick_terscale1111
Exactly!!! The version in this video.... I used to listen to it over and over back in the 80's as it sounded so much better than the official version. I had really hoped that it would get released on CD or a compilation but sadly it never did.
There is so much more energy and magic and fullness in this version.
@MrRexxyboy
man, that chorus... always blows me away ❤️
@emiliomartinezjr.1075
Simple Minds music makes me feel, even at old age, life is still worth living and okay to be cool.
@jimgewalt5471
That's kind of the whole point of music.
@youknowwhatyoumean8640
Spot on.
@andrea076licciardello4
❤️ simple minds for ever!