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)
Kill Or Cure
Simple Minds Lyrics
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...
The wine is poured right by your table
The way you dress does not deceive
I try to turn but I'm not able
The door is locked, you have the key
You can spread yourself all over me
(You can kill or cure)
You can shut me up, by just commanding
(You can kill or cure)
You can kill or cure, but you can't help me
(You can kill or cure)
You tell me there's no place to hide in
No sacred words, no A to Z
Within this world there's no pride here
No place for friends or enemies
(You can kill or cure)
...
With your demanding
(You can kill or cure)
You can spread yourself all over me
(You can kill or cure)
You can cut me up, by just commanding
(You can kill or cure)
You can kill or cure, but you can't help me
(You can kill or cure)
You can't help me
You can kill or cure, but you can't help me
You can kill or cure with your demanding
(You can kill or cure)
You can spread yourself all over me
(You can kill or cure)
You can shut me up, by just commanding
(You can kill or cure)
You can kill or cure, but you can't help me
(You can kill or cure)
(You can kill or cure)
The lyrics of Simple Minds's song "Kill or Cure" explore the concept of power dynamics in an unhealthy relationship. The singer seems to be caught in the web of his lover's manipulations, unable to resist her demands and feeling trapped by the intensity of their connection. The title phrase "kill or cure" can be interpreted as a reference to the dual nature of their relationship, which can either heal him or destroy him depending on how it evolves.
Throughout the song, the imagery suggests a sense of suffocation and entrapment. The wine being poured "right by your table" implies a sense of intimacy and closeness, but the fact that the singer can't turn away from the person who's pouring it adds an element of discomfort. The idea that the door is locked and the lover has the only key reinforces the notion of being trapped, with no escape except through the whims of the other person. The repeated refrain "you can kill or cure" reinforces the sense of powerlessness, as if the singer has no agency in the relationship and is at the mercy of his lover's whims.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of unease and tension, with the singer trapped in a situation that could either heal him or hurt him. The repeating chorus, with its focus on the power of the other person's demands, reinforces the sense that the singer is caught in a dangerous dynamic that he can't easily escape.
Line by Line Meaning
You can kill or cure
The power is in your hands; you can either harm or heal.
The wine is poured right by your table
There's temptation all around you.
The way you dress does not deceive
Your appearance matches your true intentions.
I try to turn but I'm not able
I'm trapped and struggling to escape.
The door is locked, you have the key
You have complete control over the situation.
You can kill or cure with your demanding
Your requests have the power to harm or heal others.
You can spread yourself all over me
You have the ability to influence and control me completely.
(You can kill or cure)
Reinforcing the idea that you have the power to harm or heal.
You can shut me up, by just commanding
Your words can silence me completely.
But you can't help me
Even though you have control, you're unable to offer assistance or support.
You tell me there's no place to hide in
There's no escape from your control and influence.
No sacred words, no A to Z
There's no guidance or rules to follow in this situation.
Within this world there's no pride here
There's no sense of self-worth or dignity.
No place for friends or enemies
Relationships are irrelevant in this power dynamic.
You can cut me up, by just commanding
Your words and actions can hurt me deeply.
You can't help me
Despite your power, you're unable to offer assistance or support.
Contributed by Levi T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Clem7
I love this song , the music is one more time absolutely magic !
12svjetlana
I love this song so much
Richard Gordon
You guys and gals outdid yourselves...I am totally addicted to this album.
emmanuel perez
genial!!!! emociona
RL29
Grandessssssaa
EuropaThePirateTwin3
Awesome! :D
Beppe Peragine
GREAT