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)
King Is White and in the Crowd
Simple Minds Lyrics
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She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
They are not a melting pot, say no, say no tapestry
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
She takes his hand and she says you'll stay
She's lost in the crowd
King
The life and times, the art and talk
Wire them up, fire them up
The life and times, the art and talk
Lovers run camp Africa, Bars in town are civilised
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
Panorama, Citylife
Youth's dance proud from the waist down
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
Shot from where the action is, a rhapsody in black and blue
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
Love lies under western eyes, powerful yet transient
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
The lyrics of Simple Minds' song "King Is White and in the Crowd" paint a picture of a woman who is watching a movie of a white man, possibly a political figure, speaking to a crowd of people. The lyrics suggest that the woman is from America or has some connection to the country. The woman seems to be fascinated with this man, and she takes his hand and urges him to stay with her in the crowd, although it is not clear why.
The song also references the idea of America not being a melting pot, perhaps suggesting that there are still significant racial tensions and segregation in the country. Additionally, the lyrics mention "lovers run camp Africa" and "Panorama, Citylife", suggesting a broader exploration of societal issues and culture beyond just America.
Overall, the song seems to be exploring the complexities of modern society, with its various cultural and political forces colliding and influencing each other. The title "King Is White and in the Crowd" suggests that the song is also playing with ideas of power, privilege, and identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Talking by the pool of light, language from America.
They were speaking under a bright light in the pool area, using American English.
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
She plays a recorded video of him where he stands out in a crowd for being white and powerful.
They are not a melting pot, say no, say no tapestry
They do not blend together, they do not make a uniform community.
She takes his hand and she says you'll stay
She holds his hand, asking him to stay with her.
She's lost in the crowd
She feels confused and disoriented amongst many people.
King
Referring to the powerful figure in the video that everyone admires.
Wire them up, fire them up
Inviting and encouraging people to express themselves, be energetic and enthusiastic.
The life and times, the art and talk
A reference to the culture, history, and intellectual discourse of a community.
Lovers run camp Africa, Bars in town are civilised
Couples are living in Africa like they're camping in the wilderness, while the local bars in town maintain a certain level of refinement.
Panorama, Citylife
A view of a city's way of life and the environment they live in.
Youth's dance proud from the waist down
Young people dance enthusiastically with pride in their movements and expressions.
Shot from where the action is, a rhapsody in black and blue
Recording a scene from where the action was happening in poetic terms that alludes to contrast and drama.
Love lies under western eyes, powerful yet transient
Western cultures have a certain allure of power and influence, but their love is often short-lived and temporary.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES BURCHILL, DEREK FORBES, JAMES KERR, NORMAN MICHAEL MC NEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind