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)
Let The Children Speak
Simple Minds Lyrics
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A whole nation waits outside
The rhythm of tomorrow
They can dance away their sorrows tonight
Lost, broken and scarred
Prisoner waits outside with his lone heart beating
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
Aims, dangerous games
Their mother says one false move and we all get hurt
I feel this sense of power I feel it every hour tonight
Let's not get lazy tonight
Things could get crazy cos
One more kick and the door cracks open
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children
Power to the powerless strength unto the weak
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
I'm begging you now
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children
Power to the powerless, strength unto the weak
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
Let's not get lazy tonight
Things could get crazy cos
One last kick and the door cracks open
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
Power to the powerless, strength unto the weak
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
Things could get crazy tonight
Let's not get lazy cos
One last kick and the door cracks open
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
I'm begging you now
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children
Power to the powerless, strength unto the weak
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
The language of this world
Let's not get lazy cos
One false move and we all get hurt
Let the children, let the children
Let the children, let the children speak
The language of this world
Things could get crazy
"Let the Children Speak" by Simple Minds is a song that encourages people to listen to the voices of children and allow them to express themselves freely. The lyrics depict a world where children are silenced and oppressed by the adults around them. The opening lines, "Time, way out of line, a whole nation waits outside, the rhythm of tomorrow" suggest that the world is in a state of chaos and people are waiting for a change. The song tells us that children hold the key to the future and if we let them express themselves, they can contribute to a better world.
The lyrics suggest that the world is in need of a revolution and children are the key to this revolution. The lines "Power to the powerless, strength unto the weak" and "Let the children speak" reinforce this message. The song urges people to not be lazy and take action before it's too late. It acknowledges that change is not easy and can be dangerous, but it's necessary for progress. The final lines of the song "Let the children, let the children, let the children speak. The language of this world" suggest that the true language of the world is the voice of children.
Overall, "Let the Children Speak" is a call for people to pay attention to the voices of children and allow them to express themselves freely. The song encourages us to take action to make the world a better place for future generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Time, way out of line
Time has passed by recklessly and the current moment is not ideal
A whole nation waits outside
The people are unified in their desire for things to improve
The rhythm of tomorrow
The hope for a better future lies in the music and energy of the next generation
They can dance away their sorrows tonight
For a brief moment, the youth can escape their troubled reality through music and dance
Lost, broken and scarred
The youth have been deeply affected by the struggles of their environment
Prisoner waits outside with his lone heart beating
Even those who are trapped and powerless still hold onto hope
Let the children, let the children
It is time to give the youth a platform to express their thoughts and feelings
Aims, dangerous games
The dreams and desires of the youth can be risky and uncertain
Their mother says one false move and we all get hurt
The actions of the youth can have a significant impact on their community
I feel this sense of power I feel it every hour tonight
The energy and passion of the youth is palpable and inspiring
Power to the powerless strength unto the weak
It is important to empower those who are struggling and marginalized
Things could get crazy cos
The situation could escalate and become unpredictable
One more kick and the door cracks open
With persistence, change can be achieved
Let's not get lazy tonight
We cannot allow ourselves to become complacent or apathetic
Let the children speak
It is crucial to listen to the perspectives and voices of the youth
The language of this world
The problems and issues faced by the youth are a universal language
I'm begging you now
The plea for understanding and action is urgent and sincere
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES KERR, CHARLES BURCHILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind