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)
Neon Lights
Simple Minds Lyrics
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Shimmering neon lights
And at the fall of night
This city's made of light [Repeat: x5]
The song Neon Lights by Simple Minds is a beautiful ode to the bustling cities that come alive at night. The lyrics describe how the neon lights shimmer and make the city seem alive even when the sun has gone down. The focus is on the lights that give the city its unique identity, as the band cries out in unison that this city is made of light. The city is portrayed as a beautiful and vibrant place; a place where anything can happen and everything is possible, and the shining lights only add to its charm.
This song can be interpreted to mean different things, but it primarily focuses on the imagery of the bustling city at night, where neon lights create a mesmerizing ambience that seems to be alive itself. The song conveys a sense of awe and magic in the way the city lights up and the feelings of excitement that it brings. The lyrics are simple yet profound, capturing the essence of the urban lifestyle while providing a sense of hope and possibility.
The song has gained critical acclaim over the years and is considered one of Simple Minds' most evocative works. It is an excellent example of the band's ability to capture the spirit and essence of a place or time and convey it through their music. Neon Lights continues to be an anthem for city dwellers worldwide, a celebration of the neon signs, the energy, and the uniqueness of the city.
Line by Line Meaning
Neon lights
The bright and colorful lights that we see in the city are known as neon lights.
Shimmering neon lights
The neon lights appear to be shining and sparkling in a mesmerizing way.
And at the fall of night
As the night falls, the neon lights become more prominent and enchanting.
This city's made of light
The city seems to be predominantly made up of bright and lively neon lights, which depict the modern world's fast-paced, exciting lifestyle.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ralf Huetter, Florian Schneider-Esleben, Karl Bartos
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind