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)
Song for the Tribes
Simple Minds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A sheer white knuckle ride
So young yet feel so stung by the game
I know what's left in a name
With all those national strains
The lion hits the stage
Purple hearts revolving round with purple rage
And what's in store tomorrow
No we don't need a replacement
The more I see the more I learn
All that time in the basement
I can't wait nor hang around
Language that shocks of the new
With the promise there's nothing to hide
When vultures rise out of the blue
And the circle of fireflies tonight
And all that heavenly light
I can't understand
The coup d'etat that walks inside every man
They all want to know 'bout the fashion show
Where the Queen will go tomorrow
Tomorrow
Where the Queen will go tomorrow
Where the Queen will go tomorrow
No we don't need a replacement
The more I see the more I learn
All that time in the basement
I can't wait nor hang around
Feel real power in the darkness
The more I see the more I learn
Feel it more than I confess
I can't wait nor hang around
I'll be outside
I'll be outside
Song for the tribes
Song for the tribes
The more I see the more I learn
No we don't need a replacement
The more I see the more I learn
Song for the tribes
Song for the tribes
The lyrics of Simple Minds' "Song for the Tribes" seem to be about the desire for deeper understanding and connection, an urge to know more about the world and its people. The opening lines imply a feeling of being hurt, possibly by the cruelty of others or the unpredictability of life. However, the following lines suggest that there is something more to be discovered beyond the pain, a sense of unity that transcends differences in nationality or identity.
The mention of a "lion hits the stage" and "purple hearts revolving round with purple rage" could be a reference to the intensity of a live performance, the passion and energy that can be felt in a moment of collective excitement. The lyrics continue to question the future, wondering what will happen "tomorrow" and where the "Queen will go" as a symbol of power and authority.
The song seems to be urging the listener to break free from limitations, to seek out new experiences and perspectives. The lines "I'll be outside/Song for the tribes" suggest a desire to be part of something larger, to find a community of like-minded people. The repeated chorus of "The more I see the more I learn" reinforces the idea of seeking knowledge and growth, of continually pushing beyond one's existing understanding. Overall, the lyrics of "Song for the Tribes" have a message of hope and a call to embrace diversity and explore the world with an open mind.
Line by Line Meaning
And from the other side
Looking at things from a different perspective
A sheer white knuckle ride
An intense and dangerous experience
So young yet feel so stung by the game
Feeling the pain of life's challenges despite being young
I know what's left in a name
Understanding that a name holds certain meanings and values
With all those national strains
Despite differences in nationality and culture, we all face similar struggles
The lion hits the stage
A powerful figure of authority stepping into the spotlight
Purple hearts revolving round with purple rage
Intense emotions of anger and frustration
And we all want to know where the weather goes
Trying to understand the unpredictable nature of life
And what's in store tomorrow
Curious about the future
No we don't need a replacement
There is no substitute for the original
The more I see the more I learn
Gaining knowledge through experience
All that time in the basement
A period of contemplation and reflection
I can't wait nor hang around
Impatient and eager to move forward
Language that shocks of the new
Innovative and groundbreaking communication
With the promise there's nothing to hide
A commitment to transparency and honesty
When vultures rise out of the blue
Danger and opportunism appearing suddenly
And the circle of fireflies tonight
A beautiful natural phenomenon
And all that heavenly light
Awe-inspiring beauty
I can't understand
Unable to comprehend
The coup d'etat that walks inside every man
The inherent struggle for power and control within all people
They all want to know 'bout the fashion show
Society's preoccupation with superficial appearances
Where the Queen will go tomorrow
Curiosity about the actions of powerful figures
Feel real power in the darkness
Experiencing true strength during difficult times
Feel it more than I confess
Recognizing a personal sense of power and strength, despite not openly stating it
I'll be outside
Remaining independent and separate from societal norms
Song for the tribes
A call to embrace and celebrate differences among people
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES KERR, CHARLES BURCHILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind