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)
This Is It
Simple Minds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I still hear the words they're saying
And when I'm wondering if I can step in
I'll take comfort in the sounds that's playing
'cause when I am feeling fine don't wanna walk away
Don't wanna lose myself no matter what I say
There is a game in town this is it
And when the feelings rise pulling me off my knees
I won't be scared of it 'cause I can't believe
There is a game in town this is it
They call it the new change
And when I'm pleading but I can't get in
No one's listening to a word I am saying
There is no reason why we can't begin
Broken hearts are congregating
'cause when the feeling's fine and the world steps in
I'll organize myself I'll get my mind moving
There is a game in town this is it
They call it the new change
And when I'm running scared and I can't resist
I'll organize myself with all the chances missed
There is a game in town this is it
They call it the new change
And when I'm running scared and I can't resist
I'll organize myself for all the chances missed
There is a game in town this is it
They call it the new change
This is it this is it this is it
They call it the new change
This is it this is it this is it
They call it the new change
This is it this is it this is it
They call it the new change
The lyrics to Simple Minds' song "This Is It" explore the themes of perseverance and determination. The singer describes their struggles with their own emotions and feelings, but takes comfort in the music they are listening to. The lyrics suggest that there is a "game in town," referring to the challenges of life that the singer must overcome. Even when the world seems to be against them, the singer is determined to continue on and not lose themselves.
The chorus repeats the phrase "This is it, they call it the new change," emphasizing the idea that the singer is facing something new and transformative in their life. They are ready to take on whatever comes their way, even if it means missed chances and broken hearts. The repetition of the phrase "This is it" adds a sense of urgency and determination to the lyrics.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. The lyrics acknowledge that life can be difficult, but ultimately the singer is empowered to take control of their own destiny. The music itself reinforces this sense of empowerment, with a driving beat and soaring vocals that suggest a sense of triumph over obstacles.
Overall, "This Is It" is an uplifting and inspiring song that encourages listeners to persevere in the face of challenges and embrace the opportunities for positive change in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
When the feelings come to me once again
When my emotions resurface after a period of calmness
I still hear the words they're saying
I am still affected by the past words that were spoken to me
And when I'm wondering if I can step in
When I am contemplating if I can take an opportunity
I'll take comfort in the sounds that's playing
I'll find solace in the music that I am listening to
'cause when I am feeling fine don't wanna walk away
Because when I feel good, I don't want to leave
Don't wanna lose myself no matter what I say
I don't want to lose my authentic self, even if I try to conceal it
There is a game in town this is it
There is a significant event occurring right now
They call it the new change
It's being referred to by some as a transformative period
And when the feelings rise pulling me off my knees
When my emotions become overwhelming and make it hard for me to continue
I won't be scared of it 'cause I can't believe
I won't be afraid of it because I can't comprehend it
And when I'm pleading but I can't get in
When I am begging but cannot gain access
No one's listening to a word I am saying
Nobody is paying attention to me
There is no reason why we can't begin
There is no cause why we cannot start
Broken hearts are congregating
People who are emotionally vulnerable are coming together
'cause when the feeling's fine and the world steps in
Because when I am feeling content and something outside of me intervenes
I'll organize myself I'll get my mind moving
I'll collect myself and start thinking strategically
And when I'm running scared and I can't resist
When I am feeling afraid and unable to fight back
I'll organize myself with all the chances missed
I'll get my act together, even though I regret missed opportunities
This is it this is it this is it
This is the moment, this is the time
They call it the new change
Some are labeling it a fresh transformation
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JIM KERR, CHARLIE BURCHILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kuzushi44
this song is better than a stimulating drink. Perfect for hard training ! Simple Minds are the invicible soldiers of Time.
Marcus
A song about redemption and rebirth. About prevailing and coming through, despite all the missed chances. One of the very best songs on a quite remarkable album. In the late autum of their long career SM have scaled new heights...'This Is It', indeed!
schnulz1981
THIS is it! Great song! I've heard it on concert in Bonn. Never forget this!
borealis fever
Absolutely love this track
Luis vèlez
Esta banda es sin duda una de los mejores del mundo y sin tanta publicidad simplemente legendarios
Jbkanales Channels
una de las mejores bandas que aun siguen vigentes a pesar del tiempo.
MrLobster65
Excellent song!!! Jim Kerr already keeps the same touch that used to have in Once Upon a time-
205gtist170
Best one on the album by far. Love Charlies guitaring at the end, reminds me of when he used a bar/allan key type thing on 'once upon a time' live! Awesome! never been gone, but now back on the map in my opinion!
Gabí Bote
Es impresionante que 30 años después sigan siendo tan autenticos, hemos envejecido juntos y espero seguir haciendolo, hay poca música que note el paso de los años y la de los simple es de esas..
Carlim Santos
Essa é a única música que tem a melhor performance desse cd que é o mais dramatico do Simple Minds...