The group played its first gig at London's Splash club in March 1994, subsequently taking six weeks to record its debut album, Paranoid and Sunburnt, at a "haunted house" outside the city. The band's first single, "Selling Jesus," was featured on the soundtrack of the film Strange Days; Stoosh followed in 1996, and three years later Skunk Anansie returned with Post Orgasmic Chill. They broke up in 2001, with Skin moving on to a solo career (releasing Fleshwounds in 2003 and Fake Chemical State in 2006). The group re-formed in early 2009, playing sold-out shows and recording three new tracks for a greatest-hits album, Smashes & Trashes. The reunion went so well that they decided to stick together and record a new album, Wonderlustre, released in the autumn of 2010, with the track "You Saved Me" used in Zack Snyder's 2011 movie Sucker Punch, along with their remix of Björk's "Army of Me."
Sadly, former drummer Robbie France passed away after his aorta ruptured in January 2011. The band released its fifth album, Black Traffic, in September 2012 and backed it with an extensive European tour. The first single from the album was "Sad, Sad, Sad." The group followed this up with the live album An Acoustic Skunk Anansie: Live in London, a recording of their performance at Cadogan Hall, London in April 2013, before their sixth studio effort, Anarchytecture, arrived in 2016. The following year, the band put out 25live@25 -- a compilation album that traversed 25 years of live material.
Biography by Steve Huey
Rise Up
Skunk Anansie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're too sane to be hard, but that is what you are
You're too sad to be high, but that is what you are
You don't have to run
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You're too wise to be cool, but that is what you are
You're too deep to be good, but that is what you are
You're too weak to be sold, but that is what you are
You don't have to run
And you don't have to hide
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
We're losing our convictions
You're losing all of your convictions
Your integrity slowly watered down
Never mind your soul destruction
Never mind, never mind, never mind it all
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up
Oh Lord when you feel it in the air
Oh Lord when you feel like you wanna cry
Oh Lord when you love the one you're with
The lyrics to Skunk Anansie's "Rise Up" convey a message of empowerment and encouragement to those who may feel undervalued or diminished in society. The first verse of the song addresses the paradoxical nature of individuals who seem to possess qualities that conflict with one another. Skunk Anansie sings that the subject of the song is "too cool to be smart" but is nevertheless an intelligent person. The chorus urges the subject to "rise up" above the societal constraints and prejudices that may seek to keep her down. The second verse continues to paint the picture of a complex individual and addresses her wisdom and depth, qualities that may not typically be associated with being "cool" or popular. The song ends with an exhortation to "rise up" and a reminder of the power of love.
The message of Skunk Anansie's "Rise Up" is one of resilience and hope. The song acknowledges the challenges and contradictions that many people face in a world that may not always value their talents, intellect, or character. However, the chorus serves as a call to action, imploring the listener to overcome these obstacles and rise above them, claiming their rightful place in the world. The song ultimately conveys the message that despite the difficulties and hardships that we may encounter, we all possess the strength and courage to rise above and thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
You're too cool to be smart, but that is what you are
Although you appear cool, you still possess intelligence and wisdom
You're too sane to be hard, but that is what you are
Despite being level-headed, you maintain a certain strength and determination
You're too sad to be high, but that is what you are
Although you feel sadness, you still rise above it to be optimistic and hopeful
You don't have to run
There's no need to flee, face your troubles head-on
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You have to take a stand and fight for what you believe in, young woman
We're losing our convictions
We're starting to doubt ourselves and our beliefs
You're too wise to be cool, but that is what you are
Despite being intelligent and knowledgeable, you maintain a certain poise and style
You're too deep to be good, but that is what you are
Although you have layers and complexities, you still possess qualities of goodness and kindness
You're too weak to be sold, but that is what you are
Despite being vulnerable, you refuse to be manipulated or exploited for profit
You don't have to hide
There's no need to conceal your true self, let your personality shine through
You're losing all of your convictions
Your strong beliefs and principles are slipping away
Your integrity slowly watered down
Your morals and values are gradually being compromised
Never mind your soul destruction
Don't worry about the damage being done to your inner being
You got to rise up
You must summon the courage to stand up for yourself and what you believe in
Oh Lord when you feel it in the air
When you sense a change is coming
Oh Lord when you feel like you wanna cry
When you feel overwhelmed by emotions
Oh Lord when you love the one you're with
When you're passionate about your cause or your partner
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEBORAH ANN DYER, LEN ARRAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
balmuis
You're too cool to be smart, but that is what you are
You're too sane to be hard, but that is what you are
You're too sad to be high, but that is what you are
You don't have to run
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
We're losing our convictions
You're too wise to be cool, but that is what you are
You're too deep to be good, but that is what you are
You're too weak to be sold, but that is what you are
You don't have to run
And you don't have to hide
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
We're losing our convictions
You're losing all of your convictions
Your integrity slowly watered down
N. Schneck
She sang me through my dark teenage years, saved me from feeling like a victim when terrible things happened.. I'll always be grateful for the power she gave me. ❤
David Greenslade
Love this woman, what a voice. Reminder of crazy days and nights.
Sykesee
This whole album is just amazing, thank you so much for uploading it all, i'm coming back again and again!
lozzabrummy
This song got me through dark times - love this band. Thanks for sharing x
balmuis
You're too cool to be smart, but that is what you are
You're too sane to be hard, but that is what you are
You're too sad to be high, but that is what you are
You don't have to run
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
We're losing our convictions
You're too wise to be cool, but that is what you are
You're too deep to be good, but that is what you are
You're too weak to be sold, but that is what you are
You don't have to run
And you don't have to hide
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
You got to rise up, sweet woman child
We're losing our convictions
You're losing all of your convictions
Your integrity slowly watered down
Speedcore Jihad
It´z 2019 and i listen to it long 23 years later Hilarious i was 13 yrs. that time ohh boi ...
Self
Saw these guys preform back in the day in Brisbane Australia ,small venue..unbelievably great set, skin gave it all 😎
missgarfur
Amazing, deep& strong album =)
Yasmine Grippeling
Still love this song, dozens of years later
Elisa Messori
BEST ALBUM EVER