Steam Powered Giraffe has its own fictional mythology, with the band members portraying characters both on stage and on record; its fictional universe has been explored via several comic books mainly written and drawn by Isabella Bennett. Although the band underwent several line-up changes, it always focuses primarily on three robot characters (played by the Bennett siblings and a third performer, although the original line-up featured four robots), with several "humans" assisting and performing comedy, music and dancing on stage, and several smaller robots being performed via puppetry or voice acting. To date, they have released five studio albums, two live albums, several live concert films, provided the soundtrack for the 2015 video game SteamWorld Heist, and released an official single for the 2016 video game Battleborn.
The members of Steam Powered Giraffe met while taking Theatre Arts at Grossmont College. Afterwards, they became members of a local San Diego pantomime group called Troupe SD. Trained in pantomime by Seaport Village mime Jerry "Kazoo" Hager, and with collective backgrounds in clown, theater, music, and visual design, Jonathan Sprague, Erin Burke (a fellow pantomime artist) and the Bennett twins—Isabella and David—started street busking as quirky robotic characters in January 2008 at Balboa Park, California. For their first performance in public they called themselves Steam Powered Giraffe Presents: Peoplebots . Later that month they changed their name to just Steam Powered Giraffe). Erin Burke left the group in 2011 to pursue a career in acting.
Since their conception, the band has performed at venues including the San Diego County Fair, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Legoland California, Ontario Mills, Downtown Disney, and numerous science fiction, fantasy, anime, and steampunk conventions.
In October 2009, the band released their first album, Album One. It contained the previously released single from May 2009 titled "On Top of the Universe", in 2009. In early 2011 the band released a single, "Honeybee", announcing that it would be on an upcoming second album. In late 2011 the band announced the release of a "live" album entitled Live at the Globe of Yesterday's Tomorrow.
Their second studio album, entitled The 2¢ Show, was released in May 2012. That year, they were voted Best Live Comedy act (and runner up for Best Family Entertainment act) on San Diego A-List.
Besides their musical endeavors, the band publishes a web comic and has produced a card game based on characters in their backstory. In April 2012 they released a DVD entitled, Steam Powered Giraffe: The DVD (and the Quest For the Eternal Harp of Golden Dreams).
On 24 September 2012, the band announced on their Tumblr page that Jon Sprague would no longer be a part of the group. On 1 October it was announced that Sam Luke, the drummer for the band at the time, would become the new robot in the band, "Hatchworth". On 2 November 2012, Hatchworth made his stage debut with SPG at Youmacon in Detroit, Michigan with interim drummer Mike Buxbaum (of A City Serene). Later, Matt Smith was named SPG's new drummer.
During this time, SPG also introduced the characters of the Walter Girls into their shows. The Girls started out by manning the band's merchandise tables at performances, but have started figuring in to the SPG stage show and back story. Described as "blue matter engineers", the porcelian-white skinned and blue-haired Walter Girls (now called Walter Workers) are essentially the robot's caretakers on stage.
In June 2013, SPG released a cover of Rihanna's "Diamonds", essentially a solo performance by the Spine. The accompanying video, released to YouTube, introduced a new character to the SPG canon, a robotic giraffe puppet named GG (voiced by Bunny Bennett). GG appeared again in July when the band released a comedic video, "Walter Robotics Rap", to YouTube.
On 9 August 2013, Steam Powered Giraffe announced the title to their third album, MK III. The album was released on December 3. In September of that same year, the band released a cover of Icona Pop's "I Love It" on their YouTube channel.
On March 18, 2014, it was announced that Michael Reed and Matt Smith would no longer be performing members of Steam Powered Giraffe. The Bennett twins stated that the reasons for their departure was to focus more on the theatrical elements of the act and to reduce the cost of touring.
Early in 2014, Isabella Bennett began to transition the character of Rabbit from male to female, coinciding with her own status as a transgender woman. She legally changed her name to Isabella Bennett on 22 January 2016.
More videos have followed in the meantime. In May 2014, they released their third cover, a mostly acoustic version of Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger". The video marked the first "official" appearance by the female Rabbit to the general public at large (although the band had played some dates prior and some photos and raw audience footage had been seen). The band then followed up with two new videos: "Fancy Shoes" in June and "I'll Rust With You" in July, with the latter featuring live footage recorded at Anime Midwest in Rosemont, Illinois.
In September 2014, Steam Powered Giraffe gave their first international performance, playing at the Grand Canadian Steampunk Exposition in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. They returned for the 2015 Exposition to do a collaboration show with Professor Elemental.
On September 1, 2015, SPG released The Vice Quadrant: A Space Opera, a 2-disc space opera concept album containing 28 tracks, although iTunes released it as two separate albums for download. The release followed a number of video releases to promote the work. This marked the band's first recorded work with Rabbit presenting as a woman, as well as the first full album recorded strictly as a trio. The album featured an appearance by Professor Elemental as well as vocals by Walter Worker Chelsea Penyak.
In December 2015, video game developer Image & Form released the game SteamWorld Heist for the Nintendo 3DS, and later released it in 2016 on other platforms. The game's soundtrack was composed and recorded by SPG, and they appear in-game.
The video game Battleborn by Gearbox Software released on May 3, 2016, and included an unlockable theme song created by Steam Powered Giraffe for the character of Montana; the same day, the band released it on digital platforms as a single.
On June 20, 2016, Steam Powered Giraffe announced on their website that their fifth studio album, Quintessential was available for pre-order. According to the article, a free downloadable digital copy of the twelve-track album would be included with the purchase of the CD.
On December 19, 2016, the band announced on social media that Samuel Luke would be leaving the group so he could focus more on his independent work as an artist and musician. He then announced that he would immediately be replaced by Bryan Barbarin and his character Zero. The next day, the Bennetts, Sam, and Bryan came together in David and Isabella's new podcast, The Bennettarium, to discuss the robot transition, among other things. Zero's first live show occurred on February 18, 2017, at The Center Theater at The California Center for the Arts in Escondido, California.
It was confirmed on March 12, 2017, following her appearance on The Bennettarium, that the 2009 original release of the band's Album One album, featuring a song and some vocals by past band member Erin Burke would be re-released. Both the 2009 and 2011 version now co-exist.
On July 20, 2017 the band performed a show during San Diego Comic Con with former member Michael Philip Reed joining them on stage. Since this show, Michael joined the band for most shows up until February 2020.
On January 27, 2018 Steam Powered Giraffe celebrated the band's 10th anniversary with a special concert featuring all members in the band's history, including all five former members: robots The Jon, Upgrade and Hatchworth, and humans Michael Philip Reed and Matthew Smith. It was later released as a live concert film on Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital video.
On April 18, 2019 the band announced the production of their next album, the first to feature Bryan and the first since MK III to feature Michael Philip Reed. They also confirmed that they would be releasing two new songs every three to four months alongside music videos for each song.
On March 3, 2020 the band announced that backing musician Michael Philip Reed was suddenly leaving the band to move out of the country. Reed had provided some contributions to tracks on the band's 6th album 1896 prior to his departure.
On July 1, 2020 the band uploaded two re-edits of their music videos Shattered Stars and Latum Alterum which removed former band member Michael Reed. In the pinned comments of these videos and a public post on their Patreon, David Michael Bennett from the band explained that the edits were in response to evidence brought to the band in private from multiple fans about Michael Reed’s inappropriate interactions with them. The band states that Michael had denied everything when the band contacted him about it, but that the evidence was overwhelming and they could not turn a blind eye to the people who came forward privately about said actions. Then on July 10th, 2020, the band posted publicly on their Patreon that they were no longer working with their live show sound technician Steve Negrete, followed by a statement from him. In the statement Steve said he was resigning from the band due to having had relationships with fans and that he must take responsibility for his own actions after reflecting in light of the information about Michael Reed. He apologized for his actions and stated that he will not be working with the band any further. The music video for the band’s song Shattered Stars was re-uploaded with another re-edit, removing shots of Steve Negrete in addition to the previous removal of Michael Reed.
Diamonds
Steam Powered Giraffe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shine bright like a diamond
Find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy
You and I, you and I , we're like diamonds in the sky
You're a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy
When you hold me, I'm alive
We're like diamonds in the sky
I knew that we'd become one right away
Oh, right away
At first I felt the energy of sun rays
I saw the life inside your eyes
So shine bright tonight,
You and I
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye,
So alive
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Palms rise to the universe, as the moon shines on me
Feel the warmth, we'll never die
We're like diamonds in the sky
You're a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy
When you hold me, I'm alive
We're like diamonds in the sky
At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays
I saw the life inside your eyes
So shine bright
Tonight,
You and I
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye,
So alive
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
So shine bright
Tonight,
You and I
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye,
So alive
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
The opening lines of "Shine bright like a diamond" is a metaphorical expression, which uses diamonds as a symbol for the brilliance of human character. This line essentially means that we should shine brightly like a diamond, which is considered to be a precious stone because of its hardness, its rarity, and its sparkling, multifaceted beauty. The lyrics go on to describe the beauty of the sea and how the singer chooses to be happy by seeking light in the midst of darkness. The lines "You and I, you and I, we're like diamonds in the sky" can be taken to describe a connection between two people, where they are to each other as diamonds are to the sky.
The chorus of the song mentions the shooting star, a symbol of hope, and how the person you love can make you feel alive. This can be interpreted as the idea that we are all valuable and unique, like diamonds, and that we should celebrate our individuality. The bridge "Palms rise to the universe, as the moon shines on me, feel the warmth, we'll never die," is a call to celebrate life and seize the moment. Overall, the song celebrates beauty, hope, and love as timeless and valuable qualities.
Line by Line Meaning
Shine bright like a diamond
Be radiant and dazzling
Find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy
Discover happiness in the world and choose to be content
You and I, you and I, we're like diamonds in the sky
We are unique and valuable, like diamonds in the sky
You're a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy
You are a rare and spectacular sight that brings immense pleasure
When you hold me, I'm alive
Your touch makes me feel alive and invigorated
I knew that we'd become one right away, Oh, right away
I sensed an instant connection and knew we were meant to be together
At first I felt the energy of sun rays, I saw the life inside your eyes
I felt your warm and vibrant energy and saw the vitality in your eyes
Palms rise to the universe, as the moon shines on me
I bask in the glory of the universe and feel the moon's radiance on me
Feel the warmth, we'll never die, We're like diamonds in the sky
We radiate warmth and will never fade away, like diamonds in the sky
So shine bright tonight, You and I
Let's be brilliant together tonight
Eye to eye, So alive
We connect deeply and share vibrant energy
Shining bright like a diamond
Radiating brilliantly, like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Be radiant and dazzling
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Sia Furler, Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Benjamin Levine
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Azoth
Here ya have the lyrics sweeties 💖✨
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Find light in the beautiful sea
I choose to be happy
You and I, you and I
We're like diamonds in the sky
You're a shooting star I see
A vision of ecstasy
When you hold me, I'm alive
We're like diamonds in the sky
I knew that we'd become one right away
Oh, right away
At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays
I saw the life inside your eyes
So shine bright, tonight you and I
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye, so alive
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Palms rise to the universe
As we moonshine and molly
Feel the warmth, we'll never die
We're like diamonds in the sky
You're a shooting star I see
A vision of ecstasy
When you hold me, I'm alive
We're like diamonds in the sky
At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays
I saw the life inside your eyes
So shine bright, tonight you and I
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye, so alive
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shining bright like a diamond
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
So shine bright, tonight you and I
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye, so alive
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shell Shiver
i'm impressed by The Spines ability to remain in character when he's singing so passionately.. i know this is an older video, but it has such an impact it should never be forgotten
Harris Farr
Well the vocal recording isn’t from the lip singing in the video. He’s not actually singing in the video. That’s how you make a music video... his vocals are recorded in a studio into a microphone
Bailey Mackey
@Harris Farr but he still lips it
Bailey Mackey
One of my friends showed me this to show diversity in one voice actor, but that was a bonus
Evils clone
@Harris Farr its more impressive how well he can sync up to the music, and yet keep his body in such well controll
Lord Candy
i feel this statement is still true today!
Princess Luna
I love that Spines vocal range is so great that he can sing harmonies with himself.
Raine Courville
Good point your majesty.
Grizel Sánchez Camacho
That was the reason I stayed on this video.
Kellsville
This is still my favorite cover of the song. Any time I hear Rihanna’s version I always feel like it falls short of Spine’s.