After completing a high-school education at the Stockholm music school Södra Latin, Swedish producer Peter Cartriers heard of Stephens talent in 1995 and invited him to his studio in Stockholm where they made a demo that first attracted the attention of a Swedish indie label and then secured a record deal with the UK major label Parlophone/EMI Music as well as Priority Records in the US. Stephen wrote and Peter produced Stephens first critically acclaimed and 5 times Grammy nominated album "Alone" (the album was re-mixed and re-named "Spirit Tales" for his UK and US release) and Stephen Simmonds had his breakthrough in 1997 with the hit "Tears Never Dry" a duet with Swedish superstar Lisa Nilsson that quickly became the most played track on radio that year.
Since then his talent has brought him to the US and the UK where he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Raphael Saadiq, Masters At Work and Mica Paris. His US release "Spirit Tales" was highly recommended by Prince and the New Power Generation on their official website.
He has performed for Stevie Wonder and Amnesty and he is the only Swedish artist who has been reviewed in the Quincy Jones founded Soul and R&B bible Vibe Magazine.
Stephen is now 31 years of age and for the release of his third album "This Must Be Ground" he has started his own label For Father Recordings and through a leading distributor got the album out in Scandinavia during 2004/early 2005.
"This Must Be Ground" is a strong album lyrically and musically. With songs such as "Goodwill", "Mother Mary" and "Killing & Religion" the goal was to blend Stephens strong world conscious lyrics and music with creative and genre transcending production by Sweden's finest.
To achieve this Stephen has worked with the young, up and coming Swedish producer Alex Papakonstantinou as well as childhood friend Arnthor Birgisson ( Alongside Max Martin and Rami he is one of Sweden's and the worlds top producers and he has worked with Westlife, J Lo, Celine Dion and Ricky Martin among others.)
"This Must Be Ground" is an album unique with its blend of daringly personal ballads and furiously dance driven up tempo tracks.
Judgement Day
Stephen Simmonds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But our words only serve us to say:
You're only worth the price you pay
No one needs you anyway
So I follow the words that I′m told
And I bargain my spirit and soul
Through my heart he tells me no,
But it seems the only way to go
Until judgement day, then you reap what you sow, they say,
But love is in need today, so please teach the children not to hate...
The inevitable can't be stalled, I'm the son of the maker of all
And this is the final call you could stand or you could crawl
When the seas and the rivers run dry, when the last of samaritans die
He will look you deep inside and your soul can never lie...
...on judgement day, then you reap what you sow, they say,
But love is in need today, so please teach the children not to hate.
Judgement day, then you reap what you sow, they say,
But love is in need today, so please teach the children not to hate...
Instrumental...
Than will look you deep inside and your soul can never lie...
Judgement day, then you reap what you sow, they say,
But love is in need today, so please teach the children not to hate...
Judgement day, then you reap what you sow, they say,
But love is in need today, so please teach the children not to hate...
NOT TO HATE!!!
Vamp.
End.
The lyrics of "Judgement Day" by Stephen Simmonds delve into themes of self-reflection, societal expectations, and the importance of choosing love over hate. The opening lines suggest that individuals are often judged based on superficial criteria, such as material worth, rather than their intrinsic value. The singer seems conflicted, torn between following external pressures and listening to their own moral compass.
The mention of bargaining one's spirit and soul highlights the internal struggle faced by the singer, torn between the expectations imposed upon them and their inner desires. The lines "through my heart, he tells me no" suggest a sense of conflicting guidance, where the heart urges the singer to follow a different path than the one dictated by external influences.
The reference to judgement day evokes a sense of accountability and consequences for one's actions. The idea of reaping what you sow implies the importance of taking responsibility for one's choices and deeds. The plea to "teach the children not to hate" underscores the message of spreading love and compassion in a world that often seems filled with animosity and division.
The repeated refrain emphasizes the urgency of promoting love and understanding in today's society. The instrumental interlude may represent a moment of reflection or contemplation before the final call to action to teach children not to hate. The lyrics ultimately urge listeners to embrace empathy and kindness, highlighting the transformative power of love in overcoming hate and prejudice.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a reason that leads to the way
There is a purpose or motivation that guides our actions.
But our words only serve us to say: You're only worth the price you pay
Our words may convey a belief that our value is based on what we sacrifice.
No one needs you anyway
The idea that perhaps others don't truly care for you.
So I follow the words that I'm told
I adhere to the guidance or commands given to me.
And I bargain my spirit and soul
I trade or negotiate the core of my being.
Through my heart he tells me no, But it seems the only way to go
Despite my heart's resistance, it appears as the sole path forward.
Until judgement day, then you reap what you sow, they say, But love is in need today, so please teach the children not to hate...
The belief that our actions have consequences, urging us to spread love and teach future generations kindness.
The inevitable can't be stalled, I'm the son of the maker of all
Events that are bound to happen cannot be delayed, acknowledging a higher power as the creator.
And this is the final call you could stand or you could crawl
A moment of decision between facing a challenge head-on or succumbing to it.
When the seas and the rivers run dry, when the last of samaritans die
Describing a time of great scarcity and loss of compassionate individuals.
He will look you deep inside and your soul can never lie...
An assurance that one's true self cannot deceive when examined by a higher authority.
But love is in need today, so please teach the children not to hate...
Emphasizing the importance of spreading love and imparting values of tolerance to young ones.
Writer(s): Stephen Simmonds
Contributed by Chloe B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.