Stiltskin is a Scottish rock band that gained prominence in the mid-1990s. … Read Full Bio ↴Stiltskin is a Scottish rock band that gained prominence in the mid-1990s. Led by frontman Ray Wilson, who has been the sole consistent member, the band is best recognized for their 1994 UK chart-topping single "Inside".

Formation and Early Success
Founded in 1994 by multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Peter Lawlor to showcase music he composed for the British Levi's television advertisement "Creek," Stiltskin rose to fame with their hit single "Inside," which reached the top of the UK Singles Chart. Despite this initial success, subsequent releases like "Footsteps" achieved moderate chart positions, with the band's original lineup releasing their debut album, "The Mind's Eye," which attained a silver record in the UK and garnered attention in the US music scene.

Changes and Continued Pursuits
Following the disbandment of the original lineup in 1996 during the recording of their unfinished second album, members pursued other projects. Lawlor continued his work in music production and composition, contributing to various high-profile projects and also delving into economics. Other former members, such as McFarlane and Wilson, ventured into different musical endeavors, with Wilson notably joining Genesis and later launching a solo career.

Revival and Recent Activities
In 2005, Wilson assembled a new lineup under the Stiltskin moniker and released the album "She" in 2006. The band toured extensively in Europe, culminating in the release of a live album in 2007. Subsequent albums followed, including "Unfulfillment" in 2011. Over the years, there have been lineup changes, with drummer Ashley Macmillan departing the band in 2015.

Discography
The Mind's Eye (1994)
She (2006)
Unfulfillment (2011)

Wake Up Your Mind
Stiltskin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There are promises you could not keep
You didn't even try
And that's no way
To live your life
Something's hidden in your past
Preacher pray for me
It's gonna be black again some day
All of the lies you're sending

How many times can you break me?
Until I turn it around

Wake up your mind
Wake up your mind
You're wasting time, what, are you looking for
Wake up your mind
Wake up your mind

Empty moments that you share with me
A worthless life
You're leading me on
Watch the curtain finally falling down
Is your life a circus?
Did you send me the clown?

Wake up your mind
Wake up your mind
You're wasting time, what, are you looking for
Wake up your mind

Wake up your mind

Love, Peace, War, Hate, Words
No, they mean nothing to me
Love, Peace, War, Hate, Words
No, they mean nothing to me
Sleeping, I watch you sleeping
Wake up your mind

Wake up your mind
Wake up your mind
You're wasting time, what, are you looking for
Wake up your mind
Wake up your mind
Wake up your mind
Wake up your mind
You're wasting my time
You're wasting my time
You're wasting my time

Love, Peace, War, Hate, Words
No, they mean nothing to me

Love, Peace, War, Hate, Words
No, they mean nothing to me

Overall Meaning

The song "Wake Up Your Mind" by Stiltskin is a powerful call to action for someone who has been living a life of broken promises and empty moments. The singer is pleading with this person to change their ways, advising them that they cannot continue living a life filled with lies and deceptions. The lyrics point to something hidden in their past, and the need for spiritual guidance, as the preacher is called upon to pray for the troubled person.

The singer also reminds this person that they are wasting time, and that they need to wake up their mind and take control of their life. The use of the circus metaphor suggests a life that is chaotic and out of control, with the singer playing the role of the clown. The repeated references to love, peace, war, and hate suggest that these concepts have lost meaning for the singer, who is looking for something more substantive and real.

Overall, "Wake Up Your Mind" is a powerful wake-up call for anyone who has lost their way in life, and needs to find the strength to take control of their destiny, and live a more meaningful and honest existence.

Line by Line Meaning

There are promises you could not keep
You made commitments you couldn't fulfill

You didn't even try
You didn't put in effort to keep your word

And that's no way
This is not acceptable behavior

To live your life
It's not a fulfilling way to exist

Something's hidden in your past
You have secrets from your history

Preacher pray for me
Asking for spiritual support

It's gonna be black again some day
Darkness is coming and it feels inevitable

All of the lies you're sending
The deception you're constantly putting forth

How many times can you break me?
How many more times can you hurt me?

Until I turn it around
Until I take initiative to change things

Wake up your mind
Become aware and start thinking deeply