The album also earned the artist a Grammy Award in March 1988 in the category of 'Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male'. In that same year, D'Arby earned three Soul Train Award nominations for 'Male Album of the Year' (from releasing 'Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby'), 'Male Single of the Year' (from releasing "Wishing Well"), and 'Best New Artist'. Receiving immense critical praise for a work that became RIAA certified as mutli-platinum, fans worried that he may have peaked too early, but they found D'Arby determined to continue down his own unique musical path.
D'Arby was born in Manhattan, New York, and he joined the army after leaving college, serving in Elvis Presley's old regiment in Germany. He was formally discharged by the army in 1983 after going absent without leave. While in Germany, he also worked with the group The Touch, releasing an album of material called 'Love On Time' in 1984. That album was later re-issued in 1989 as 'Early Works'.
D'Arby's follow-up studio album, 'Neither Fish Nor Flesh', came out in 1989. It sold over two million copies and earned praise from fans. Many critical reviews, however, were mixed and faulted D'Arby for what they saw as wandering about musically with a purpose, and the artist's acrimonious disputes with his record label grated on him. Note that the album is often alternatively known as 'Neither Fish Nor Flesh: A Soundtrack of Love, Faith, Hope & Destruction',
The expectations placed on D'Arby's shoulders from his early success caused him to undertake some needed soul searching. It took four more years and a move to Los Angeles, California until his next project, 1993's 'Symphony or Damn', was released. Also known as 'Symphony or Damn: Exploring the Tension Inside the Sweetness', the work proved somewhat of a commercial comeback and peaked at #4 on the U.K. album charts while receiving many supportive reviews.
D'Arby had moved into more and more of a musical vibe influenced by gritty rock, often inspired by blues. In 1995, D'Arby released 'Vibrator', which largely followed his previous work in its musical direction. Sadly, his commercial prospects were judged by many critics to be waning.
During the mid-90s, the relations between the artist and his label, Columbia Records, had became strained to the braking point, leading to the artist's departure in 1996. This was followed by four-years on Java Records, during which he recorded an album titled 'Terence Trent D'Arby's Solar Return'. Said work, however, was never released. In 2000, he bought the rights to his unreleased album and left the record company as well as Lippman Entertainment, which was his then-management-team.
In 1999, D'Arby was briefly hired by INXS to replace his friend, late vocalist Michael Hutchence, so the band could play at the opening of facilities for the Sydney Olympics.
In 2001 D'Arby changed his name to Sananda Francesco Maitreya. The same year, he settled in Munich, Germany, and started his own independent record label, Treehouse Pub. The year also marked his first album release in six years, Wildcard (the unreleased "Solar Return"). The album, first available for free through his website, was later released through a one-album distribution deal with Universal Music.
In 2002 Maitreya moved to Milan, Italy, and began working on his next project, Angels & Vampires - Volume I.
In July 2005 Maitreya started working on Angels & Vampires - Volume II, he released chapter after chapter online as soon he finished recording the songs. In April 2006 he released the finished album; again via his website.
Since 2006, Maitreya has released five more studio albums, alongside touring and the release of a few live albums and various live shows to his YouTube channel. In 2020, Maitreya was featured on The Avalanches' single Reflecting Light which would later be on their 'We Will Always Love You' album, later that same year.
Trivia:
D'Arby/Maitreya appeared in in the TV series "Shake, Rattle And Roll" where he played the part of Jackie Wilson. His music has also been included on several movie soundtracks, most notably 1991's Frankie and Johnny.
Ev'rythang
Terence Trent D'Arby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is the same as the one from the shore
The view from an open window
Is the same as from a closed door
The fabulous sunset
Is a joy to behold
And the chains of perception
Have broken their mold
Everything, everything, everything
I look at my sister and at my brother
I see that I'm no more ,nor less than another
I see that the rainbow is my family tree
I love every color and every mother
Cause everyone is family
I want to be one with
Everything, everything, everything
The lyrics to TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY'S song "Ev'rythang" are a reflection of the artist's desire to see the world as it truly is, beyond the limitations of perception and the prejudices that often cloud our vision. The first verse of the song speaks to the idea that regardless of where one stands or what one's perspective is, the view of the world is essentially the same. The metaphorical use of a mountain and a shore, as well as an open window and a closed door, suggests that there is no real difference in the way we view things depending on our position or vantage point. The fabulous sunset, which is noted as a joy to behold, represents the beauty and wonder of the world that can be appreciated by all, regardless of one's station in life. The chains of perception, which have broken their mold, suggest the artist's desire to move beyond the limitations of his own perspective and see the world for what it truly is.
The second verse of the song speaks more directly to the artist's message of unity and the importance of seeing everyone as part of one human family. The use of the rainbow as a symbol of diversity and the family tree as a symbol of interconnectedness underscores the idea that all people are worthy of love and respect. The artist's desire to be one with everything reflects a deep longing for connection and a recognition that we are all part of a greater whole. Overall, the lyrics to this song are an expression of the artist's desire to break down barriers and cultivate a sense of unity, love and respect for all people.
Line by Line Meaning
The view from the mountain
Perspective from a higher point is no different than from a lower point
Is the same as the one from the shore
Observing from a distance or up close still reveals the same scene
The view from an open window
Looking through an open or closed portal yields identical results
Is the same as from a closed door
Observing an object or a view from inside and outside is the same
The fabulous sunset
The serene beauty of a sunset is a rewarding experience
Is a joy to behold
Beholding the magnificent view of a sunset brings great pleasure
And the chains of perception
Limitations imposed by preconceptions and biases
Have broken their mold
These limitations have finally been shattered and surpassed
I want to be one with
To unite and connect with
Everything, everything, everything
The entirety of what surrounds and exists
I look at my sister and at my brother
Realizing that people are no more or less important than anyone else
I see that I'm no more, nor less than another
Each individual shares qualities that make them equal to others
I see that the rainbow is my family tree
The diverse spectrum of humanity is the family tree that we all share
I love every color and every mother
Embracing all races and genders as equals with non-discriminatory love
Cause everyone is family
Because we all share a universal bond of belonging and togetherness
I want to be one with
To connect and blend with
Everything, everything, everything
The totality of everything present
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind