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.
Goodbye Diane
Terence Trent D'Arby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If ignorance is blissful then knowledge has made me wistful
Once upon a time I stayed within your dotted line
But you would never swallow that I was never born to follow
So goodbye Diane
I really hope that you will understand
Once upon a time I scored from the baseline off the glass
Once upon a time I ran with your lions in the field
My lamb was getting trampled but now his bleats are getting sampled
So goodbye Diane
I really hope that you will understand
Mamaraja where`d you go?
Lovely Sutralinga
Prometheus is getting cold
And old
To avoid confusion
I lean into a waterfall
Listening to temptation
Negotiate a movie deal
For a steal
Once upon a time I heard some pretty ugly lies
Said against my brother `twas a shame it was our mother
So goodbye Diane
I really hope that you will understand
Bye bye baby
In these lyrics, Terence Trent D'Arby reveals a sense of remorse for his past mistakes and shortcomings, particularly towards a person named Diane. He starts by acknowledging that in the past, he had said and done things that were hurtful and inappropriate. He suggests that his ignorance had been blissful then, but with more knowledge and experience, he realizes how wrong he was.
D'Arby then refers to a time when he had stayed within Diane's expectations and boundaries, but she could not accept that he was not meant to follow her lead. He then bids her farewell, hoping that she will understand his need for independence and personal growth. He continues with a reference to his athletic abilities, but instead of being acknowledged for his success, he was criticized for not passing the ball. He then connects this to his personal life, mentioning how he used to run with her "lions" but now, he has found his own voice and path. He acknowledges that this may have caused some "trampling" but that he has learned to stand up for himself and say what he believes.
The lyrics also contain cryptic lines such as "Mamaraja where'd you go?" and "Prometheus is getting cold and old" which may hint to D'Arby's inner thoughts and emotions. The reference to the movie deal could suggest the temptations of fame and fortune that he may have encountered during his career. Overall, "Goodbye Diane" captures D'Arby's introspective journey and his ability to acknowledge his past mistakes and move forward with hope and clarity.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time I said some pretty fucked up things
In the past, I spoke hurtful words that I regret.
If ignorance is blissful then knowledge has made me wistful
Being aware of certain things has led me to feel melancholy instead of happy.
Once upon a time I stayed within your dotted line
I used to follow your expectations and guidelines.
But you would never swallow that I was never born to follow
You refused to accept that I wasn't meant to conform to your standards.
So goodbye Diane
I am saying farewell to you, Diane.
I really hope that you will understand
I hope you can comprehend my decision.
Once upon a time I scored from the baseline off the glass
I made a great basketball shot from the sidelines.
The coach instead of praising me said I should have made the pass
The coach criticized me instead of acknowledging my success.
Once upon a time I ran with your lions in the field
I used to participate in your activities, even if it was dangerous.
My lamb was getting trampled but now his bleats are getting sampled
I used to be vulnerable, but now I am more confident and outspoken.
Mamaraja where`d you go?
I am asking where Mamaraja went.
Lovely Sutralinga
I am expressing admiration for Sutralinga.
Prometheus is getting cold
Prometheus is becoming less relevant or important.
And old
And in addition, becoming old and outdated.
To avoid confusion
In order to prevent misunderstandings.
I lean into a waterfall
I am seeking solace in nature.
Listening to temptation
I am being seduced by something alluring.
Negotiate a movie deal
I am in discussions to make a film.
For a steal
I plan on getting a good deal for this movie project.
Once upon a time I heard some pretty ugly lies
I was told deceitful and malicious things about my own family.
Said against my brother `twas a shame it was our mother
Our mother was the one who spoke ill of my own sibling, which is regrettable.
Bye bye baby
I am saying farewell to someone in a playful or affectionate way.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind