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.
I Have Faith In These Desolate Times
Terence Trent D'Arby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A roar down the road of a rumbling war
I have faith in these desolate times
A chill from the eyes of a man of political skill
I have faith but for how much longer?
It seems to me, bitter trees, full of fleas
Summarily hold the branches
Stealing keys, to our ranches
I have faith in these desolate times
A score to the sound of the feet of a journeyman's tour
I have faith in these desolate times
A feel and a hope and belief that man's peace will be still
I have faith but for how much longer?
The village green, people seen, full of beans
Imagining the course of action
And in between, shopping scenes, plasticine
Suburban dreams, an empty faction
I have faith in these desolate times
Show fear, and the smoke of a gun trigger pulling finger pressure comes near
I have faith in these desolate times
Before long, the lamb and the lion may lie with the lass in the grass at dawn
I have faith but for how much longer?
The song "I Have Faith In These Desolate Times" by Terence Trent D'Arby is a commentary on the current state of the world. He begins the song with an acknowledgment of the chaos and war that exists, but he also states that despite this, he still has faith. However, he questions how long his faith will last in these trying times.
The second verse talks about how bitter trees full of fleas hold the branches, which is a metaphor for corrupt leaders taking control. The people, represented by falling leaves, watch as their power is taken away by these thieves. The chorus repeats the line about having faith in desolate times, but this time, it is accompanied by the sound of a journeyman's tour, which could imply that there is still hope for a better future.
The third verse mentions the village green, where people are full of beans, imagining what actions they can take to create change. However, in between these scenes of hope are shopping scenes and suburban dreams, which represent materialism and a lack of care for the world around us. The final verse brings back the theme of fear and violence, but ends optimistically with the idea that eventually, peace will prevail and even the most unlikely of companions, the lamb and the lion, will come together in harmony.
Overall, the song seems to be a message of hope in a time of despair. D'Arby acknowledges the darkness in the world, but he still believes that there is a way to make things better. He urges listeners to hold onto their faith and keep fighting for change.
Line by Line Meaning
I have faith in these desolate times
Despite the despair and hopelessness of the times, I am still holding onto hope.
A roar down the road of a rumbling war
The loud noise of battle is approaching, and we must face the consequences.
I have faith in these desolate times
I still believe that something good can come out of the chaos and destruction.
A chill from the eyes of a man of political skill
The actions of powerful politicians are giving me a sense of unease.
I have faith but for how much longer?
My faith is being tested, and I am unsure how much longer I can hold onto it.
It seems to me, bitter trees, full of fleas
The situation feels unpleasant and infected, like trees infested with insects.
Summarily hold the branches
The situation is causing the branches to droop and suffer.
People we, falling leaves, watching thieves
We are like leaves falling from the tree, watching as others steal from us.
Stealing keys, to our ranches
Those who are taking from us are also taking control of our homes and livelihoods.
The village green, people seen, full of beans
Amidst the chaos, there are still people who are optimistic and full of energy.
Imagining the course of action
They are figuring out what steps to take next to improve the situation.
And in between, shopping scenes, plasticine
Meanwhile, others are distracted by consumerism and material wealth.
Suburban dreams, an empty faction
The dreams of living in luxury suburbs are empty and unfulfilling.
Show fear, and the smoke of a gun trigger pulling finger pressure comes near
When we show our fear, the threat of violence becomes ever closer.
Before long, the lamb and the lion may lie with the lass in the grass at dawn
Eventually, even the most unlikely pairs may find peace and harmony together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind