The band initially released three studio albums in the 1980s, to solid critical acclaim. After their third release, Strange Times, in 1987 they abruptly disbanded following the sudden death of band manager Tony Fletcher. The Chameleons were, for all practical purposes, extinct for well over a decade before releasing - to the delight and even disbelief of its ardently loyal fan base - a final studio album in 2001, entitled Why Call It Anything. The band quickly dissolved once again in 2003 due to personal differences, after a successful reunion tour which took them across Europe and the United States. Though having never attained the level of commercial success or fame enjoyed by their contemporaries (e.g. U2, Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division), The Chameleons' early impact can still be felt throughout much of popular music today.
Dave Fielding went on to form The Reegs who released a couple of ep's . Then in 2003 formed Coconut Dogfuck a trance techno dance act with Ralph on percussion, Paul Didge on didge and Dave playing guitar and dulcimer . They released an ep and played festivals and gigs around the uk . Andy Clegg Keyboards with the Chameleons also joind Mark and Andy Whittikar to form Sun and the Moon. Both Andys also played with Manchester Band B.F.G.
Tomorrow Never Knows
The Chameleons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The deeper you go, the higher you fly
So, come on
Come on and take it easy
Come on and take it easy, take it easy
Turn off your mind, relax and float down stream
It is not dying, it is not dying
Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void
It is shining, it is shining
Yet you may see the meaning of within
It is being, it is being
Love is all and love is everyone
It is knowing, it is knowing
And ignorance and hate mourn the dead
It is believing, it is believing
But listen to the colour of your dreams
It is not leaving, it is not leaving
So play the game "Existence" to the end
Of the beginning, of the beginning
The Chameleons UK's song Tomorrow Never Knows is a deeply philosophical song that explores the connections between the spiritual and the material world. The opening lines of the song, "The higher you fly, the deeper you go / The deeper you go, the higher you fly," suggest that there is a relationship between transcendence and immanence. The lines seem to suggest that the further one journeys into the depths of the self, the closer one comes to enlightenment and transcendence.
The song continues to explore this theme, urging listeners to "Turn off your mind, relax and float down stream." The idea behind this is that by letting go of our thoughts and fears, we can connect with a deeper and more expansive consciousness. The use of the phrase "it is not dying" is an affirmation of this idea, suggesting that the dissolution of the ego is not a threat but rather a necessary step towards spiritual growth.
The song also explores the themes of love and belief. The lines "Love is all and love is everyone / It is knowing, it is knowing" suggest that love is the ultimate truth that unites all beings. The lines "And ignorance and hate mourn the dead / It is believing, it is believing" suggest that belief in love is essential in order to overcome negative emotions like anger and fear. Finally, the song ends with the line "So play the game 'Existence' to the end / Of the beginning, of the beginning." This line is a reference to the cycle of birth and death, suggesting that life is a game that must be played until the very end.
Line by Line Meaning
The higher you fly, the deeper you go
The more successful you become, the more you might fall in existential crisis
The deeper you go, the higher you fly
Exploring the depths of one's consciousness could help one achieve true worth
So, come on
An invitation to take a leap of faith and try one's hand at life
Come on and take it easy
Advice to take things one step at a time and not rush towards success
Turn off your mind, relax and float down stream
Meditate and let yourself drift towards relaxation without resistance
It is not dying, it is not dying
Death is not the end but a transformation to another state
Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void
Free your mind of everyday concerns and embrace the emptiness of the universe
It is shining, it is shining
There is peace and beauty in the emptiness of the universe
Yet you may see the meaning of within
Through introspection, one can find answers to the mysteries of the universe
It is being, it is being
The very act of existing is meaningful and important
Love is all and love is everyone
Love is the essence of human existence and connects all living beings
It is knowing, it is knowing
Recognizing the power of love is understanding the true meaning of life
And ignorance and hate mourn the dead
Those who lack love and understanding miss out on the true value of life
It is believing, it is believing
Finding faith and belief in the power of love and life can bring one peace
But listen to the colour of your dreams
Pay attention to the messages and symbols in your dreams and interpret them
It is not leaving, it is not leaving
Your subconscious mind and the universe are always connected, even in your sleep
So play the game "Existence" to the end
Live life to the fullest extent and embrace all the mysteries and challenges that come with it
Of the beginning, of the beginning
The start of every adventure heralds a new beginning and fresh opportunities to grow and learn
Contributed by Ava N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@charlieh1427
Favourite band ever covering my favourite Beatles song ever…I am blessed
@pointzero4433
This song is an example of a cover version that is much better than the (already very good) original. Great what The Chameleons have done with it.
Currently my favorite song on the album after Swamp Thing and Caution.
@sunspire1969
Great cover !
@philsmith5033
Best Beatles cover . . . ever.
@griffruby8756
Interesting! Also recommend the Monsoon (Sheila Chandra) version.
@clintdavies491
much better than the original. one of my fave chameleons. they do great covers. moonage daydream is a pearler.. the best band ever ( for me)
@etamommy
I wouldn't go that far but at least they re-envisioned it.
@clintdavies491
@@etamommy no, ....but I would ..
@despicableone4495
@@clintdavies491 and is that reasonable of you?