Their first three singles all made the Top 40 in the Britain, and their eponymously-titled 1987 debut album entered the UK album chart at number 2, and eventually sold over a million copies. The highest placed single from this album was "Ideal World", which reached number 14 in the UK singles chart.
In 1988 they released a cover of the Isley Brothers' "Harvest For The World", with all proceeds going to charity. The video for the track was an animation, created by four leading animation companies, including Aardman of Wallace and Gromit fame. The video won several awards, and the single reached number 8 in the charts.
1989 saw another charity single success, this time as performers on a version of Ferry 'Cross The Mersey, released in aid of those affected by the Hillsborough disaster, which stayed at number one for several weeks.
Their second album, Colour released in 1990, reached number one in the UK album chart, and in 1992 the follow-up, Happy in Hell charted at number 18. But none of their following singles reached the top 20.
The early 1990s saw the band continuing to tour, but declining in popularity. A "Greatest Hits" album, The Best of the Christians was released in 1993 and peaked at number 22.
Garry Christian moved to Paris in 1995 to record a solo album, effectively breaking up the band, although no formal announcement was made and the door was open to future reformation. Four years later they began to perform together again in an "unplugged" acoustic format. In 1999 they carried out a thirty six date tour of the UK, with a similar tour undertaken in 2000.
By 2001 The Christians began to write songs for a 'comeback' album, Prodigal Sons, which was released in 2003. This was also supported by a UK tour in October 2003 and further promotion in France, Spain and UK throughout 2004.
In 2005 Russell Christian decided he no longer wished to tour, and a decision was made to return to a full band format, rather than the 4-man “unplugged” line-up that had been touring since 1999.
This new 'band' (comprising Garry Christian /vocals, Henry Priestman/keys,accordion, Neil Griffiths/acoustic guitar/backing vocals, Stewart Boyle/electric guitar, Bobby Kewley/bass, and Craig Connet/drums) was unveiled on the autumn 2005 tour. The same version of the original band is currently preparing for their next tour in 2006.
Still Small Voice
The Christians Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There must be a proof,
I need a reason to survive, to stay alive,
I know what must be done, before the morning comes,
So I look for self-respect, as I reflect,
All the wrecked lives that we live, the waste and greed,
I've been down but not like this before,
Can't take it anymore.
Still small voice,
Rise inside and calm this tortured soul,
Give me just one last choice,
Whisper soothing words and take control of me.
I sit here waiting for a sign, something divine,
Thunder's cracking in my head, I must be dead.
But as the pain subsides, I begin to realise,
There's a gentle tone I hear,
it sounds so clear,
All at once I feel sublime,
The voice is mine,
And will I find myself my way,
And greet a brand new day,
Tell me still small voice,
Rise inside again and calm my soul,
Give me just one last choice,
Whisper soothing words and take control of me.
Still small voice,
Rise inside again and calm my soul,
Give me one more choice,
Whisper soothing words and take control,
Take control of me.
The lyrics of The Christians' song "Still Small Voice" convey the artist's search for meaning and guidance in life. The singer relates a sense of desperation and confusion, searching for proof, truth, and reasons to survive amidst the wreckage and greed of modern society. The singer reveals that they have hit rock bottom, unable to take the pain and suffering that they feel anymore.
The chorus of the song talks about a still small voice that rises inside and calms the soul. The voice gives the singer a choice, whispering soothing words and taking control of them, providing them with a sense of peace and direction. The singer acknowledges that this still small voice is their own, a reflection of their inner strength and resilience. In the end, the song conveys a message of hope, showing that even in the darkest moments, one can find inner peace and a way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I search for beauty, I search for truth,
I seek out the positive aspects of the world and the truth of its existence.
There must be a proof,
I require evidence to believe in the good and true.
I need a reason to survive, to stay alive,
I require motivation to continue living.
I know what must be done, before the morning comes,
I am aware of what I need to do before the opportunities slip away.
So I look for self-respect, as I reflect,
I seek a sense of dignity and pride as I ponder.
All the wrecked lives that we live, the waste and greed,
I observe the damage caused by the lifestyle of excess and selfishness.
I've been down but not like this before,
I have experienced hardship before, but not to the extent of my current state.
Can't take it anymore.
I have reached a breaking point and cannot handle it any longer.
Still small voice,
There is a small, quiet inner voice.
Rise inside and calm this tortured soul,
I need the inner voice to comfort and soothe me in my troubled state.
Give me just one last choice,
Provide me with one final decision or opportunity.
Whisper soothing words and take control of me.
Speak gentle and calming words to guide me through my distress.
I sit here waiting for a sign, something divine,
I am waiting for an intervention, a spiritual message or sign.
Thunder's cracking in my head, I must be dead.
I am overwhelmed by the chaos and noise in my mind.
But as the pain subsides, I begin to realise,
As the discomfort fades, I become aware of something.
There's a gentle tone I hear, it sounds so clear,
I hear a soft, clear voice.
All at once I feel sublime, The voice is mine,
I experience an elevated sense of being, realizing that the voice is my own.
And will I find myself my way, And greet a brand new day,
I will discover my path and begin anew.
Tell me still small voice,
I address the small inner voice.
Rise inside again and calm my soul,
I ask the voice to quiet my troubled soul once more.
Give me just one last choice,
I request one final opportunity or decision.
Whisper soothing words and take control of me.
Guide me with gentle and calming words, please.
Take control of me.
I relinquish control to the inner voice to guide me through my struggles.
Contributed by Amelia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.