After signing to Arista in 1988, they saw their largest international success with the album Starfish and the American Top 40 hit "Under The Milky Way" which resurfaced on the soundtrack of the cult movie "Donnie Darko". Whilst the band remain feted by their peers, subsequent commercial success proved elusive: 1990s follow-up album "Gold Afternoon Fix" failed to capitalise on their success, and the band weathered several line-up changes after its release, first losing long-term drummer Richard Ploog, then Peter Koppes following 1992s "Priest = Aura". That album baffled and confused many fans upon its release as to what band The Church was considered to be, but is now considered a seminal album and one of the most revered by Church connoisseurs. The vacant drum-stool on Priest=Aura being occupied by Jay Dee Daugherty of Arista labelmate Patti Smiths group, and it was produced by Gavin MacKillop of Moose.
Reduced to a two-piece, Kilbey & Willson-Piper re-grouped with the assistance of drummer/producer Tim Powles to record 1994's "Sometime Anywhere", concluding their obligations to the Arista and Mushroom labels. The commercial decline, combined with the Church being ignored again by a music press more focused on the Nineties' music trends, could have brought about the demise of the band, had it not coincided with the breakthrough of the internet, thus enabling direct communication from the band to its passionate cult fanbase.
This brought about a new beginning for The Church, with Peter Koppes rejoining the band for recording 1996s "Magician Among The Spirits". The band (with Koppes back into the fold, and Powles now as the permanent drummer ), hit a re-newed creative surge and with regained selfconfidence, released "Hologram Of Baal" 2 years later, and toured Australia, the USA and Europe.
The first decade of the 21st century found the band releasing severeal highly critically acclaimed albums, like 2002's aptly named "After Everything Now this" and 2003's "Forget Yourself", the latter breaking new ground with bandmembers swapping instruments in the recording process. Live performances stray from high profile events like the 03 concerts at Sydney Opera House and the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, to low-profile gigs for smaller audiences, often confusing old 80s fans, surprised to find the band still playing, wrongly assuming the band just being one in the never-ending string of reunion acts.
2009's album "Untitled#23" marked yet another highlight.. its essence represented in just 10 songs, and with a strong less-is-more approach, the albums core identity being on par with Starfish, it also finds Steve Kilbey breaking new ground as a vocalist.
2010 saw their 30th anniversary, with extensive touring in the US and Australia. Their unique position and importance in the australian music scene was recognized with an ARIA award.
Their album, "Further Deeper", was released in 2014, and "man woman life death infinity" in 2017.
Pharaoh
The Church Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here's one straight from the factory
They've sewn my eyes up in their sockets
I dip my hand into their pockets
Is there anybody there
I could swear I'm not alone
Slaving platinum to bone
One big man with a good connection
Takes the whole damn ship in the wrong direction
I don't mind him misinterpreting me
I hate it when he gets us lost out to sea
Late at night when I'm lying in bed
I've got to say a prayer for my daily bread
And early in the morning when I'm still asleep
You sit upon your throne making grown men weep, with boredom
The Church's song Pharaoh touches on themes of oppression, greed, and power. The lyrics describe the singer's disillusionment with the people who are selling and manipulating him. The line "sewn my eyes up in their sockets" suggests that they have been blinded or brainwashed, unable to see the truth of their situation. The singer then mentions the idea of slaving "platinum to bone," depicting the idea of working tirelessly to create wealth for someone else. Despite this, the singer still calls out for someone to show themselves, acknowledging the possibility of others feeling the same sense of isolation and desperation.
The second verse introduces the character of "one big man with a good connection," who is taking the ship in the wrong direction. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for someone in power leading people astray, either through a misguided ideology or for their own personal gain. The singer acknowledges the danger of being misunderstood or misrepresented, however, the idea of "getting lost out to sea" is far more dangerous, and is a metaphor for being lost without direction, aimlessly drifting through life.
The final verse of the song takes on a more spiritual tone, with the singer appealing to a higher power for sustenance and guidance. The line "you sit upon your throne making grown men weep with boredom" may be seen as a critique of those in power who rule with an iron fist and show no empathy or understanding for those they oppress. Overall, Pharaoh is a powerful commentary on the dangers of greed and corruption, and the need for those in power to be held accountable for their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Hi to all the people that are selling me
Greetings to all the individuals who are attempting to influence my thoughts and actions for their own gain.
Here's one straight from the factory
This message is genuine and has not been altered or manipulated.
They've sewn my eyes up in their sockets
I have been coerced and have lost my ability to see the truth clearly.
I dip my hand into their pockets
I take what they give me because I have no other options or resources for myself.
Is there anybody there
I am reaching out in hopes of finding someone who understands my situation.
I could swear I'm not alone
Although I feel isolated, I believe that there are others who are going through similar experiences.
Show your faces if you dare
If anyone has the courage to reveal themselves, I would appreciate their support.
Slaving platinum to bone
I work tirelessly for something that appears to be valuable, though it ultimately exhausts me and depletes my resources.
One big man with a good connection
There is one highly influential person who holds power over many, and is not hesitant to use it for their own benefit.
Takes the whole damn ship in the wrong direction
This individual's misdirection affects everyone and everything around them.
I don't mind him misinterpreting me
It is not the misinterpretation of me that bothers me, but rather the consequences of that misinterpretation.
I hate it when he gets us lost out to sea
Their actions cause confusion and disorientation, leaving us struggling to navigate the uncertain waters of life.
Late at night when I'm lying in bed
During my quiet moments of solitude, I find myself reflecting on my daily struggles.
I've got to say a prayer for my daily bread
I pray for sustenance and the ability to survive another day.
And early in the morning when I'm still asleep
Before I even awaken, you are already in control and causing distress for many.
You sit upon your throne making grown men weep, with boredom
Despite possessing great power, your actions lead to a feeling of emptiness and despair in those around you.
Contributed by Max O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
BittersweetSymphony
on You're Still Beautiful
Sometimes I wonder if he is writing about himself