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.
Tranquility
The Church Lyrics
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And she escaped to a beautiful place
Birds of neo-paradise groove in the trees
The name of her town is Tranquility
Protected by her mantra
Following the formula
In the sun thy will be done
And chasing her rainbows
Talking with the animals
Who say,"You see, it's Tranquility"
Under shifting dimensions horizon returns
Smoke in the distance as Babylon burns
Summer in the river scattering the net
Long to remember that hasn't happened yet
Protected by her mantra
Following the orchestra
In the sun thy will be done
Chasing her rainbows
Talking with the animals
Who say, "You see, it's Tranquility"
Protected by her mantra
Following the nebula
In the sun thy will be done
Chasing her rainbows
Talking with the animals
Who say, "You see, it's Tranquility"
Boys, I've had enough
There's no more smooth just rough
Don't go looking for me
Leave me in Tranquility
The Church's song Tranquility is a poetic depiction of someone who has had enough of the rat race and has escaped to a place of peace and tranquility named "Tranquility". The lyrics begin with a reference to a woman named Maria who has escaped the rat race and found solace in this paradise-like town. The place is described as being filled with birds of neo-paradise, which groove in the trees. The lyrics also mention the woman's mantra that protects her and helps her follow a particular formula. The phrase "In the sun thy will be done" is repeated several times, which suggests the woman's faith in a higher power that guides her.
The song's lyrics also speak of the woman chasing rainbows and talking to animals. These animated images suggest that Maria has found a kind of spiritual connection in this idyllic place. The lyrics then move on to describe how the horizon is shifting and Babylon seems to be burning in the distance while summer is in full bloom. There is also mention of a river where a fishing net is scattered. These elements introduce a hint of impermanence and loss in sharp contrast to the peaceful and idyllic setting of Tranquility.
The song ends on a melancholic note, with the singer stating that they have had enough and want to be left alone in Tranquility. This wistful ending again emphasizes the transient nature of peace and tranquility in this world, something that can be enjoyed only for a short time.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard about Maria, she hated the rat race
The singer describes a person named Maria who loathes the fast-paced, competitive modern lifestyle.
And she escaped to a beautiful place
Maria has gone away to reside in a stunning location, far from the chaos of city life.
Birds of neo-paradise groove in the trees
The environment around Maria is amazing, and there are modern birds living in the trees.
The name of her town is Tranquility
The place where Maria resides is known as Tranquility, which reflects the peaceful living of the residents.
Protected by her mantra
Maria has found protection through a religious or personal mantra.
Following the formula
By abiding by a plan or principle, Maria is able to keep her life and environment the way she likes it.
In the sun thy will be done
Maria's spiritual mindset connects with the phrase means saying let natural events happen as they are without opposition under the sun.
And chasing her rainbows
Maria is pursuing her dreams and aspirations, symbolized by the rainbows she chases.
Talking with the animals
In her memorable journey, Maria communicates with creatures, possibly pointing to her ideal living environment with wildlife.
Who say, "You see, it's Tranquility"
The animals talk to Maria and explain how she is living in the serenity of Tranquility.
Under shifting dimensions horizon returns
The singer talks about the change of the environment, which alters a person's perspective, and connects with the returning horizon shape.
Smoke in the distance as Babylon burns
The distant smoky environment represents the failing society of Babylon, symbolizing modern civilization.
Summer in the river scattering the net
The summer season and calm river environment depict a fulfilling life with no stress. The phrase 'scattering the net' serves as an idiom meaning nothing-to-worry-about.
Long to remember that hasn't happened yet
Maria has a strong feeling that something memorable is about to happen in her life, but she doesn't know what it is yet.
Boys, I've had enough
The singer speaks to the audience, saying he has had enough of a fake lifestyle.
There's no more smooth just rough
The environment will not be with ease but harshness, and change is inevitable.
Don't go looking for me
The singer doesn't want to be found by those who are still living a fast-paced life.
Leave me in Tranquility
The singer asks to be left in the peaceful atmosphere of Tranquility.
Lyrics ยฉ MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVEN JOHN KILBEY, PETER KOPPES, TIM GUY GERARD POWLES, MARTIN HOWARD WILLSON-PIPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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