Neil Hannon, Originally from Derry, has been the only ever-present member of the band, being its founder in 1989 when he was joined by John McCullagh and Kevin Traynor. Their first album, the heavily R.E.M.-influenced and now-deleted Fanfare for the Comic Muse, enjoyed little success though. A couple of equally unsuccessful EPs - Timewatch (1991); Europop (1992) - were to follow, with newly-recruited member John Allen handling lead vocals on some tracks. After the commercial failure of the latter EP, this line-up soon fell apart.
Hannon, however, was not deterred in his efforts and re-appeared in 1993 with Liberation. Featuring a fairly diverse musical outlook that goes from the tongue-in-cheek synth pop of Europop(nearly unrecognisable from the previously-released version) to the classical stylings of Timewatching.
Indeed, it was only some minor success in France that really enabled Hannon to proceed to his second effort Promenade. Released in 1994, this was heavily driven by classical influences, with Michael Nyman's stylings clearly an influence. Hannon himself acknowledged this when he apparently sent a copy of his new album to the composer, jokingly asking him not to sue. Essentially a concept album about a day spent by two lovers, it also received similar critical acclaim to that which Liberation was afforded. Commercial success, though, was not forthcoming.
At around the same time, Hannon also wrote and performed the theme music for the TV sitcom Father Ted (which would subsequently be incorporated into the song Songs of Love on the album Casanova), and later wrote the music for the deliberately bad mock-Eurovision song My Lovely Horse for one episode. Hannon resisted widespread requests from fans to release the track as a single for the Christmas market, but it was eventually released in 1999 as the third track on the CD-single Gin Soaked Boy. This would not be the only time they would be responsible for a TV theme, as In Pursuit Of Happiness was also used by the BBC science and technology show, Tomorrow's World. Hannon also recently composed the music for the comedy series "The IT Crowd".
The album Casanova (1996), and in particular the single Something for the Weekend led to the band's first major successes, with Neil Hannon becoming a distinctive, albeit unlikely, popstar in an immaculate suit, and always appearing the elegant dandy. At the height of their commercial success, the band put out A Short Album About Love (a reference to the Krzysztof Kieślowski movie A Short Film About Love), recorded live at soundcheck with the Brunel Ensemble in preparation for a concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, from which several songs were released as b-sides. It was aptly released on Valentine's Day in 1997. Subsequently, the band contributed a reworking of Noel Coward's I've Been to a Marvellous Party to a compilation of covers of the writer's songs, with Hannon affecting a Cowardesque lilt (albeit interspersed with an aggressive electronic musical backing).
The foppish image, but not the suit, was ditched for the more sombre album Fin De Siècle in 1998, although its biggest hit, the jaunty National Express, a song about the national coach operators, belied its more intimate, soul-searching tone. Maintaining the balance between these poles, 1999's Secret History - the Best of The Divine Comedy included a re-recording of Liberation track The Pop Singer's Fear of the Pollen Count and two new songs (Gin-Soaked Boy and Too Young to Die) alongside the band's main hits. In the same year, the band also collaborated with Tom Jones on a cover version of Portishead's All Mine, featured on his album Reload.
A serious side to the band was also in evidence in 2000's collaboration with Ute Lemper on her album Punishing Kiss, most of which featured The Divine Comedy as Lemper's backing band.
The 2001 album Regeneration attempted to remove the band still further from its association with comedy. Hannon hired famous producer Nigel Godrich to "remake" the band. Neil ditched the suit and donned the Britrock band image. However, the album was a greater critical than commercial success, and soon after its release it was announced that The Divine Comedy were splitting up. However within a year Hannon was touring again with a revised band line-up, playing a series of joint-headline gigs in the USA, UK and Ireland featuring both The Divine Comedy and Ben Folds, who would cover The Divine Comedy's Songs of Love on his Sunny 16 EP.
Eventually a new album surfaced in the form of 2004's Absent Friends. Striking a balance between the occasionally earnest sound of the band's later material and the lighter tone of the more popular releases, it encapsulated the essence of The Divine Comedy. 2004 saw two dates of particularly acclaimed performances, one at the London Palladium (which was later released as a live DVD) and one at the Royal Albert Hall.
In January 2005, Hannon announced that he had acquired the worldwide copyrights to all of his recorded output with his former record label, Setanta Records. He declared on the band's official website that he would be launching his own record label Divine Comedy Records in order to re-release his 1990s output.
Hannon's ninth album under the Divine Comedy moniker, Victory for the Comic Muse (a reference to his debut), was released in June 2006. It is suggested by fans to be less personal and more free-approach in tone than his most recent albums. The bulk of the record was recorded in just two weeks, hence the more spontaneous sound, and features appearances from Travis bass player Dougie Payne.
Hannon collaborated with Thomas Walsh of Pugwash to create an album themed around the sport of cricket. Released under the alias The Duckworth Lewis Method, the self-titled album was released in 2009 to critical acclaim.
The following year saw the tenth Divine Comedy album and first on his own label, Bang Goes the Knighthood.
A Drinking Song
The Divine Comedy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And opened in honor
Of those who have drowned
While we who have not are stricken with guilt
And dutifully see
That not one drop is spilled
We're drinking to life we're drinking to death
We're drinking 'til none of our
We're wending our way down to the spirit store
We'll drink till we just
Can't drink anymore
Raise your glasses high
Drink the cellar dry
Well, bloody my nose
And blacken my eye
If it ain't some young Turk
In search of a fight
And chanticleer's chest
Is sagging with pride
For honor has yet
To be satisfied
Well, heaven be thanked
We live in an age
When no man need bother
Except on the stage
With Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
And definitely not tonight
I can still remember
When I was just a kid
I was free to do what I wanted to
But I never, ever did
So now with years of discretion reached
May we not forget
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
For there's life in the old world yet!
There'll always be an England
An Ireland and a France
A Liechtenstein and Finland
And we have only one chance
Earnest young man with an unhealthy tan
Puts a drink in my hand and says I understand
You're in search of the place
To continue the chase of the heavenly taste
I suggest in that case you all come with me
To my place by the sea where the glasses shall be
Overflowing with free alcoholic delights
And free love if you like for what point has this life
If you can't realize your dreams?
Oh, raise your glasses high
And drink the town dry
We'll drink beyond
The boundaries of sense
We'll drink 'til we start to see
Lovely pink elephants
Inside our heads, inside our beds
Inside the threads of our pajama legs
So don't shoot til you see
The reds of our eyes
And an army of elephants
Marching behind
From the day I was born
Till the night I will die
All my lovers will be pink
And elephantine
The Divine Comedy's song A Drinking Song is a tribute to life, death, and the act of drinking. It is a song about the spirit of camaraderie that can be found in gathering together with friends and loved ones to celebrate and mourn everything from the joys of life to the pain of death. The song begins with a celebration of those who have drowned, with the singer expressing guilt and concern about wasting even a drop of the alcohol being consumed in their honor. The lyrics then turn to a jovial and defiant tone as the singer calls for more drinking, proudly stating that they will continue until their livers are gone.
Throughout the song, the singer speaks of the importance of living life to the fullest, of having the liberty to indulge in one's desires without judgment, and of cherishing the memories of those who have passed away. There is a sense of nostalgia in the song, a yearning for the carefree days of youth and the hope that even in the face of death, life remains vibrant and meaningful.
The song's chorus repeated several times, "Raise your glasses high, Drink the cellar dry", calls for the listener to join in the revelry and to commemorate the joys and sorrows of life with the simple act of raising a glass.
Line by Line Meaning
Back at the house a bottle is found
We have located a bottle of alcohol at the house, presumably for drinking.
And opened in honor
The bottle is opened ceremoniously to commemorate something or someone.
Of those who have drowned
We are drinking to remember and honor those who have died by drowning, possibly as a way to cope with their deaths.
While we who have not are stricken with guilt
Those of us who have not faced such tragedies feel guilty that we are here, alive and celebrating, while others are not.
And dutifully see
We take our responsibility to not waste a drop of alcohol seriously and keep a close eye on the bottle to ensure it is all consumed.
That not one drop is spilled
We are being careful, conscientious drinkers and want to make the most of every last drop.
We're drinking to life we're drinking to death
We are drinking to both celebrate and mourn life and death, perhaps acknowledging the duality of these concepts.
We're drinking 'til none of our
We want to consume copious amounts of alcohol, such that there is none left.
Livers are left
We are aware of the potential damage our drinking may do to our health, particularly our livers.
We're wending our way down to the spirit store
We are making our way to the liquor store to purchase more alcohol.
We'll drink till we just
We plan to keep drinking until we cannot consume any more alcohol.
Can't drink anymore
We have reached our limit and cannot continue to consume alcohol.
Raise your glasses high
We are raising our drinking glasses as a gesture of camaraderie and celebration.
Drink the cellar dry
We intend to consume every last drop of alcohol in the cellar, leaving none behind.
Well, bloody my nose
This is an exclamation of surprise or astonishment at the appearance of a person who appears to be spoiling for a fight.
And blacken my eye
This is an exaggeration or metaphor for being hit hard in the eye or face, typically during a fight.
If it ain't some young Turk
This is said in reference to a young, inexperienced person who is overeager or impulsive.
In search of a fight
The young Turk is looking for trouble or confrontation.
And chanticleer's chest
Chanticleer was a rooster in a traditional fable, known for his pride and vanity.
Is sagging with pride
The pride and self-importance of the young Turk is being compared to that of Chanticleer, but their chest is sagging instead of swelling because they are not as powerful or impressive as they believe.
For honor has yet
The young Turk is seeking to defend their honor, which they perceive to be under attack.
To be satisfied
They will not be satisfied until they have earned the respect and admiration they feel they deserve.
Well, heaven be thanked
This is an expression of gratitude, possibly spoken ironically or sarcastically.
We live in an age
Referring to the present time or era, which has certain characteristics or conditions.
When no man need bother
There is no need for people to engage in the kind of hazardous, challenging circumstances that were once considered brave or noble.
Except on the stage
They can still act out or dramatize those experiences in a less risky or more entertaining way.
With Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
This is a Latin phrase meaning 'It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country,' which was often used to glorify war and patriotism.
And definitely not tonight
They are suggesting that they will not be acting out that sentiment tonight or any time in the near future, as they are too busy enjoying themselves.
I can still remember
They are reminiscing about a time from their past, reflecting on how things have changed.
When I was just a kid
They are referring to a point in their childhood or youth, before they were fully responsible for their own choices and actions.
I was free to do what I wanted to
As a child, they had greater freedom and fewer responsibilities or consequences for their actions.
But I never, ever did
Despite this freedom, they did not take advantage of it or do anything particularly wild or unconventional.
So now with years of discretion reached
Assuming they are now older and more mature, they are reflecting on the choices they have made and the risks they have taken.
May we not forget
They want to remember and appreciate certain ideals or values that they may have neglected or taken for granted in the past.
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
This is the national motto of France, meaning 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,' which represents the values of the French Revolution and the importance of individual freedom, equality, and brotherhood.
For there's life in the old world yet!
They believe that, despite the passage of time and the changing circumstances of life, there is still hope for a better world and a brighter future.
There'll always be an England
This is a patriotic statement asserting that the spirit and traditions of England will never truly disappear or be forgotten.
An Ireland and a France
This refers to other countries that have unique cultural identities and strengths that will endure over time.
A Liechtenstein and Finland
These are small, lesser-known countries that may not have as much name recognition or history as others, but are still important in their own way.
And we have only one chance
They are suggesting that life is short and unpredictable, and that we must make the most of our time and opportunities while we can.
Earnest young man with an unhealthy tan
This describes a young man who is eager and enthusiastic, but may not be entirely healthy or responsible in his actions.
Puts a drink in my hand and says I understand
He is offering the singer a drink and claiming to understand their desire to drink and party.
You're in search of the place
He is suggesting that the singer is looking for a particular kind of social or drinking experience.
To continue the chase of the heavenly taste
He is suggesting that the desire to drink is about more than just the physical effects of alcohol, but is a kind of search for something transcendent or ethereal.
I suggest in that case you all come with me
He is inviting the artist and others to join him in his drinking and partying.
To my place by the sea where the glasses shall be
He is offering to host the group at his seaside home, where there will be an abundance of drinking glasses and presumably plenty of alcohol.
Overflowing with free alcoholic delights
He is suggesting that the alcohol will be plentiful and enjoyable, and that there will be no need to worry about paying for it.
And free love if you like for what point has this life
He is also implying that there will be sexual pleasures or encounters available, and that life is too short to deprive oneself of such experiences.
If you can't realize your dreams?
He is questioning why someone would not take advantage of opportunities for pleasure, excitement, and fulfillment in their life.
We'll drink beyond
The group plans to drink excessively or to a degree beyond what is reasonable or safe.
The boundaries of sense
Their actions will be illogical or irrational, driven by pure emotion or desire rather than a sense of responsibility or caution.
We'll drink 'til we start to see
They will drink until they begin to experience intoxication or hallucinations.
Lovely pink elephants
This is a reference to a common hallucination experienced by people who are very drunk or on drugs.
Inside our heads, inside our beds
These elephants will be figuratively inside their minds and in their physical surroundings, possibly pointing to sexual encounters in bed.
Inside the threads of our pajama legs
The elephants are now draped over their legs, a comical, dream-like image.
So don't shoot til you see
They are referencing the belief that a person or animal can only be deemed a threat when they exhibit certain signs or symptoms, such as red or glazed eyes.
The reds of our eyes
Their eyes will appear red or hazy due to alcohol consumption, indicating they are not in control of themselves.
And an army of elephants
This is a humorous and fantastical way of describing a group of heavily-drunk individuals.
Marching behind
The group is composed of like-minded individuals, who are following each other in pursuit of their shared desires and goals.
From the day I was born
This statement refers to the entirety of the artist's life, indicating they believe their behavior or desires have been consistent throughout it.
Till the night I will die
The singer is implying that their life will end as they have lived it: drinking and indulging in sexual pleasure.
All my lovers will be pink
This is a humorous or absurd declaration that all the singer's sexual partners will be imaginary pink elephants.
And elephantine
They will supposedly possess some of the same characteristics as elephants, such as weight, size, or clumsiness.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NEIL HANNON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind