Glenn Mercer and Bill Million formed the band as The Outkids in 1976, and changed their name to The Feelies later that year. The band moved to New York and began receiving critical acclaim for their performances. By the 1978, the band consisted of Mercer, Million, basist Keith DeNunzio and drummer Anton Fier. The band released their debut single "Fa Cé-La", on Rough Trade Records in 1979.
In 1980, the band released their debut album, "Crazy Rhythms" on Stiff Records. Fier and DeNunzio left the band shortly after the release of the album, and the band was put on hiatus as Mercer and Million pursued other projects. The two continued to occasionally perform with other musicians as The Feelies throughout the early 1980's.
The band reformed in 1985 with a lineup consisting of Million, Mercer, Dave Wackerman, Brenda Sauter and Stan Demeski and released "The Good Earth" in 1986. The album was co-produced by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. The Feelies toured with Lou Reed and R.E.M. during 1986.
In 1988, the band released "Only Life" on A&M Records, and in 1991, released "Time for a Witness" on the same label. The band disbanded in 1992.
The band reunited in 2008 and toured with Sonic Youth, before beginning a schedule of festival dates throughout 2009 and 2010. The band released their fifth album, "Here Before", on Bar/None Records in 2011.
Bluer Skies
The Feelies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The moment I saw you again
How many times I called you friend
I never cried for what might have been
Don't wait too long
Only love will hold on
Before I lie do one more thing
The time is right for lying on the ground
While waiting there don't make a sound
Don't wait too long
Only love will hold on
Only love
Only love (ba ba ba ba)
Only love (ba ba ba ba)
Only love (ba ba ba ba)
Only love (ba ba ba ba)
Only love
Only love
Only love
The Feelies's song Bluer Skies is a straightforward expression of love and longing. The opening line, "on bluer skies I can depend," sets the tone for a song of hope and redemption. The singer has seen their love interest again, and they feel the promise of something new and beautiful. The second line, "the moment I saw you again," echoes this sentiment and reinforces the feeling of serendipity.
In the chorus, the singer warns their love interest not to wait too long to pursue their affection, as "only love will hold on." This advice is repeated twice, emphasizing the importance of striking while the iron is hot, so to speak. The verse that follows provides a stark contrast to the hopeful opening lines, as the singer muses on their own mortality. The line "before I lie do one more thing" implies that the singer is nearing their end, and the time to act is running out. Despite this morbidity, the song ends on a note of affirmation and love, with the repeated refrain of "only love" serving as a mantra of sorts.
Overall, Bluer Skies is a sweet and tender love song that balances optimism and melancholy. It encourages listeners to seize the moment and not let opportunities for love pass them by.
Line by Line Meaning
On bluer skies I can depend
I find comfort and certainty in clear, blue skies.
The moment I saw you again
I felt a sudden rush of emotions as soon as I caught a glimpse of you once more.
How many times I called you friend
I reflected on the history of our relationship, and how we've been in each other's lives as just friends for so long.
I never cried for what might have been
I haven't regretted any missed opportunities or what-ifs with you.
Don't wait too long
Don't hesitate to follow your heart and pursue love.
Only love will hold on
Love is the only thing that will endure and stay strong through time and adversity.
Do your time till eternity
Spend your life with purpose and passion, without worrying about the end.
Before I lie do one more thing
Before I pass away, I have one final task to complete.
The time is right for lying on the ground
The current moment is ideal for simply being still and grounded.
While waiting there don't make a sound
As I wait patiently, I embrace silence and stillness.
Only love (ba ba ba ba)
Love is the most important and enduring emotion.
Only love
Love is the most important and enduring emotion.
Only love
Love is the most important and enduring emotion.
Contributed by Lila N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.