Broudie and Rogers formed the act as the "perfect pop project", and Lightning Seeds broke through in 1989 with the psychedelic synth pop hit, "Pure", which made the UK Top 20 and was a minor hit on US pop radio and a major success on US alternative radio. In the 1990s Lightning Seeds became one of the most popular and enterprising of the era. The 1995 album Jollification was a critical masterpiece, spawning several successful singles. In 1996, Lightning Seeds provided the music and production for the official England anthem for the Euro '96 football tournament. The lyrics were written and sung by comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, and the song, "Three Lions", went straight into the charts at number one.
Since the release of 1999's Tilt the act has taken a back seat as Broudie concentrated on producing the works of others. However, in 2006, Broudie reformed the band with a selection of new members, releasing a Very Best Of album, and performing a number of tour dates. In 2009, the band released Four Winds, their first album in 10 years.
Three Lions '98
The Lightning Seeds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We still believe, we still believe
It's coming home, it's coming home
It's coming, Football's coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home
It's coming, Football's coming home again
No plans for final day
Stay in bed, drift away
It could have been all
Songs in the street
It was nearly complete
It was nearly so sweet
And now I'm singing
Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
No more years of hurt
No more need for dreaming
Talk about football coming home
And then one night in Rome
We were strong, we had grown
And now I see Ince ready for war
Gazza good as before
Shearer certain to score
And Psycho screaming
Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
No more years of hurt
No more need for dreaming
We can dance Nobby's dance
We could dance it in France
It's coming home, it's coming home
It's coming, Football's coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home
It's coming, Football's coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home
Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
No more years of hurt
No more need for dreaming
Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
No more years of hurt
No more need for dreaming
Three lions on a shirt
Jules Rimet still gleaming
No more years of hurt
No more need for dreaming
The Lightning Seeds's song "Three Lions '98" was written as an anthem to rally England's spirits during the 1998 World Cup. The first two lines of the chorus "We still believe, we still believe" is a reference to the faith that England fans kept in their team despite many years of disappointment. The phrase "It's coming home" refers to the fact that football (soccer) originated in England and therefore, it was symbolic for the World Cup to be hosted in England. The song talks about the struggles that the English team had to overcome prior to the World Cup win. In the verse, it's referred to as "tears for heroes dressed in grey" which could be an allusion to the momentous defeat of the English team in the semi-finals of the Italia '90 World Cup. Despite this, fans kept on singing in the streets, almost believing they would be singing it again had it not been for past defeats.
The song's lyrics continue to describe the optimism and celebration that built in England as the team began to win matches leading up to the final. The line "And then one night in Rome" refers to the semi-final match between England and Germany that took place in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Stuart Pearce, who was nicknamed "Psycho" for his aggressive playing style, can be heard screaming in the background to score a goal as this song plays on the radio. By mentioning the great English players like Ince, Gazza, and Shearer, the song shows the nation's belief that they could finally take home the trophy. "Three lions on a shirt" refers to the emblem of the British Football Association, which has the image of three lions on it.
Line by Line Meaning
We still believe, we still believe
Despite past failures, we still have faith in our team's ability to win.
It's coming home, it's coming home
The football championship is returning to its home country.
Football's coming home
The national football team is returning home to compete in the championship.
Tears for heroes dressed in grey
We mourn the defeat of our past football heroes.
No plans for final day
We did not have any plans to celebrate the championship win because we didn't think it would happen.
Stay in bed, drift away
We would rather forget the disappointment and sleep through the final match.
It could have been all
We were so close to winning it all.
Songs in the street
People were celebrating and singing in the streets when we thought we had a chance to win.
It was nearly complete
We were close to achieving our dream of winning the championship.
It was nearly so sweet
Victory was within our grasp and it would have been a sweet feeling.
And now I'm singing
Despite past failures, I'm still singing and cheering for the team.
Three lions on a shirt
Our national team logo has three lions on it.
Jules Rimet still gleaming
The Jules Rimet trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the football championship, will still be shining bright if we win.
No more years of hurt
We won't have to endure any more years of disappointment if we win the championship.
No more need for dreaming
If we win, our dreams of winning the championship will finally come true.
Talk about football coming home
People are discussing and anticipating the return of the championship to its home country.
And then one night in Rome
A significant match took place in Rome that led to our team's renewed confidence and determination to win the championship.
We were strong, we had grown
As a team, we had become stronger and more capable of winning.
And now I see Ince ready for war
I see team member Paul Ince, who is ready to fight and give it his all to win the match.
Gazza good as before
Team member Paul Gascoigne is playing just as well as he did in the past.
Shearer certain to score
Team member Alan Shearer is expected to score a goal during the match.
And Psycho screaming
Team member Stuart Pearce is shouting and cheering loudly, showing his fierce determination to win.
We can dance Nobby's dance
If we win, we can celebrate and dance Nobby Stiles' iconic dance from the 1966 championship victory.
We could dance it in France
If we win, we could even celebrate by performing the dance in France, where the next championship is being held.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ian Broudie, Frank Skinner, David Baddiel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Lyrics
We still believe, we still believe
We still believe, we still believe
It's coming home, it's coming home
It's coming, Football's coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home
It's coming, Football's coming home again
Tears for heroes dressed in grey
No plans for final day
Stay in bed, drift away
It could have been all
Songs in the street
It was nearly complete
It was nearly so sweet
And now I'm singing
Three lions on a shirt
Jules remains still gleaming
No more years of hurt
No more need for dreaming
Talk about football coming home
And then one night in Rome
We were strong, we had grown
And now I see Ince ready for war
Gazza good as before
Shearer certain to score
And Psycho screaming
Three lions on a shirt
Jules remains still gleaming
No more years of hurt
No more need for dreaming
We can dance Nobby's dance
We could dance it in France
It's coming home, it's coming home
It's coming, Football's coming home
fenix182
I'm Scottish and loved this song as a kid. Rivals not enemies.
Cartoon Head
true
Tristan Allaway
enemies not rivals
Iron Bear Milk
Mate, always the best banter with the Scottish fans.
katakisLives
Wasn't the Scottish song something like Don't come home too soon? at least it was being realistic!
Busher50
Just don't come home too soon
Tom Andrews
Despite all the heartbreak over the years, I will always keep coming back to this track every major tournament. You have to keep believing, never let the spark die. COME ON ENGLAND ♥
Marc Brill
Inspiring words Tom, It's Coming Home!!!! When it arrives, the broken hearts will be fixed and it will feel that extra Bittersweet.. Just in time for the next Christmas #1 Rendition - 'It's Coming Home for Christmas' (I better Start Writing these lyrics).. COME ON ENGLAND ♥
Hard Rock soloing 89
I hope it comes in my lifetime
TheJaps2011
I love this song, I'm from Colombia but i just love the emotion and the whole idea of the song, really wish my country had a song like this to keep hope alive. Hoping for football to finally go home, best luck on the Final.