The initial line-up for the debut album, entitled The Lilac Time, released in November 1987 was the two Duffys and keyboardist Michael Weston. Subsequent line-ups have revolved around the two brothers and included drummer Michael Giri, bassist Micky Harris, multi-instrumentalist Caroline Radcliffe, pianist Cara Tivey. Nick Duffy briefly left in 1990 and was replaced by guitarist Sagat Guirey. Later members post '91 split include backing vocalist & keyboardist Claire Worrall and pedal steel guitarist Melvin Duffy (no relation!).
The band's activity is intertwined with Stephen's solo career, waxing and waning as his time and attention permit. The longest gap between Lilac Time records was 8 years - 1991's Astronauts to 1999's Looking for a Day in the Night.
Now, Stephen Duffy is perhaps best known as the co-songwriter and producer for Robbie Williams, and after many years of obscurity, a series of reissues now means that the entire Lilac Time back catalogue is available to buy in the UK for the first time ever. His three later solo albums (1993's Music in Colors, 1995's Duffy & 1998's I Love My Friends) have also been reissued with extra tracks.
From 2003 to 2009 the band released records as Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time and has stabilised with the permanent line-up of Stephen Duffy, Nick Duffy and Claire Worrall (who married Stephen Duffy in 2008). Michael Giri, Micky Harris and Melvin Duffy supplement the line-up on rare occasions they play live.
April 2015 sees the return of The Lilac Time name in the form of a new album, entitled No Sad Songs.
The Road To Happiness
The Lilac Time Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Make mine the Road to Happiness
There isn't time to be unkind
There ain't time on the Road to Happiness
On the Road to Happiness
On the Road to Happiness, to Happiness
You came to me in ecstasy
And spirits play the lions share
For free on the Road to Happiness
On the Road to Happiness
On the Road to Happiness, to Happiness
It came upon a midnight clear
No fear on the Road to Happiness
And I was born to be with you
Help us to the Road to Happiness
On the Road to Happiness
On the Road to Happiness, to Happiness
To Happiness
The Lilac Time's song "The Road to Happiness" speaks to the idea of finding happiness in one's life. The lyrics suggest that one should not let others determine their thoughts or actions, but instead should focus on creating their own path towards happiness. The repetition of the lyrics "On the Road to Happiness" emphasizes the importance of this journey and the desire to reach this state of being.
The idea of being happy on the road to happiness is also reflected in the lyrics. The ecstatic feeling of being on this journey is described as the "lion's share for free," suggesting that happiness is abundant and accessible to those who seek it. The song also touches on the idea of destiny, with the line "And I was born to be with you, Help us to the Road to Happiness" suggesting a fate that brings individuals together on this path towards happiness.
Overall, "The Road to Happiness" is a reminder to prioritize one's own happiness and to stay focused on the journey towards this goal.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you let them make your mind?
Are you allowing others to control your thoughts and beliefs?
Make mine the Road to Happiness
I choose to focus on achieving happiness in life
There isn't time to be unkind
Time is precious and we should use it to spread kindness in the world
There ain't time on the Road to Happiness
Negativity and unkindness only hinder our pursuit of happiness
On the Road to Happiness
We are actively working towards living fulfilling and happy lives
You came to me in ecstasy
You brought me immense happiness and joy
Happy on the Road to Happiness
We are experiencing true happiness on our journey towards fulfillment
And spirits play the lions share
The intangible and spiritual aspects of life have the greatest impact and importance on our journey to happiness
For free on the Road to Happiness
The things that bring us true happiness cannot be bought or sold
It came upon a midnight clear
A feeling of clarity and understanding came upon us suddenly
No fear on the Road to Happiness
We move forward with courage and confidence towards our goal of happiness
And I was born to be with you
Our paths were meant to cross and our journey towards happiness is shared
Help us to the Road to Happiness
We ask for assistance and support on our quest for happiness
To Happiness
Our ultimate destination and goal is true and lasting happiness
Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.