The band's original lineup consisted of Wayne Hussey (vocals, guitar), Craig Adams (bass), Simon Hinckler (guitar) and Mick Brown (drums). Hussey and Adams were formerly members of The Sisters of Mercy, Mick Brown was a former member of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Hickler was a former member of Artery and Pulp. Wayne Hussey has been the only constant member of the band.
The backbone of the band's catalogue consists of seven main albums (Gods Own Medicine, Children, Carved in Sand, Masque, Neverland, Blue, Aura and God Is A Bullet) with several complementing albums, compilations and other miscellaneous releases also in existence.
The Mission attracted a faithful following band of fans, known a 'Eskimos'. Gigs typically had an energetic mosh pit (prior to the term being coined) sustained by a lot of Eskimos.
Other bandmembers:
Mark Gemini Thwaite (guitar, 1992-1996, 1999-2000, 2006-2008)
Andy Cousin (bass, 1992-1996)
Rik Carter (keyboards, 1992-1998)
Scott Garrett (drums, 1999-2002)
Rob Holliday (guitar, 2001-2005)
Richard Vernon (bass, 2002-2008)
Richard Beesley (drums, 2002)
Steve Spring (drums, 2003-2008)
In October 2007, Wayne Hussey announced the band would split after a series of early 2008 concerts at Shepherds Bush Empire in London.
In 2010, it was announced that The Mission would reform to perform at the Sinners Day Festival in Belgium on Halloween, 2011.
Amélia
The Mission Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Daddy says "You're the only girl for me"
'Cause Amelia, "You're Daddy's favorite girl"
Amelia, "Daddy loves his little girl"
Daddy comes in the dark of night
Daddy say "Don't be scared, it'll be alright"
Amelia, "Daddy hates to see you cry"
Daddy says "Dry your tears and give me a smile"
Daddy says "If you're good I'll hold you awhile"
'Cause Amelia, "You're Daddy's precious girl"
Amelia, "Daddy loves to love his little girl"
"Daddy, tell me Daddy,
Is this really love?"
Daddy says "Don't tell Mama what I did to you"
Daddy says "If you do I'll beat you black and blue"
'Cause Amelia, "You make Daddy feel like a man"
Amelia, "Daddy loves you more than Mummy can"
"Daddy, tell me, Daddy
How can you call this love?"
Amelia
Damn your Daddy to hell
These lyrics tell a dark story of a young girl named Amelia who is the object of her father's affections. The song begins with him inviting her to sit on his knee and telling her she is his favorite girl, which suggests there may be some sort of inappropriate relationship between them. He reassures her when she is scared before declaring that she is the apple of his eye and precious to him. Amelia questions whether this is really love, which hints at her confusion about their relationship.
However, things take a darker turn when her father tells her not to tell her mother what he has done to her, and threatens her with violence if she does. He confesses that she makes him feel like a man and that he loves her more than her mother can.
Overall, the song explores the devastating impacts of abuse and the distorted nature of love. It shows how abusers manipulate and control their victims and how the victim can be left with confusing and conflicting emotions. The references to Hell at the end of the lyrics suggest a desire for vengeance against the abuser.
Line by Line Meaning
Daddy says "Come and sit on my knee"
Father figure positions himself to gain more control over the child, to exert his influence.
Daddy says "You're the only girl for me"
Father attempts to manipulate the daughter into believing that she is the sole focus of his attention, to reinforce his power over her.
"Cause Amelia, "You're Daddy's favorite girl"
The father figure intentionally creates an unhealthy dynamic by favoring the daughter over other siblings or family members, making her feel special.
Amelia, "Daddy loves his little girl"
The daughter is conditioned to accept her father's love, despite its inappropriateness, and to view it as a positive thing.
Daddy comes in the dark of night
Father figure takes advantage of the darkness, when the child is at her most vulnerable, to initiate his abuse.
Daddy say "Don't be scared, it'll be alright"
Father attempts to downplay the severity of the situation in order to manipulate the daughter into accepting it.
Amelia, "Daddy hates to see you cry"
The father figure positions himself as the only one who truly cares for the daughter, creating loyalty and dependence.
Amelia, "You're the apple of Daddy's eye"
The father figure reinforces his obsession with the daughter and creates an unhealthy attachment.
Daddy says "Dry your tears and give me a smile"
Father figure expects the daughter to hide her emotions and accept the abuse without question or objection.
Daddy says "If you're good I'll hold you awhile"
Father figure attempts to reward the daughter for accepting his abuse, creating a harmful cycle.
"Cause Amelia, "You're Daddy's precious girl"
Father reinforces his harmful attachment to the daughter, making her feel special and dependent on him.
Amelia, "Daddy loves to love his little girl"
The daughter is conditioned to accept and normalize her father's inappropriate behavior, and to view it as an expression of love.
"Daddy, tell me Daddy, Is this really love?"
The daughter begins to question the true nature of her father's behavior, prompting doubt and confusion.
Daddy says "Don't tell Mama what I did to you"
Father figure attempts to isolate the daughter from her mother and other family members, and to prevent her from seeking help or disclosing the abuse.
Daddy says "If you do I'll beat you black and blue"
Father figure uses threats of violence and intimidation to control the daughter and ensure her silence.
"Cause Amelia, "You make Daddy feel like a man"
The father figure expresses his need for the daughter's validation, creating an asymmetrical power dynamic.
Amelia, "Daddy loves you more than Mummy can"
The daughter is positioned as a replacement for the mother figure, leading to further confusion and harm.
"Daddy, tell me, Daddy How can you call this love?"
The daughter continues to question her father's behavior, and to express her confusion and pain.
Amelia Damn your Daddy to hell
The daughter expresses her anger and frustration towards her father, and the harm that he has caused her.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CRAIG DAVID ADAMS, MICK BROWN, SIMON THOMAS HINKLER, WAYNE HUSSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liesel Hering Chamen
on Daddy's Going to Heaven Now
Anyone know the story behind this song?