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.
Sticks and Stones
The Mission Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slandered on a dirty subway wall
Sticks and stones may break my bones but names don't hurt
Names can't hurt me at all
I will rise again
You can crucify me
I will stand alone
You bask in the light that pours from me
But that's just the way the world is mine
That's just the way all stars must shine
Assassination by vitriol and your quill is a loaded gun
Your finger on the trigger baby, trigger baby, trigger baby
But your dumb dumb bullets, dumb dumb bullets
Can never hurt anyone
The lyrics of The Mission's song "Sticks and Stones" seem to be a response to the criticism and attacks that a public figure or an artist can receive. The opening lines suggest that even if the person has become a legend or has achieved some significant feat, they may still face criticism and slander. The next lines, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names don't hurt, Names can't hurt me at all" expresses the sentiment that words and names shouldn't have the power to hurt someone, and the person is impervious to such attacks.
The lyrics further emphasize that even if people try to bring the person down, they will rise again and stand alone. The lyrics "You bask in the light that pours from me, But that's just the way the world is mine, That's just the way all stars must shine" seem to suggest that the person is truly shining and that the world is in awe of the person's greatness. However, there will always be people who will try to take that away, but they will never succeed.
The mention of assassination by vitriol and quills loaded with bullets seems to be a metaphor for the harsh and sometimes lethal criticism that artists may face from their detractors. However, the last lines "But your dumb dumb bullets, dumb dumb bullets, Can never hurt anyone" seem to indicate that the person is aware that even when the critics fire back, the artist is not truly hurt by their words.
Overall, "Sticks and Stones" seems to be a defiant response to criticism and attacks, and the lyrics suggest that even if the world tries to bring you down, you can always rise again.
Interesting facts:
Line by Line Meaning
I know I am a legend 'cos I've seen my name
I am confident in my abilities and reputation because I have seen evidence of it with my own eyes.
Slandered on a dirty subway wall
Someone has tried to defame my character by writing negative things about me in a public space.
Sticks and stones may break my bones but names don't hurt
Physical harm may be painful, but verbal insults do not have the same level of impact.
Names can't hurt me at all
I am not affected by the negative things people say about me.
You can crucify me
You may try to harm or destroy me, but I will not be defeated.
I will rise again
No matter how many times I am knocked down or defeated, I will come back stronger.
I will stand alone
Even if others turn against me, I will not compromise my beliefs or principles.
You bask in the light that pours from me
You benefit from my success and achievement, but you do not contribute to it.
But that's just the way the world is mine
I have worked hard to achieve success and deserve the recognition and rewards that come with it.
That's just the way all stars must shine
Success and fame do not come without hard work and perseverance.
Assassination by vitriol and your quill is a loaded gun
Harsh criticism and negative words can be just as harmful and deadly as a physical weapon.
Your finger on the trigger baby, trigger baby, trigger baby
You are the one in control of the words you say and the impact they have on others.
But your dumb dumb bullets, dumb dumb bullets
The negative things you say do not have any real impact, and do not affect the success or work of others.
Can never hurt anyone
No matter how hard someone tries to be hurtful, they cannot take away someone else's success or achievement.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liesel Hering Chamen
on Daddy's Going to Heaven Now
Anyone know the story behind this song?