The group has released three original studio albums: First and Last and Always (1985), Floodland (1987), and Vision Thing (1990). Each album was recorded by a different line-up; singer-songwriter Andrew Eldritch and the drum machine called Doktor Avalanche are the only points of continuity throughout. Eldritch and Avalanche were also involved in The Sisterhood, a side-project connected with Eldritch's dispute with former members.
The Sisters of Mercy ceased recording activity in the early 1990s, when they went on strike against East West Records, whom they accused of incompetence and withholding royalties, and had pressured the group to release at least two more studio albums; instead, the label released the album Go Figure under the moniker SSV in 1997. Although the Sisters of Mercy were eventually released from their contract with East West, they have never been signed to another label nor released any new material, despite showcasing numerous new songs in their live sets.
Former members of the group established the bands Ghost Dance and The Mission.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sisters_of_Mercy
Discography
First and Last and Always (1985)
Floodland (1987)
Vision Thing (1990)
Some Girls Wander by Mistake (compilation, 1992)
A Slight Case of Overbombing (compilation, 1993)
Driver
The Sisters of Mercy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leave the sirens far behind me
Home to weakness
Home to silence
Follow me when the sun goes down
We will find a heartless highway
We will wind the windows down
... me at the mounted towers
While the wheels go wheeling round and round
Life is short and life is cruel
But we have beer and we have fuel
We are never coming down
Push the creature on it's back
Lines across the middle ...
Houses vacant everafter
Gusting through the cold and shadow
While the ... flashes past
Around we ... the big black car
... touch the sky
... sell your bracelets
We are never coming down
We will be forever wild
The wheels go wheelings round and round
And the wheel ...s come in silence
Follow me when the sun goes down
We will fly along the highway
We will wind the windows down
... me at the mounted towers
When the ... turns around
Reason ... power
While the wheels go wheeling round and round
The Sisters of Mercy's "Driver" is an evocative tribute to the thrill of driving and the freedom of the open road. The lyrics describe a journey along a long white line, far from the confines of civilization and into the heart of the unknown. The driver and their passenger are driven by a sense of adventure, fueled by beer and a love of speed.
The song's opening lines, "Lay me down the long white line, Leave the sirens far behind me, Home to weakness, Home to silence," set the tone for the unbridled sense of escape that is at the heart of "Driver". The singer is seeking a temporary respite from the noise of the city and the pressures of everyday life. The comfort of the open road and the motion of the wheels is a soothing balm for the soul. Despite the sense of danger and the unknown, the driver and their passenger are driven by a sense of purpose that is impossible to resist.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more abstract, suggesting a surreal landscape of empty houses and fleeting glimpses of other vehicles. The imagery of the "big black car" and the "mounted towers" suggests a sense of unease, a reminder that the journey is not entirely safe. Ultimately, the driver and their passenger are unphased by the dangers of the road, focused only on the thrill of the ride.
Overall, "Driver" is a powerful ode to the freedom of the open road and the human spirit of adventure. Its driving beat and haunting lyrics convey a sense of movement and excitement that is impossible to resist.
Line by Line Meaning
Lay me down the long white line
Let me rest and escape on the open road
Leave the sirens far behind me
Leave behind any distractions or disruptions
Home to weakness
Returning to a state of vulnerability or fragility
Home to silence
A peaceful and still existence
Follow me when the sun goes down
Join me on a journey into the unknown
We will find a heartless highway
Discovering a cold and unfeeling path
We will wind the windows down
Embracing the freedom and openness of the road
... me at the mounted towers
Imagining myself at a place of power or prominence
Then the marvels, ... friends abound ...
Experiencing the wonders of the world and being surrounded by companions
While the wheels go wheeling round and round
Continuing on the endless cycle of life
Life is short and life is cruel
Life can be brief and harsh
But we have beer and we have fuel
Taking pleasure in the simple things in life
We are never coming down
Living without limitations or restrictions
Push the creature on it's back
Defying constraints and norms
Lines across the middle ...
Divisions and boundaries
Houses vacant everafter
Empty and unfulfilled lives
Gusting through the cold and shadow
Moving quickly through difficult and dark times
While the ... flashes past
While fleeting moments pass by quickly
Around we ... the big black car
Turning heads and attracting attention
... touch the sky
Reaching for the unreachable
... sell your bracelets
Sacrificing possessions or comfort for the sake of adventure
We are never coming down
Living life to the fullest
We will be forever wild
Remaining untamed and unrestrained
And the wheel ...s come in silence
The inevitable end of life approaching quietly
Follow me when the sun goes down
Join me on a journey into the unknown
We will fly along the highway
Embarking on a fast-paced and exhilarating adventure
When the ... turns around
When things take an unexpected or ominous turn
Reason ... power
Logic and rationality giving way to passion and impulsivity
While the wheels go wheeling round and round
Continuing on the endless cycle of life
Contributed by Luke C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.