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)
Summer
The Sisters of Mercy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walking into walls
Walking into wishful
I've heard it all before
Another shade of empty
Another shade of blue
Another shade of yellow, sunset yellow
Can make it summer
And make it shine
It's raining in the doorway
Paint your face once more
Paint the walls away now
I've seen it all before
Another shade of empty
Another shade of blue
Another shade of yellow, sunset yellow
Another shade of you
Can make it summer
The Sisters of Mercy's song "Summer" seems to be a reflection on one's inner beliefs and desires. The opening lines suggest that there is a lack of communication or understanding between individuals, with each party talking at each other instead of having a genuine conversation. The reference to walking into walls implies a sense of disillusionment or feeling stuck in a particular situation. The next line "walking into wishful" can be interpreted as having unrealistic expectations or hoping for something that is unlikely to be fulfilled. The singer then goes on to say that they have "heard it all before," suggesting that these feelings and experiences are not new to them.
The chorus introduces the idea that another person, represented by the "shade of you" in various colors, can make life feel like summer and bring happiness. This implies that the singer is longing for love and connection in their life, and that with the right person, even the dreariest of days can feel bright and sunny. The second verse brings back the feeling of disillusionment, with the repeated idea of "another shade of empty" and blue, suggesting a sense of sadness and loneliness. However, the mention of "sunset yellow" adds a bit of hope and warmth to the mix, suggesting that perhaps things will improve with time and the right person.
Overall, the song seems to be about the ups and downs of life, and the importance of finding someone who can make even the darkest days feel like summer. It recognizes the struggles and disappointments that one can face, but ultimately holds out hope for a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Talking at each other
Conversing without truly listening or understanding one another.
Walking into walls
Making the same mistakes over and over again despite previous failures.
Walking into wishful
Pursuing unrealistic dreams or desires without any practical plans or actions to attain them.
I've heard it all before
Experiencing a sense of predictability or boredom due to the repetition of the same conversations, ideas, or stories.
Another shade of empty
Feeling a sense of inner emptiness or dissatisfaction despite trying different approaches or experiences.
Another shade of blue
Experiencing sadness or melancholy, with each shade representing a subtle variation of this emotion.
Another shade of yellow, sunset yellow
Feeling a sense of nostalgia or longing for the past, particularly for moments of warmth, comfort, or joy.
Another shade of you
Meeting different people who all share certain qualities or traits, some of which are appealing and others less so.
Can make it summer
Finding joy, hope, or beauty amidst difficult, painful, or challenging circumstances.
And make it shine
Transforming a situation or mindset from darkness, dullness, or negativity into something bright, vibrant, or positive.
It's raining in the doorway
Being stuck in a dreary or unwelcoming environment, physically or emotionally.
Paint your face once more
Putting on a mask or facade to hide one's true feelings or personality, particularly in the face of criticism or rejection.
Paint the walls away now
Trying to ignore, forget, or escape from unpleasant memories, experiences, or truths by distracting oneself or numbing one's feelings.
I've seen it all before
Feeling jaded, cynical, or detached from one's surroundings or experiences due to a sense of familiarity or routine.
Contributed by Mia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@henrikroth5660
GREAT 👍👍👍👍
@davidroberts4758
I think that this incarnation of the band with Adam Pearson/Chris Starling/Mike Varjak was greatly underestimated, especially by the '84-85 and nothing else' cult
@TomNobody631
I would honestly credit Adam Pearson equally with Mr Eldritch for the band's image/aesthetic/approach/overall 'vibe' during those initial wilderness years. He seems to really 'get' something about Eldritch - nothing he wrote sounded like anything that the band had done before he joined, but there's not a note of it that doesn't feel Sisters-y. I think he's proof if proof were needed that the Sisters really is a band of collaborators, rather than an Eldritch masterplan supported by backing musicians. I'm very pleased by the Sisters who followed Adam Pearson, but I think he's a truly instrumental member of the band, and quite possibly responsible for keeping the band alive after recording stopped. The FALAA-or-bust crowd can bugger off.
@aleksanth5362
Στην λευκη με αγαπη αλεξανδρος 1991 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
@walterka3127
They had made the good sounds together in colaboration.Thats right.
@onarovatis
This image of Andrew is great! Can you send it to me please? I can't find nowhere. Thank you! Nice upload!
@centurionofprix
I had missed your comment at the time, but in case you still want it, the picture is from http://tours.tsom.org/gallery/photos/20000812g.htm
@onarovatis
thank you!! :)