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)
The Damage Done
The Sisters of Mercy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody tell me about the rhythm of the dance floor
Somebody tell me about the perfect bomb
The royal valley on a blitzkrieg bomb
Somebody tell me how to use my gun tools
Kiss the napalm in the afternoon
I saw the film, I saw the place
When I think you're knocked, when the radio died
And the rhythm played from every side
See the rebel and the damage done
See the debris and the damage done
See the wreckage and the damage done
See the film, see the damage done
Somebody tell me about the rhythm of the 4th floor.
(This is the image, this is the place)
Somebody tell me about the rhythm of the dance floor
(This is the way the world will end)
Somebody tell me about the ...
(The waltzing man have dancing eyes)
I need to know about the ...
(This is the way the world will end)
Me I'm lost and the radio's dead
Now I'm relaxed and the radio's dead
The rhythms gone, the radio's dead
And the damage done inside my radio.
The Sisters of Mercy's song "The Damage Done" is a commentary on the destructive power of technology and its impact on society. The opening lines of the song pose questions about the "rhythm" of different floors or levels within a building, perhaps suggesting a disconnect between the different worlds or realities that exist in modern society. The lines "somebody tell me about the perfect bomb / the royal valley on a blitzkrieg bomb" further highlight the theme of destruction and violence.
The lyrics then shift to the singer's personal experience, expressing a desire to "use [his] gun tools" and "kiss the napalm in the afternoon." These lines can be seen as a commentary on the allure of violence and destruction in contemporary culture. The lines "when I think you're knocked, when the radio died / and the rhythm played from every side" suggest a sense of chaos and instability, with the singer in a state of confusion or disorientation.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "see the rebel and the damage done," with slight variations in each repetition. The lyrics suggest a sense of hopelessness and despair in the face of destruction and violence. The final verse of the song laments the loss of rhythm and the "damage done" inside the singer's radio, further underscoring the theme of technology and its limitations.
Line by Line Meaning
Somebody tell me about the rhythm of the 4th floor.
Someone please explain the atmosphere on the fourth floor.
Somebody tell me about the rhythm of the dance floor
Share with me the energy and vibe of the dance floor.
Somebody tell me about the perfect bomb
Tell me more about the ultimate explosive weapon.
The royal valley on a blitzkrieg bomb
The area of power and authority is obliterated in an instant by a surprise attack.
Somebody tell me how to use my gun tools
Help me understand how to operate my weapons of war.
Kiss the napalm in the afternoon
Embrace the fiery destruction of bombs in the daylight.
I saw the film, I saw the place
I witnessed the aftermath of a deadly attack and saw the location where it happened.
I live to work for the killing sake
My purpose is to wage war and destroy others for the sake of power.
When I think you're knocked, when the radio died
As I believed my enemies defeated, my communication channels have been destroyed.
And the rhythm played from every side
Sounds of destruction and chaos erupted from all directions.
See the rebel and the damage done
Observe the destruction caused by the rebel forces.
See the debris and the damage done
Witness the destruction and wreckage caused by war.
See the wreckage and the damage done
One can see the disaster and ruin caused by human warfare.
See the film, see the damage done
View the visual evidence of the destruction resulting from violence.
Me I'm lost and the radio's dead
I am disoriented and alone, without means of communication.
Now I'm relaxed and the radio's dead
I am calm and peaceful despite my inability to communicate.
The rhythms gone, the radio's dead
There is no sound or noise, just silence after the destruction.
And the damage done inside my radio.
My communication devices have been destroyed, a symbol of the destruction caused by war.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW ELDRITCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Auston Smith
this is awesome... I didn't know they played this late 70's brit post punk style similar to The Fall, Wire, PiL.... I LOVE IT! it'd been awesome if they did more jazzy beats... funk bass... alongside that baritone voice and the choppy guitar. Very friggin cool...
Auston Smith
then they might've just been another bauhaus/art punk clone instead of the revolutionary Meatloaf Goth sound Andrew, Dr. Avalanche, and the gang came up with.
Rob Sumner
This track always a huge smile on my face. Musical perfection for me
akwalek
Best track the Sisters ever did.
Fabian Romero
Hell no!!
Dr. Psychonaut
Ok how is this better than First and last and always, Marian, Walk Away, and Dominion ?
gixxerboy555
they're first?from 1980
Simon Dunn
Two-finger bass-line. Gets my vote!
pinanti
Nice song ,reminds me of the velvet underground.
Pablo Arevalo
1:26 the drums losing the right tempo. So underground lol