Their level of commercial success was almost unprecedented by an indie act when their first album 'Reading Writing and Arithmetic' (Rough Trade, 1989) debuted in the British charts at number 4, (even cracking the US Top 40) with little publicity and almost a year after the legendary single and John Peel fave 'Can't Be Sure' peaked at number 45. This now seminal album also featured the single "Here's Where The Story Ends" (more recently covered by 'Tin Tin Out') and other classic indie pop tunes 'Skin & Bones', 'Hideous Towns' and 'I Kicked A Boy'.
A US tour and a (soon to become infamous) "break" preceded follow-up album 'Blind' (1992) for which sky-high critical expectations couldn't be met, though single 'Goodbye' fared well reaching number 27.
It was a long wait before third and most recent album 'Static and Silence' (Parlophone, 1997) was released, followed by a 3-date UK, and 14-date U.S tour. Single "Summertime" (their most successful hit to date on the UK charts) was taken from this album, and garnered airplay in most parts of the world, although the follow-up "Cry" didn't fare quite as well. Gavurin formed a friendship with the comedian David Baddiel when growing up in North London, which would lead to the Sundays providing the song "Another Flavour" (sans vocals) from Static and Silence as the theme tune to the Newman and Baddiel in Pieces TV series.
No new material has been released by The Sundays since Static and Silence (and its attendant singles) in 1997. Harriet Wheeler and David Gavurin have settled down and are raising a family. Patrick Hannan has become a session drummer and occasional record producer. Bassist Paul Brindley, like Harriet and David, is no longer a part of the music industry.
In April 2014, Adam Pitluk, the editor of American Airlines' magazine American Way, tracked down and conducted an interview with Wheeler and Gavurin in which he put forward the idea of a reunion. The response to this was as follows - "First let’s see if the music we’re currently writing ever sees the light of day, and then we can get on to the enjoyable globe-trotting-meets-concert-planning stage."
There is also a Japanese independent rock/punk band named SUNDAYS. They started out in September 2007 and released their first mini-album on a major label in January 2013.
Folk Song
The Sundays Lyrics
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And the fields are all gold
Dusty lane with a song in my brain
And it stoned me to my soul
I climb higher move towards the fire, blaze sun
Silver trees and a whispering breeze
Are my sight and my sound
When I'm wandering here alone
I climb higher move towards the fire, so blaze sun
Watch until it dies slow falling from the sky
Pale fading sun
The Sundays' song "Folk Song" is a poetic exploration of nature and how it can impact the deepest parts of our souls. The opening line of "Summer sky and a throat bone dry" immediately conjures up imagery of a hot and dry summer day, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The following line "And the fields are all gold" suggests a sense of abundance and generosity, perhaps indicating that the singer is in a good place in their life. The dusty lane with a song in their brain further evokes a sense of wandering and exploration, all the while being entranced by the beauty of their surroundings.
As the song progresses, the singer describes climbing higher and moving towards a fire, perhaps representing a sense of passion or inspiration that is driving them forward. The description of the "silver trees and a whispering breeze" perfectly captures the peacefulness of a forest, and how it can offer solace to those seeking it. The line "The thought of heaven couldn't drag me from the path" suggests that the singer is fully committed to their journey, and is willing to endure whatever trials might come their way. The final lines of "Watch until it dies slow falling from the sky/Pale fading sun" are a poignant reminder that everything good must come to an end, but that there is beauty in this transitory moment as well.
Line by Line Meaning
Summer sky and a throat bone dry
The hot, dry weather causes my throat to become parched.
And the fields are all gold
The fields are golden from the summer sun and ready for harvest.
Dusty lane with a song in my brain
As I walk down the dirt road, a song plays in my head.
And it stoned me to my soul
The song brings a deep emotional response within me.
I climb higher move towards the fire, blaze sun
I ascend towards the sun which appears to be on fire.
Silver trees and a whispering breeze
The wind gently moves through the silver leaves of the trees.
Are my sight and my sound
The rustling leaves and the shimmering trees are all that I can see and hear.
The thought of heaven couldn't drag me from the path
I am so content in this moment that even the idea of paradise wouldn't distract me from this experience.
When I'm wandering here alone
I find peace and solitude in walking through nature by myself.
Watch until it dies slow falling from the sky
I observe the sun slowly setting and disappearing from the sky.
Pale fading sun
The sun fades from its bright orange color to a pale shade signaling the end of the day.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID GAVURIN, HARRIET WHEELER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind