Fast forward to 2010, and The Tunics and BMG are proud to announce the release of their long-awaited 2nd album on the 21st of February 2011. Their debut single, “Cost of Living”, released in 2008 quickly garnered significant critical acclaim from the likes of NME to bloggers and industry insiders from all over the world. Video playlists in the UK (E4, NME TV) alongside radio play in indie stations in Germany, Australia, U.S., Greece— to name a few— helped establish a new cult following far beyond the boundaries of the A23 and Croydon, and set things in motion for the band.
The upcoming album is a result of a more serious and mature band that has reined in and honed its raw, bursting talent. Two years of touring the UK and Europe with the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club and Nada Surf, playing at T in the Park, and continuous songwriting and experimentation have taught them a few lessons, and resulted in a more secure, yet somber, band. Out with the indie pop riffs, and in with a fuller, more ethereal sound that retains the powerful, elegant lyrics that are meant to entertain, perplex, and spark meaningful thought.
First single “Low” will be released on the 13th of December.
The Tunics are Joe Costello (vocals & guitar), Scott Shepherd (bass guitar), James Booth (keys), and Simon Hargreaves (drums)
Shine On
The Tunics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I lead the empire and the emperor sings
But I know where I can came from, the land of weapons and fists
I understand the power of song, and that dreams are made of this
For this is rock n roll
I’ve got a rock n roll soul
And we are freedom fighters
Shine on, shine on
Before the music passes to you
Shine on, shine on
Before the music passes through you…
Would you walk on a crusade and swap your riches for poor
Would lose all the money you make, because you know what life is for
Well I know where I came from, the land of souls lost and won
I understand the power of dreams and the power of song
For this is rock n roll
I’ve got a rock n roll soul
And we are freedom fighters
For now…
Shine on, shine on
Before the music passes to you
Shine on, shine on
Before the music passes through you…
(You make up these feelings that are so contrived to make you feel in love to make you feel alive, to give a little reason to your pointless world, while you’re meanwhile forgetting you’re a stupid little girl)
The lyrics to The Tunics’ song “Shine On” are a passionate tribute to the enduring power of music as a means of freedom and liberation. The opening verses are sung with a sense of authority and a hint of arrogance as the singer declares himself to be the messiah and the king of kings, leading an empire with his music. However, despite this grandiose self-image, he remains grounded in his roots in the land of weapons and fists, understanding the transformative power of music and dreams.
The chorus, “Shine on, shine on, before the music passes to you / Shine on, shine on, before the music passes through you...” carries a sense of urgency and warning – the message is clear that the power of music is fleeting and must be seized upon before it slips away. The song urges the listener to embrace their inner rock n’ roll soul, to join the ranks of the freedom fighters, living in the moment and fighting against the forces of repression and conformity.
The final lines of the song are a direct admonishment to those who fake their passion for music or use it as a superficial means of escaping their mundane lives: “You make up these feelings that are so contrived to make you feel in love to make you feel alive, to give a little reason to your pointless world, while you’re meanwhile forgetting you’re a stupid little girl.” The singer’s call to “shine on” is a call to authenticity and passion in the face of a society that often values conformity and complacency over individuality and creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the messiah and the king of kings
I hold great power and authority, as if I am a religious savior and ruler over all
And I lead the empire and the emperor sings
I have dominion over many people and am so highly regarded that even the emperor sings my praises
But I know where I can came from, the land of weapons and fists
Despite my influential position, I remember my rough origins and the violent world I emerged from
I understand the power of song, and that dreams are made of this
I recognize the emotional impact that music can have, and how it can inspire aspirations and hope
Would you walk on a crusade and swap your riches for poor
Would you make a sacrificial journey to serve a noble cause, even if it meant relinquishing your wealth and status
Would lose all the money you make, because you know what life is for
Would you be willing to forfeit your earnings if it meant living a fulfilling life with purpose
Well I know where I came from, the land of souls lost and won
I fully comprehend the struggles and challenges of my past, where many people never made it out alive
I understand the power of dreams and the power of song
I appreciate how both dreams and music can invigorate and give meaning to life
For this is rock n roll
This is the essence of the rock n roll genre
I’ve got a rock n roll soul
My character embodies the spirit and attitude of rock n roll
And we are freedom fighters
We defend our liberties and values with force and passion
Shine on, shine on, Before the music passes to you
Embrace and celebrate the beauty of music before it fades away, or before it is too late in life
Shine on, shine on, Before the music passes through you…
Fully absorb and internalize the wonder of music before it fades away, or before it is too late in life
(You make up these feelings that are so contrived to make you feel in love to make you feel alive, to give a little reason to your pointless world, while you’re meanwhile forgetting you’re a stupid little girl)
This is likely not a part of the song, and is instead an unrelated comment or critique. Therefore, no meaning can be assigned to it in this context.
Contributed by Sarah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nemmys
This voice is just incredible ! LOVE from France ! :)
@frauine9785
Love it
@rhythmblues1860
what a song, cant get over it.
@farley150
Great New Band, looking forward to hear some more.
@raperillaa
i love this song!!
@marshmallowterror
Great song, great video =) well done!
@Scaredbusiness
Sounds like The Tunics to me - 100% rock n roll - killin it ;)
@nicesongsification
Its very rare for me to comment on a song,but this one its SO awesome.
@amphetaminedaydream
Still one of the best random songs I’ve came across
@kristinabuh7231
Яка чудова пісня! 😍 Не розумію, чому раніше її не чула! Дійсно створює настрій 🤩