In 2008 The Tunics broke out of Croydon as teenagers with a gift for effort… Read Full Bio ↴In 2008 The Tunics broke out of Croydon as teenagers with a gift for effortless wit and lyrics infused with social critique and wisdom beyond their years. However, they did this without forgetting the infectious, high energy, indie guitar riffs that sold out shows of dancing and moshing teenagers and that got them banned from playing in a venue or two in their early days as Croydon cult favorites.

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

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I am the messiah and the king of kings
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

For now…

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…

Overall Meaning

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.

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