Beginning with a psychedelic sound indebted to space rock and shoegazer music, by the mid-1990s the band had released several EPs and two acclaimed records. They also endured name and lineup changes, breakups, health problems, drug abuse and various lawsuits. The band's commercial breakthrough was Urban Hymns and its single Bitter Sweet Symphony, which became a massive worldwide hit.
Soon after this commercial peak, the band quit amid creative struggles within, and Ashcroft went onto a successful solo career. Tong briefly joined Blur as a replacement for Graham Coxon. It is rumored that Simon Jones did a studio album with Ari Pap of the Floor Monks called 'Aint Nothing To It' and was never released because they both had bigger projects going on at the time. Close family and friends assure us its a fabulous indie/rock/alternate album and they really wish it would have been released.
The Verve were chosen to close the 2008 Glastonbury festival which they did with a set based on the classic 1997 album 'Urban Hymns'.
Discography:
A Storm in Heaven • 21 June 1993 • #27 (UK)
A Northern Soul • 3 July 1995 • #13 (UK)
Urban Hymns • 29 September 1997 • #1 (UK) #23 (US)
Forth • 25 August 2008 • #1 (UK) #23 (US)
A Man Called Sun
The Verve Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He lifts me up and fades without a sound
Mr. Sun won't you shine?
Mr. Sun won't you shine?
Why he's here I will never know
He makes you know you feel
Like somewhere to go
Mr. Sun won't you shine?
Mr. Sun just you shine
Walking with a man called Sun
I think my journey's just begun
Do you think he'll mind?
He lifts you up he shines
And then he's gone
But you know you need him
More when he's gone
Mr. Sun just shine
Mr. Sun just shine
Walking with a man called Sun
I think my journey's just begun
Do you think he'll mind?
Shine...
Shine...
Shine...
Shine...
Let it shine...
The Verve's song "A Man Called Sun" is a song that is both uplifting and enigmatic. The song starts with the singer expressing how everyone knows when this mysterious figure called Mr. Sun is around because of the profound impact he has on people. Mr. Sun brings joy and energy, similar to a burst of sunlight. He is a source of hope for those around him, lifting them up before fading away without a sound. The singer begs Mr. Sun to shine on them, conveying the importance of this brilliant and intangible figure to his audience.
The next verse is even more cryptic, with the lyrics "Why he's here, I will never know / He makes you know you feel / Like somewhere to go." These lyrics make us wonder about the purpose of this enigmatic figure and what he represents. There is a sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding Mr. Sun, and the singer expresses his curiosity in understanding this pivotal figure.
The repetition of "Mr. Sun won't you shine" indicates the singer's need for Mr. Sun's presence and reinforces the idea that Mr. Sun's shine represents hope and positivity. The listener feels like they are taking a journey, walking alongside this mysterious figure named Sun. The singer implies that the journey has just begun, but he wonders if Mr. Sun will mind the extra company. The song ends with repeated pleas to let the sun shine, as if implying that no matter what happens, hope will persevere.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody seems to know when he's around
People can sense the presence of the man called Sun
He lifts me up and fades without a sound
When the man called Sun is present, he brings positivity but leaves quietly
Mr. Sun won't you shine?
Requesting the man called Sun to bring his positivity and light into their lives
Why he's here I will never know
The presence of the man called Sun is mysterious and unexplainable
He makes you know you feel
Being around the man called Sun makes you feel good and uplifted
Like somewhere to go
His presence gives a sense of direction and purpose
Walking with a man called Sun
Being in the company of the man called Sun
I think my journey's just begun
Being with the man called Sun has opened up new horizons and opportunities
Do you think he'll mind?
Questioning whether the man called Sun will be bothered by their presence
He lifts you up he shines
The man called Sun brings positivity and light into their lives
And then he's gone
The man called Sun leaves as quietly as he came
But you know you need him
Even though the man called Sun is fleeting, his presence is essential
More when he's gone
The impact of the man called Sun is more noticeable in his absence
Shine...
Encouraging the man called Sun to bring his light
Shine...
Encouraging the man called Sun to bring his light
Shine...
Encouraging the man called Sun to bring his light
Shine...
Encouraging the man called Sun to bring his light
Let it shine...
Urging the man called Sun to fully embrace his role and bring his light into the world
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: NICK MC CABE, PETER SALISBURY, RICHARD ASHCROFT, SIMON JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
WyldeRatttz
People have no idea how important this band is. Their music is so sophisticated. They are criminally underrated.
hippojuice23
@LifeOfNate He's kind of a neo Roger Waters. Brilliant but self- absorbed and bombastic at the same time!
WyldeRatttz
@Maxi Can't go wrong with A Storm In Heaven or Verve EP. Even Forth has some of this magic going on.
Maxi
Totally, this band is amazing, it sounds so boomer but it's a shame that shits like takashi 69, lil pump and all that shit have millions on YouTube and this gem is so underrated. someone who recommends an album of this style?
Ivan Ostrava
Totally agree. I always cite The Verve as THE most underrated band of all time. Their body of work is unbelievable.
Kathleen rivera
got that straight class act ,full of life ,then,now,and forever if we are very blessed !!!💋💋💋⭐🌟🌟⭐
Robert Bruce
Possibly one of the best songs. That bass groove, incredible. It's all fantastic. Enjoy.
Robocrap
This is definately the best track that The Verve has done. Beautiful and haunting music.. And their debut album is criminally underrated..
Ad Christopher Dixon.
Its hard for me to pick a best in my mind they're all the best, an exceptional body of work, each album has a different style and feel of immense quality
Misael Sanchez
No, for me is Beautiful Mind. Star Sail is so close