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)
Beautiful Mind
The Verve Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know which one I'm gonna end upon
You say you will but you never promised thoughts
A smile and a hand mix like water with sand
As far as you're concerned
A road and a sign I know which one catches my eyes
Then it all came to me
Sometimes I just don't know I believe in
Don't you want to know when I suffer
It doesn't show
A smile and a hand mix like water with sand don't you know?
I was thinking about moving back home
I don't really need to live here
No no I didn't I could I'm sure I would if I knew that
I didn't I could I'm sure I would if I knew that
A smile and a hand mix like water with sand
As far as you're concerned
A beautiful mind or a beautiful body
I know which one, I'm gonna end upon end upon
The lyrics of The Verve's song "Beautiful Mind" talk about the choices we make and the uncertainties we face in life. The song begins by presenting a dilemma - whether to prioritise a beautiful mind or a beautiful body. The singer admits that they know which one they're going to end up on, implying that they have chosen one over the other. The lyrics then take a philosophical turn, with the singer observing that their thoughts and promises may not always align.
The second verse of the song talks about the elusive nature of belief and understanding. The singer confesses that they sometimes struggle to believe in something, and they're not entirely sure what that something is. The lyrics suggest a yearning for understanding and a desire to know more. The chorus of the song returns to the theme of the first verse and repeats the idea that a smile and a hand mix like water with sand.
Overall, the lyrics of "Beautiful Mind" are introspective and thought-provoking. They encourage the listener to reflect on their choices and beliefs, and the difficulties that come with these. The song also talks about the importance of physical and mental health and addresses some of the underlying issues that affect human decision-making.
Line by Line Meaning
A beautiful mind or a beautiful body
I have a choice between having a good physical appearance or good mental ability, and I have made my decision to prioritize one over the other.
I know which one I'm gonna end upon
I have already decided which aspect to prioritize, and that is what I am going to end up with in the end.
You say you will but you never promised thoughts
You claim that you will do something, but you have not given any indication or assurance that you have actually thought it through.
A smile and a hand mix like water with sand
A smile and a show of affection can sometimes be misleading and not genuine.
As far as you're concerned
From your perspective or point of view.
A road and a sign I know which one catches my eyes
There are different paths in life, but I know which one I am drawn to and which one I am most interested in following.
And I, thought I heard it for a while
At one point, I believed something but it didn't turn out to be true or lasting.
Then it all came to me
I had a realization or understanding about something after some thought or contemplation.
Sometimes I just don't know I believe in
Occasionally, I am uncertain about what I believe in or what values are most important to me.
Don't you want to know when I suffer
Do you not care about or want to know when I am experiencing pain or distress?
It doesn't show
It may not be obvious or visible to others that I am struggling or suffering.
I was thinking about moving back home
I am considering the idea of returning to my hometown or previous place of residence.
I don't really need to live here
I am realizing that I do not necessarily require or benefit from staying in my current location or situation.
No no I didn't I could I'm sure I would if I knew that
I did not make a certain decision, but I may have if I had more information or knowledge about the situation.
A beautiful mind or a beautiful body
The choice between mental ability and physical appearance is still on my mind.
I know which one, I'm gonna end upon end upon
I am still set on my decision and have not changed my mind about which aspect to prioritize and focus on.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT, SIMON JONES, NICK MC CABE, PETER SALISBURY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind