Despite the similarity in name to the British band The Verve, there is no relation between the two.
In 1992, working with producer/engineer Jon Frazer, they released their first album, I've Suffered a Head Injury, which featured an acoustic version of the band's calling-card hit, "The Freshmen." The original 10-song version of the CD is no longer available. A 7-song version, without the original recording of "The Freshmen" and two songs written by Stout, was later released as an EP.
The band, known for its energetic live performances, built strong followings during its early years, especially in the college towns of Kalamazoo and East Lansing.
In the fall of 1993, the band released a second album, Pop Smear again working with Frazer that helped them gain a devoted following in their native state of Michigan and their eventual signing with RCA Records in 1995. AJ Dunning replaced Stout on guitar for the recording of Pop Smear and remained in the band for their three RCA records. This album featured the popular tracks "Spoonful of Sugar" and "Victoria" among others. While Doug Corolla played on Pop Smear, he was not a full member of the band until 1994.
Their first major label release was 1996's Villains, which was a minor hit and launched two respectably-selling singles, first Photograph then the #1 hit The Freshmen. They came back with The Verve Pipe in 1999, with such tracks as "Supergig," "Generations" and "She Has Faces." The album, however, failed to contain the commercial appeal of its predecessor.
The band's final release for RCA Records was 2001's Underneath. The song "Colorful," from Underneath, was featured on the soundtrack of Rock Star. Underneath's release unfortunately coincided with the September 11th terroist attacks which contributed to the album's poor sales which led to the band being dropped from RCA.
On September 15, 2009, Brian Vander Ark announced on his Web site that the band would be releasing a new album called A Family Album in October, 2009. The band had been approached to contribute a song for an album called "Calling All Kids" which led to them creating an entire album of family friendly songs.
Lead singer Brian Vander Ark has also released four solo albums: 2003's Resurrection, 2006's Angel, Put Your Face On, 2008's self-titled release Brian Vander Ark and 2011's Magazine.
Since the release of Underneath, the band's line up has changed frequently with former members including Joel Ferguson, Dan Matheny and John Conners. The current line up is as follows:
* Brian Vander Ark – lead vocals, guitars
* Donny Brown – drums, background vocals
* Andy Reed – bass, background vocals
* Randy Sly – keyboards, background vocals
* Lou Musa - guitars, background vocals
* Craig Griffith - harmonica, background vocals
Colorful
The Verve Pipe Lyrics
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There will be no encore
And all the random hands that I have shook
Well they're reaching for the door
I watch their backs as they leave single file
But you stood stubborn, cheering all the while
I know I can be colorful
But I know this loser?s living fortunate
'Cause I know you will love me either way
Most were being good for goodness sake
But you wouldn't pantomime
You are more beautiful when you awake
Than most are in a lifetime
Through the haze that is my memory well
You stayed for drama though you paid for a comedy
I know I can be colorful
I know I can be gray
But I know this loser?s living fortunate
Cause I know you will love me either way
Look ahead as far as you can see
We?ll live in drama but we?ll die in a comedy
I know I can be colorful...
The lyrics to The Verve Pipe's song "Colorful" convey a sense of gratitude towards a loved one who has steadfastly supported the singer through thick and thin. The opening lines of the song suggest the end of a performance or chapter in the singer's life, with the audience leaving and the singer's support system remaining. Despite the uncertain future and fluctuating emotions of the singer, they express gratefulness for their partner's unwavering love and acceptance of their shifting moods and personalities. The singer acknowledges their flaws and dual nature of being both colorful and gray, but recognizes that their relationship with their partner transcends those superficial aspects of themselves. The final lines of the song suggest a perspective of embracing the ups and downs of life, appreciating the drama while acknowledging the inevitability of a comedic end.
Overall, "Colorful" can be seen as a tribute to the unconditional love of a partner, even in the face of uncertainty and change. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and gratitude, as the singer reflects on their own flaws and insecurities while recognizing the unwavering support of their loved one. The song's message of appreciating both the drama and comedy of life while remaining true to oneself resonates with listeners of all backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
The show is over close the story book
The event has concluded, so it is time to close the chapter and move on.
There will be no encore
There will be no additional performances or opportunities for closure.
And all the random hands that I have shook
All the strangers who I've interacted with, briefly in passing.
Well they're reaching for the door
They're eager to leave and move on with their day or other business.
I watch their backs as they leave single file
I observe them departing in an orderly fashion, one after the other.
But you stood stubborn, cheering all the while
You were the exception and remained committed and supportive until the very end.
I know I can be colorful
I'm aware that I can express myself in vivid and diverse ways.
I know I can be gray
I'm aware that I can also seem dull or lifeless in my demeanor.
But I know this loser?s living fortunate
Despite my flaws, I consider myself lucky to have your support and affection.
'Cause I know you will love me either way
I feel that regardless of how I present myself or behave, you will still love me and stand by my side.
Most were being good for goodness sake
Many people were doing the right thing just for the sake of being good.
But you wouldn't pantomime
You refused to follow others or pretend to be someone you're not.
You are more beautiful when you awake
You appear even more lovely and attractive when you're fully conscious.
Than most are in a lifetime
Your natural beauty surpasses what most people experience in their entire lives.
Through the haze that is my memory well
Despite my foggy recollection of the past, I recall that you were there for me during emotional highs and lows.
You stayed for drama though you paid for a comedy
You endured tough situations alongside me, even though they may have been unexpected or uncomfortable.
Look ahead as far as you can see
Consider the future and the possibilities it holds.
We?ll live in drama but we?ll die in a comedy
We may experience hardships in life, but ultimately our path will lead to a peaceful and lighthearted end.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DONNY BROWN, BRIAN VANDER ARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind