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
Never Let You Down
The Verve Pipe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love
The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down
Your friends were all well-meaning
When they said "No one is good enough for you"
Dismiss the notion
Do what you have to do
'Cause people don't take chances with their hearts
Since I've met you I am past the hardest part
So remember one thing
I will never let you down
I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love
The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down
Sometimes you feel defeated
But, it's OK
You're not the only one
And all the complications
The bad situations
Happen to everyone
It doesn't matter how it ended, or began
Sometimes, the best that you can do is change your plans
I hope you understand that
I will never let you down
I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love
The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down
I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
I'm getting to love
The thought of having you around
And I will never let you down
The lyrics of The Verve Pipe's song, Never Let You Down, are about assuring a loved one of one's commitment to them. The singer is trying to keep grounded as he discovers his deepening feelings for his lover. He expresses his love and the joy of having them around, while also taking note of the negativity that the world can sometimes bring. He reminds his partner that he is different from the rest who play with emotions and make a mockery of love. He gives his assurance that he will stick around and never let them down, through thick and thin.
The verse highlighted the worldly negative influences surrounding the partner in question. Their friends have told them that nobody is good enough for them when it comes to love. It's easy to get overwhelmed with negative feelings, but the singer says it's okay to feel defeated. The complications, bad situations, and heartbreaks happen to many people, and the best one can do is to change their plans. He tells his partner to do what they feel is best and rest assured that he will never let them down.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground
I'm being cautious and grounded with my emotions in this relationship.
I'm getting to like this feeling I've found
Over time, I'm starting to enjoy and appreciate the positive emotions I feel when I'm around you.
I'm getting to love
My feelings for you are growing stronger every day.
The thought of having you around
The idea of having you in my life is comforting and brings me joy.
And I will never let you down
I promise to always be there for you and support you through any situation.
Your friends were all well-meaning
Your friends had good intentions when they advised you about potential suitors.
When they said "No one is good enough for you"
They suggested that you deserve someone who meets a high standard.
They play with your emotions
Your friends may be affecting your emotional state by giving conflicting advice or opinions.
Dismiss the notion
Ignore their opinions and make your own decision on who you want to be with.
Do what you have to do
Follow your heart and do what makes you happy in this relationship.
'Cause people don't take chances with their hearts
People are often hesitant to take emotional risks in relationships due to fear of getting hurt.
Since I've met you I am past the hardest part
You have made it easier for me to take a chance on love again.
So remember one thing
I want to remind you of my commitment to you.
Sometimes you feel defeated
There are times when you may feel discouraged or overwhelmed.
But, it's OK
It's important to know that it's normal to feel that way at times.
You're not the only one
Others also experience difficult times in their relationships.
And all the complications
Relationships can be complicated and have challenges.
The bad situations
There may be moments where things don't go as planned or turn out negatively.
Happen to everyone
It's not uncommon for people to face difficulties and obstacles in their relationships.
It doesn't matter how it ended, or began
The way the relationship started or ended doesn't define its value or importance.
Sometimes, the best that you can do is change your plans
Sometimes, it's necessary to make adjustments or reconsider your priorities in a relationship.
I hope you understand that
I want to make sure you know that I support you and your decisions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN VANDER ARK, ALFRED DUNNING, DOUGLAS CORELLA, DONNY BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind