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
Victoria
The Verve Pipe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Twirling blur of legs, legs and lace
Victoria, she loves her name
Running flushed our faces red
Daring her to kiss, to kiss my head
Victoria, she loves her name
Then drowned in her indifference
Victoria
I left her on her frozen route
I grew up while she, she grew out
Victoria, she loves her name
A social climb by offering love
'Til everyone was inside of
Victoria
Loves
Now my love won't make amends
You cut the cord on which your life depends
Victoria, she loves her name
Like cheating in a children's game
Victory doesn't taste the same
Yet victoria, she loves her name
Victoria
Loves
The Verve Pipe's song Victoria presents a narrative on the journey of growing up and the changes that come with it. The singer, Victoria, is introduced as a youthful and carefree individual who is immersed in the pleasures of life, represented by flowers and twirling legs. She is proud of her name, an indication of the confidence and identity she possesses at that moment. As the song progresses, it is clear that Victoria represents a metaphor for the innocence of the past. The singer, who was once inclined to participate in childish games and daring encounters, outgrows her youthful counterparts. The lyrics carry sentiments of nostalgia or regret for fleeting moments of bliss and simplicity.
The lyrics "bathing in her innocence then drowned in her indifference" might hold significant meaning. It could mean that the singer and Victoria used to enjoy simple pleasures, but upon growing up, she lost touch with the carelessness and spontaneity of life. Maybe the singer tried to pursue Victoria, the embodiment of her innocence, but failed to keep up with her waning interest. The line "Like cheating in a children's game, victory doesn't taste the same" portrays the disappointment of growing up; the innocence of seeking for victory or of pretending falls spare in adulthood.
Line by Line Meaning
Stripping flowers at pedal pace
Walking slowly and picking flowers one by one
Twirling blur of legs, legs and lace
Dancing around quickly with legs moving so fast that they blur, wearing a lacy dress
Victoria, she loves her name
Victoria is proud of her name
Running flushed our faces red
Running until our faces turned red
Daring her to kiss, to kiss my head
Challenging her to kiss my head
Victoria, she loves her name
Victoria still loves her name
Bathing in her innocence
Being with her and enjoying her purity
Then drowned in her indifference
Being ignored and feeling unimportant and insignificant to her
Victoria
Again referring to Victoria's name
I left her on her frozen route
I abandoned her on her unchanging path
I grew up while she, she grew out
I matured while she stayed the same and did not develop or progress
Victoria, she loves her name
Victoria still takes pride in her name
A social climb by offering love
Trying to raise your status socially by showing love and affection
Til everyone was inside of
Until everyone was part of or connected to the situation
Victoria
Referring to Victoria again
Loves
Victoria loves
Now my love won't make amends
My love cannot fix our broken relationship
You cut the cord on which your life depends
You severed the connection that was vital to your life and well-being
Victoria, she loves her name
Victoria still takes pride in her name despite our relationship being over
Like cheating in a children's game
Feeling guilty and ashamed, like when cheating in an innocent game
Victory doesn't taste the same
Winning is not as rewarding when it comes at a cost, or when something is lost in the process
Yet victoria, she loves her name
Despite everything, Victoria still loves her name
Victoria
Victoria's name is a recurring theme throughout the song
Loves
Victoria still loves, even through the ups and downs of life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRAD VANDER ARK, BRIAN VANDER ARK, DONNY BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind