From the sleeve notes for the latest release End Titles...Stories For Film released in July 2008, the current line-up is stated as James Lavelle and Pablo Clements, also a member of the Psychonauts.
The original line-up was James Lavelle, Tim Goldsworthy (now a member of DFA) and Kudo (Major Force West, Skylab). This incarnation released several EPs and singles, usually involving collaborations with other Mo'Wax affiliated artists.
In 1998, after the departure of Goldsworthy and Kudo, Lavelle enlisted US producer DJ Shadow to help complete UNKLE's debut album, "Psyence Fiction". On this album they collaborated with a variety of guest artists including Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Mike D (Beastie Boys), Badly Drawn Boy and Richard Ashcroft (The Verve). The album contained songs which merged indie-rock with hip hop.
In 2003 UNKLE released "Never, Never, Land". At this time UNKLE consisted of Lavelle and new collaborator Richard File, and the album also featured Ian Brown (The Stone Roses), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), Mani (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream) and others.
A third album entitled "War Stories" was released in July 2007. It features collaborations with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Ian Astbury (The Cult), Autolux, Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), The Duke Spirit, and Gavin Clark, and is far more strongly rock-influenced than previous releases. The album was preceded by an EP, Nights Temper, of which a limited pressing was released in May 2007.
Lavelle has also released several mix albums and remixes under his own name and under the name UNKLEsounds (together with Richard File).
UNKLE is known for remixing music from artists such as Explosions in the Sky, Massive Attack, and Oasis.
Looking for the Rain
UNKLE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn your heads to the sky
We're burnin' in the heat below
With a thorn in the side
And the ocean too high
And the avenue's so long
In the blood, in the fear
If your Judas be man
I will kill you if I can
A solitary night bird is singing
Over thunder-crack you're hearing
I'm looking for the rain to fall
There's a wraith-like like shadow appearing
And though my eyes are veiled
I'm looking for the rain to fall
We'll be sufferin' here
In the blood, in the fear
If your Judas be man
I will kill you if I can
Children born to get high
Turn your heads to the sky
We're burnin' in the heat below
With a thorn in the side
And the ocean too high
And the avenue's so long
There's a wraith-like like shadow appearing
And though my eyes are veiled
I'm looking for the rain to fall
I'm looking for the rain to fall
I'm looking for the rain to fall
Army's down to defeat
All the dogs in the street are seeking shelter before a storm
I'm looking for the rain to fall
I'm looking for the rain to fall
The lyrics to UNKLE's song "Looking for the Rain" have a haunting and introspective quality to them. The song appears to be a commentary on the struggles and difficulties of life. The lyrics seem to suggest that life is full of trials and tribulations, and that the search for happiness and contentment is an ongoing struggle. The opening lines, "Children born to get high, turn your heads to the sky, we're burnin' in the heat below," suggest that life can be difficult and challenging, but there is always hope and a desire to strive for more.
One of the key themes in the lyrics is the idea of suffering. The lines, "We'll be sufferin' here, in the blood, in the fear, if your Judas be man I will kill you if I can," suggest that there is a constant struggle between good and evil in the world. The lyrics also suggest that the search for happiness and contentment often leads to disappointment and disillusionment.
Overall, the lyrics to "Looking for the Rain" have a poetic and melancholic quality to them. The song seems to be an exploration of the human condition, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Children born to get high
People are born with a natural desire to experience the high of achieving their dreams.
Turn your heads to the sky
Look upwards and be optimistic about the future.
We’re burnin’ in the heat below
We are struggling with our problems and challenges, but we must not give up.
With a thorn in the side
Despite the challenges and hardships we face every day, we must still keep going and persevere.
And the ocean too high
The difficulties we face are too great and we’re struggling to stay afloat.
And the avenue’s so long
The path to our goals and dreams seems too far away and unattainable.
We’ll be suffering’ here
Although the road ahead may be filled with suffering and pain, we must keep moving forward.
In the blood, in the fear
We are riddled with worry and anxiety, but we must remain strong and not let it get the best of us.
If your Judas be man
If someone is betraying you, out of personal gain, they may pay the ultimate price.
I will kill you if I can
If someone has wronged you or betrayed you, you may seek justice, even if it means taking revenge.
A solitary night bird is singing
Even in the darkest times when it seems like no one is there to help you, there is still hope and comfort to be found.
Over thunder-crack you’re hearing
Amidst the chaos and noise of the world, there is always a calm voice that can be heard.
I’m looking for the rain to fall
I’m searching for a sign of hope and relief from the challenges I face.
There’s a wraith-like shadow appearing
There is a ghost-like presence that is haunting our lives and causing us to feel uneasy and uncertain.
And though my eyes are veiled
Even though we may not fully see or understand the challenges we face, we must still remain strong and keep fighting.
Army’s down to defeat
Even in the face of great adversity, we must remain hopeful and not give up on our dreams.
All the dogs in the street are seeking shelter before a storm
Everyone is looking for safety and protection from the coming storm of challenges and hardships.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Gabriel Leo Lavelle, Jack Louis Leonard, Matthew Puffett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@katfezza4570
RIP Mark Lanegan. My main playlist was filled with collaborative works like this. I'll miss those vocals.
@Onmy47s
Share the playlist (:
@LilianaEase
@@Onmy47s +++
@cryingbecausehollowknightd5748
Share the playlist please!
@Oldschool-Rider
Promises, Promises... and no reaction? Pretty a pitty! 😎
@Onmy47s
Conclusion
I’m no math mathematician, but the odds of said playlist’s existence is slim to none.
@malbennett9806
RIP Mark. One of the greatest.
@irmayolandaaltamirano2818
The best
@andrealatour7066
The vocals sound like an obsessive mantra just deep in your spine....so powerful and full of grace and passion
@thelifeandtimesofcharles
Yeah, Mark was the best. I highly recommend his song Strange Religion. The Anthony Bourdain version.