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.
R.E.I.G.N
UNKLE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am the rain, rain oh, rain oh, reign all day
I am the rain
I'm gonna reign this way again
I am the rain
I am the spy
Before the blade
The ripples that becoming the crashing waves
I am the rain, rain oh, rain oh, reign all day
I am the rain
You thought a different day had come
A day you thought the earth was done
And if you could have said it all
I know you would have said it all
You thought a different day had come
A day you thought the earth was done
And if you could have said it all
I know you would have said it all
I am the rain
I'm gonna reign this way again (reign this way again)
I am the rain, rain oh, rain oh, reign all day
You thought a different day had come
A day you thought the earth was done
I am the rain
And if you could have said it all
I know you would have said it all
I am the rain
The lyrics to Unkle & Ian Brown's song "Reign" appear to be about the power and authority that the rain holds, and how it can be seen as a representation of the singer's own power. The repetition of the phrase "rain oh, rain oh, reign all day" emphasizes the idea of reigning or ruling over something, in this case, the rain. The singer sees themselves as being the lightning, the heat, and the rain, which are all powerful forces of nature. They also describe themselves as a spy before the blade, which could mean that they are aware of the dangers that are coming and they are preparing themselves to face them.
The singer then mentions how they cause ripples that become crashing waves, suggesting that their actions have a much larger impact than what might be immediately noticeable. They are the ones who bring the rain, reign, and power. When they speak of a different day that had come, it seems to imply that something atypical was anticipated, but then the singer reminds the listener that they are in control and that they will still reign.
Overall, the lyrics of the song bring a sense of strength and control through the imagery of stormy weather. The repetition of phrases adds emphasis to the idea of reigning, and the reference to being a spy hints at a larger story behind the song. Ultimately, the song presents itself as an anthem for strength and power.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the lightning, i am the heat
I am a powerful and unstoppable force of nature, representing both the energetic power of lightning and the intense heat that comes with it.
I am the rain, rain oh, rain oh, reign all day
I am also the rain, capable of reigning down upon the earth for an entire day and causing a sustained effect on its surroundings.
I'm gonna reign this way again
I will not only bring my reign of rain again, but it will be just as powerful and all-encompassing as before.
I am the spy before the blade
I am a watchful and observant presence, always there before any actions or consequences occur, much like a spy before a planned attack or battle.
I am the raindrop out I see I cause, the ripples that become the crashing waves
Every small action that I take, like a raindrop creating ripples in a pond, can build up and become something much larger and more powerful, like the crashing waves of the ocean.
You thought a different day had come, a day you thought the earth was done
You believed that a drastic and life-changing event had occurred, one that made you feel as though the world had come to an end.
And if you could have said it all, I know you would have said it all
If you had the power or ability to express your thoughts and feelings about this event, you would have done so fully and completely.
I am the rain
Once again, I am reminding you that I am the one responsible for the rain that has caused this powerful and transformative effect on your world.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IAN BROWN, ANTHONY GENN, SCOTT ENGEL, JAMES LAVELLE, RICHARD FILE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexneo3277
Lyrics...
I am the lightning, i am the heat
I am the rain, rain oh, rain oh, reign all day
I am the rain
I'm gonna reign this way again
I am the rain
I am the spy
Before the blade
I am the raindrop out I see I cause
The ripples that becoming the crashing waves
I am the rain, rain oh, rain oh, reign all day
I am the rain
You thought a different day had come
A day you thought the earth was done
And if you could have said it all
I know you would have said it all
You thought a different day had come
A day you thought the earth was done
And if you could have said it all
I know you would have said it all
I am the rain
I'm gonna reign this way again (reign this way again)
I am the rain, rain oh, rain oh, reign all day
You thought a different day had come
A day you thought the earth was done
I am the rain
And if you could have said it all
I know you would have said it all
I am the rain.
@Prizzy999
When Ian Brown sings a song by UNKLE you know it's a freaking masterpiece.
@livviibabes
Agreed 💯💯💯
@abuddy100
FACT
@middle_of_knowhere_pictures
“Be there”, case in point.
@benjaminbarlow4860
Could be said of a few , but ,I still agree 😊
@BaldricksTurnip1
Not as good as Broken,Ian Brown pales to Mark Hollis.
@frank1766
Timeless song, wish more people could here it’s brilliance. UNKLE is criminally underrated
@charleyrag
Couldn't agree more.
@unklerolly
20 years ago i listened to this track and now i am an UNCLE listening to UNKLE
@Vector_Nectar
Same here! ;) Reflect your sector with VectorNectar! :D