The second album, Joy 1967-1990, was released in 1990. A single taken from the second album, Special One, featured Kim Deal on backing vocals.
The last album, Rev, was released in 1992, and was performed by a band comprising Julian Klepacz (drums) and Jack Daley (bass) with Ralske on vocals and guitar.
Ralske has gone on to do solo work, and has also produced albums for such bands as Rasputina. He currently resides in New York City and is focused on a merging of video visual art and sound. One of his video display installations, MoMA display screens, is on permanent display in the lobby of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.
Lightning
Ultra Vivid Scene Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
a dollar and a dream
a rainy afternoon
a whisper and a scream
oh but, I know
rip yourself apart
yeah I know
let the teardrops start
a different grade
400 days a year
but when the thunder starts
the lightning will dry all your tears
a grey raincoat
a ribbon in her hair
a smile and a deathwish
a pleasure and a prayer
oh but, I know
rip yourself apart
yeah, I know
let the teardrops start
a different grade
400 days a year
but when the thunder starts
the lightning will dry all your tears
a razor blade
400 days a year
but when the thunder starts
the lightning will dry all your tears
the lightning will dry all your tears
the lightning will dry all your tears
the lightning will dry all your tears
oh,
will dry all your tears
will dry all your tears
will dry all your tears
The lyrics to Ultra Vivid Scene's song "Lightning" are open to interpretation, however, they seem to encapsulate the power of nature and emotions on our lives. The opening lines "a razor blade, a dollar and a dream, a rainy afternoon, a whisper and a scream," create an image of desperation and a longing for an escape. The repeated refrain "rip yourself apart, let the teardrops start," reinforce this theme of anguish.
The next verse adds a new dimension to the song, as the singer sings about a woman with a "smile and a deathwish, a pleasure and a prayer." This adds an element of danger and death to the song, possibly suggesting that the woman is using her sexuality as a form of escape or release. The chorus comes back in to remind us that "when the thunder starts, the lightning will dry all your tears," suggesting that nature has the power to cleanse and heal us.
Throughout "Lightning," there is a recurring theme of contrast, with lines such as "a different grade, 400 days a year," and "a smile and a deathwish, a pleasure and a prayer." This contrast adds depth and complexity to the song's message, suggesting that life is full of contradictions and paradoxes. Overall, the lyrics of "Lightning" seem to touch on themes of desperation, passion, and the healing power of nature.
Line by Line Meaning
a razor blade
The sharp edge signifies pain and self-harm.
a dollar and a dream
Representing the broken dream that the singer is willing to pay to fix.
a rainy afternoon
A melancholic atmosphere that sets a somber tone for the rest of the song.
a whisper and a scream
The duality of emotions that the artist is feeling, switching between feeling powerless and feeling like they have to speak up.
oh but, I know
Despite these conflicting emotions, the artist has a deep understanding of their internal struggles.
rip yourself apart
Self-inflicted emotional pain, urging the singer to face their inner demons head-on.
yeah I know
Reiterating the singer's self-awareness and acceptance of their struggles.
let the teardrops start
Allowing oneself to feel and express emotions is the first step towards healing.
a different grade
The artist is set apart, possibly due to their struggles with mental health.
400 days a year
An exaggeration meant to convey the feeling of being trapped in an unending cycle of depression.
but when the thunder starts
A ray of hope that there is something beyond the struggle, represented by the thunderstorm.
the lightning will dry all your tears
The storm brings lightning, which is a symbol of hope and renewal, and can lead to the resolution of the artist's struggles.
a grey raincoat
A common symbol of sadness and melancholia.
a ribbon in her hair
Contrasting with the grey raincoat, the ribbon in her hair represents something beautiful and hopeful.
a smile and a deathwish
The singer is able to find transient joy amidst their inner turmoil, but they are also struggling with suicidal ideation.
a pleasure and a prayer
Another duality, where the artist finds some solace in pleasure but also turns to prayer in hopes of finding a way out of their suffering.
Contributed by Anthony H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
v-town1980
Bought this album in the summer of 1990 after hearing about it on Mtv's 120 Minutes with Dave Kendall. This was my favorite track, and a great way to end the album. Wish I could be 16 again. Sigh.
john gonzalez
This lullaby consoled and comforted my aching and troubled teen aged heart. Thank you.
Starmer's Barber
Virtuosity. Every time I re-visit this, it sounds even more perfect.
ghostofWatTyler
thanks so much for uploading. Love this song - always found it so addictive to listen and re-play. At one time was one of my go-to-sleep songs
The Hypnomatics
LOVE IT!
ELXOSE80
Thanks for sharing this outstanding song.
*10*/Fav
Nick Pagan
Another thanks for posting this. Such an underrated tune.........fantastic!
john gonzalez
Jack Daley, UVS's last bass player, used to frequent Chelsea Guitars, where I worked as a gofer. Jack got me on the guest list at the Wetlands Preserve, met Kurt Ralske. Good times; thanks, Jack!
Jason Scott
I met Kurt Ralske when he was in UVS he signed my She Screamed 12” peace,love and leather x Kurt - still got it ❤️
v-town1980
That's fantastic! I'm jealous.