VNV Nation's inspiration was originally the clash of the modern and classical European cultures, where mythology and technology live in an uneasy fusion, but this has since broadened to encompass a world view. The music ranges from electronic dance music to ballads and classically inspired music. Inspirations are taken from a wide range of styles including contemporary underground club culture, industrial, trance and classical music. The lyrics draw on philosophy, religion, literature, art, politics and different forms of symbolism, although VNV Nation does not advocate any ideology. It is a metaphor for expression. The letters VNV stand for "Victory Not Vengeance". The meaning behind this stylised motto is that one should strive to achieve, not sit in bitter regret.
VNV Nation's first releases were in 1990 with two self produced vinyl releases, "Body Pulse" and "Strength of Youth" (which are now long deleted with Ronan Harris himself not having a copy). After working on some VNV Nation tracks and supporting Nitzer Ebb on tour whilst living in Toronto, Canada, Ronan returned to London and released some tracks on sampler CDs. This caught the interest of German label Discordia and in July 1995, "Advance and Follow" was released. At around about the same time, Mark Jackson joined the band.
In January 1998, VNV Nation signed with the German label, Off Beat Records, releasing their second album "Praise the Fallen" in June 1998 and the EP "Solitary EP" in September 1998. With VNV Nation increasing in popularity, they began their first headline tour in Germany in September 1998.
In 1999, the Off Beat label collapsed, leading to VNV Nation (along with other artists such as Covenant, Suicide Commando and Velvet Acid Christ) collaborating with Stefan Herwig (a former A&R manager with Off Beat) to create Dependent Records. In late 1999, the album "Empires" was released, staying at number 1 in the German Alternative Chart (DAC) for seven weeks, and winning the award for DAC Album of the Year.
From "Empires" two singles were released "Darkangel", which tops the DAC for 5 weeks in mid 1999 and "Standing", which stays at no.1 in the DAC for 8 weeks in early 2000 (the maximum a single can remain in the DAC) winning a German Alternative Music Award for most successful single of 2000 and sharing the place for most successful single in the DAC's history with the Chemical Brothers. A limited edition of the "Standing" single was also released entitled "Standing / Burning Empires" which contained alternate versions and remixes by VNV Nation of tracks from "Empires". This remains one of the most sought after VNV rarities, fetching large sums on auction sites, although it has recently been released on iTunes to allow casual listeners to purchase it.
In March 2001, "Advance and Follow v2" was released as a limited edition, which was a remastered and partially re-recorded version of the original 1995 album "Advance and Follow". The band were never particularly happy with the first album due to it being recorded in less than a week, so the release was seen by the band as a way to put that right.
In October 2001, VNV Nation embarked on their "Futureperfect" tour of Europe and North America, promoting the album "Futureperfect" which was released in January 2002. It reached number 25 in the full German Album Charts, with the single "Beloved" reaching number 60 in the full German Singles Chart. Following the release of "Beloved", VNV Nation part ways with Dependant and create their own label "Anachron Records".
In June 2003, the Honour 2003 EP is released, promoting the "Pastperfect" live DVD, which following many delays and problems was finally released in May 2004. Following this the rest of 2004 and beginning of 2005 was spent producing the album "Matter and Form", which was released in April 2005. Preceeding the album release, one of the tracks "Chrome" was sold in March 2005 as a download on the VNV Nation website, as well as iTunes.
In April 2007, the album "Judgement" was released, and an extensive world tour in support of the album followed. In January 2009, VNV Nation published their plans for 2009 on their website, indicating that the long delayed "Reformation" EP would be available, but now as a full "CD Pack". Also due for release in 2009 is the new album entitled "Of Faith, Power and Glory".
In November 2017 Mark Jackson left the band to "pursue other paths in life".
To read more about Ronan Harris and his motivations behind the band and 2009's "Of Faith, Power and Glory," please visit http://www.dieselpunks.org/profiles/blogs/interview-ronan-harris-of-vnv
Fearless
VNV Nation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So many little things that bothered me
But I found my answer
From all the chaos that followed me I have found my answer
I've told you before, don't follow me because I am not your answer
Don't follow me
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy
These are the words I say to myself everyday
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy
Tell me what ritual I should have today
But I'm not alone
I've resolved so many things and set myself free
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy
The words I say to myself every day
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy
Such a stupid ritual to have to say to myself everyday
I'm not alone but I found my answer and set myself free
I'm not unhappy
I'm not alone and I'm not unhappy
Not alone and I'm not unhappy
I'm not afraid and I'm not unhappy
I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy
These are the words I say to myself everyday
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy I'm not afraid
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I'm not unhappy
The words I say to myself everyday
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy
Such a stupid ritual to have to say to myself everyday
I'm not alone but I found my answer and set myself free, I'm not unhappy
In "Fearless," VNV Nation expresses a message of courage and liberation. The song focuses on the idea of self-empowerment and refusing to be held captive by fear and negativity. The opening lines symbolize the troubles and doubts that the singer has faced in their life journey, but despite them all, they have found their own answer to overcome these obstacles. They implore others not to follow them, not because they are lost, but because everyone must find their own path in life.
In the chorus, the singer repeats the words "I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy" as a personal affirmation. They acknowledge that life is full of daily rituals and routines, but they refuse to let them bring them down. The repetition of these lines drives home the point of self-assurance and resilience. They encourage listeners to adopt their own "ritual" of self-empowerment to help them weather any storm.
In conclusion, VNV Nation's "Fearless" is a powerful anthem that inspires individuals to overcome their fears and insecurities. It encourages self-affirmation and the idea of finding one's own answer in life. It is a message that resonates with many individuals, and its motivational tone has made it a hit among fans of the band and beyond.
Line by Line Meaning
So many little things followed me
So many little things that bothered me
But I found my answer
From all the chaos that followed me I have found my answer
I've told you before, don't follow me because I am not your answer
Don't follow me
I am not alone, I am not afraid, I am not unhappy
These are the words I say to myself everyday
Tell me what ritual I should have today
Such a stupid ritual to have to say to myself everyday
But I'm not alone
I've resolved so many things and set myself free
I'm not alone and I'm not unhappy
Not alone and I'm not unhappy
I'm not afraid and I'm not unhappy
I'm not afraid
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MATT SCHWARTZ, PAUL HARRIS, SIMONE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Labyrinthmind
This is the absolute overlord of workout songs. Funny that it's more about dealing with anxiety and self-doubt but also works as an ultra-badass way to get pumped.
Ruzi the Spider
23:18h and working out to it while reading this comment first. Also while getting each time more over depression.. so I guess it's both to me. 🖤
LyricalEmpirical
I listen to this every morning and sing the words to the mirror. It sounds dumb, but it really helps when you have like...No confidence whatsoever.
Nathan Slack
I used to party a lot in London back in the day. I was very sad but i had a great time. I had lost everything and i was in a big city and didnt know many people except the people i knew would be in that nightclub who would open their arms to me every time they saw me. I danced with them, made friends on that dancefloor. Finally, i was walking to work and listening to this song, tears streamed down my face and on my face was a huge smile. I'm not alone, i'm not afraid, i'm not unhappy. I was crying due to pure happyness. Utter Euphoria...this was the turning point for me. Sounds corny but this song saved my life
Lisa Ponsell
You are your own worst enemy. You are more powerful than you know. Change your perspective and you change your life.
Labyrinthmind
I guess the ritual you say to yourselves everyday wasn't so stupid after all.
Veronika Taylor
LyricalEmpirical i did the same thing. It changed my life.
Dallows65
I'm not alone, I'm not afraid, I'm not unhappy! I've found my answer, I'm not alone, I'm not afraid, these are the words i said to myself every day!~ ~I'M NOT AFRAAAAAAAAAID!!! ~Top 10 on my list of VnV Nation Songs ~VICTORY NOT VENGEANCE!~
Karen Bredlau
Anyone else obsessed with VNV? I think its the only thing I listen to anymore
It makes me happy so I don't care
Axxell
Crazy good. Totally underrated song. Have to listen to it loud!