The term Various Artists is used in the record industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a song or collection of songs. Most often on Last.fm, compilation album tracks appear under the name of Various Artists erroneously because the individual artist is not listed in the album's ID3 information.
Compilation albums, for example.
Sometimes, single releases may be credited to Various Artists when their profits are going to charity and, usually in high-profile cases, are sometimes known by a group name. Examples include Band Aid with their releases of Do They Know It's Christmas? and USA for Africa with We Are The World.
Various Artists is also an actual performance name for Torsten Pröfrock, who runs the German DIN label. Torsten performs also as Dynamo, Erosion, Resilent, Traktor besides some others. He's a good friend of Robert Henke and since the Fall of 2004, he is a member of Monolake.
Various Artists was also a short-lived Bristol punk band formed by brothers Jonjo and Robin Key (originally from Birmingham). Other members were also simultaneously in Art Objects who went on to become The Blue Aeroplanes, the latter the Key brothers also co-wrote some songs and were involved in. When Various Artists imploded, the Key brothers went on to form Either / Or.
Various Artists also appear on tracks from musical theater soundtracks, due to the nature of having many cast members on one song, as well as an ensemble in some cases.
Holy
Various Artists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Phoenix arose from the sanctum of metal
Emerging into the light
So many hard times
So many bad lies
A man of steel
You know I'm real
Ev'rything I do
I'm taking all control - it's my heart
You know it's how I feel
So stick it in your mind - now you're mine
Time - it's time I'm taking over
And crank it up in overdrive
I'll tell you why
You know I'm holy
So fucking holy - raise your hands
You know I'm holy
So fucking holy - pain and pride
So many places
So many aces
I made a curse
I gave you birth
Ah - glorious metal times
The master of our lives - never died
A special kind of force
Together no remorse - you'll be mine
Burning on overload
Legends won't die
No cross - no burdens to control
No asking why
The master never dies
The song "Holy" by Various Artists is a tribute to heavy metal music and the lifestyle it represents. The lyrics describe the rise of a Phoenix from the ashes of cauldron iron, symbolizing the rebirth of metal music in the 1980s. The singer proclaims his status as a "man of steel" and emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's life and emotions. He declares himself "holy" and urges his listeners to join him in celebrating the power and glory of metal.
The use of the Phoenix imagery is significant in the context of the song, as it represents the resilience and enduring legacy of heavy metal music. The genre faced intense backlash and censorship in the 1980s due to its perceived associations with satanism and other controversial themes. Despite these challenges, the metalhead community remained steadfast in their love for the music and their commitment to the lifestyle it represented. The song "Holy" embodies this spirit of defiance and perseverance, celebrating the strength and enduring power of the metal community.
The lyrics of "Holy" also emphasize the importance of unity and brotherhood among metalheads. The singer declares that he has "no remorse" and urges his listeners to join him in solidarity. This message reflects the sense of community and shared identity that has always been a core aspect of heavy metal culture. The song's anthemic choruses and explosive guitar riffs capture the raw power and energy that metal music represents, making it a beloved classic among fans of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Raised from the glowing ashes of cauldron iron
Emerging from the intense heat of the forge, the Phoenix came forth, reborn as a symbol of metal's power and resilience.
The Phoenix arose from the sanctum of metal
This mythological creature, representing immortality and rebirth, emerged from the spiritual essence of metal music.
Emerging into the light
The Phoenix, having gone through the trials of fire, emerged victorious into the world, shining bright and glorious.
So many hard times
Life is a series of hardships and struggles that we must overcome.
So many bad lies
We encounter many falsehoods and deceptions along the way, but we must stay true to ourselves.
A man of steel
Strong, resilient, and unyielding, like the metal from which he is forged.
You know I'm real
I am authentic, sincere, and trustworthy--what you see is what you get.
Ev'rything I do
My actions are deliberate, purposeful, and under my control.
I'm taking all control - it's my heart
I am the master of my own fate, and I make my decisions based on my passions, desires, and values.
You know it's how I feel
My emotions and instincts guide me, and I am not afraid to share them with the world.
So stick it in your mind - now you're mine
My words and actions have a powerful impact on those around me, and I assert my influence with conviction and force.
Time - it's time I'm taking over
I refuse to let time constrain or limit me--instead, I seize the moment and take control of my life.
And crank it up in overdrive
I push myself to the limit, working hard and striving for greatness.
I'll tell you why
My motivation, my drive, my passion--these are the reasons why I am unstoppable.
You know I'm holy
I am sacred, revered, and powerful, a force to be reckoned with.
So fucking holy - raise your hands
My power and presence demand awe and respect from those around me, who raise their hands in tribute.
Pain and pride
The path to greatness is often fraught with difficulty, but my strength and determination sustain me through the pain and give me pride in my accomplishments.
So many places
Throughout my life, I have journeyed to many different locations, experiencing new things and learning valuable lessons.
So many aces
I have faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, but I have overcome them with skill, strategy, and tenacity.
I made a curse
Sometimes we must inflict punishment, consequences, or curses on those who wrong us or undermine our efforts.
I gave you birth
My creativity, passion, and work have birthed something new and exciting, bringing joy and satisfaction to myself and others.
Ah - glorious metal times
The heyday of heavy metal music was a time of headbanging, screaming, moshing, and wild abandon, where fans celebrated the raw power and emotion of the music.
The master of our lives - never died
Metal music, with its relentless beat, soaring riffs, and powerful lyrics, has been a constant source of inspiration, motivation, and energy for its fans, who see it as the master of their lives, always alive and kicking.
A special kind of force
Metal music has a unique quality that sets it apart from other genres--a force that resonates deeply with its fans and inspires passionate devotion.
Together no remorse - you'll be mine
In the tight-knit metal community, there is a sense of camaraderie, shared experience, and loyalty that transcends personal differences and unites fans in a common cause.
Burning on overload
The intensity of the music, the energy of the crowd, and the emotions of the moment all combine to create a sense of burning fervor that overwhelms the senses.
Legends won't die
The greatest metal bands and musicians are immortalized through their music, which lives on long after they have passed away, inspiring new generations of fans.
No cross - no burdens to control
In the heat of the moment, we are liberated from the burdens and worries of everyday life, free to express our emotions and let loose.
No asking why
We can't always understand the mysteries and complexities of life, but in the world of metal, we don't need to--we just need to feel the power of the music and let it carry us away.
The master never dies
Despite the challenges and setbacks we may face, the spirit of metal music lives on, always inspiring, compelling, and energizing us to greatness.
Writer(s): Tony Providence, Shaun Bivens, Allen Anthony Richardson
Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.