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.
Look Over Your Shoulder
Various Artists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
secretly they get along
sitting up there with me in the middle
from dusk till dawn
I get so confused by it
wich way to turn
they're looking at me like
decide wich bridge to burn
If I'm wrong or right you stand by my side
the devil never knows, the devil never knows
listen listen
as you forgive me for the thousand time the devil never knows, the devil never knows
Angel in disguise
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh looking over my shoulder
looking out, looking out for me
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh looking over my shoulder
looking out, looking out for me
It's a long way down
even longer way back up
When the chips are down
you'll always back me up
You can talk me down
talk me out and talk me up
When the shit goes down
you'll always back me up
The lyrics of "Look Over Your Shoulder" by Various Artists present a metaphorical battle between the angel and the devil, both of whom seem to have a close relationship with the singer. The lyrics paint a picture of the devil and the angel sitting on either side of the singer, watching as he struggles to make decisions. The devil represents the temptation to make choices that may be detrimental to the singer, while the angel is the embodiment of guidance towards the right path.
The chorus suggests that regardless of the choices the singer makes, the angel is always looking out for him, and the devil can never know the extent of the angel's influence. The singer acknowledges his confusion and indecisiveness in the verses, with conflicting thoughts pulling him in different directions.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses gratitude for the angel's support, forgiving him countless times, and helping him navigate life's challenges. The song's theme is about the battle between good and evil and the importance of having a guiding force to help you make the right decisions. It is about acknowledging that the choices we make can be influenced by our inner demons and guardian angels, and ultimately, it is our choices that define who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
The angel and the devil
The opposing forces of good and evil
secretly they get along
Despite their differences, they work together
sitting up there with me in the middle
Both are present in the singer's life
from dusk till dawn
Constantly present and watching over the artist
I get so confused by it
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do
wich way to turn
Unsure of which path to take
they're looking at me like
Both are watching and waiting for a decision
decide wich bridge to burn
Choose which path to take and which relationships to sever
If I'm wrong or right you stand by my side
Offering support and loyalty regardless of the situation
the devil never knows, the devil never knows
The devil is unaware of the hidden loyalty
as you forgive me for the thousand time the devil never knows, the devil never knows
The devil remains unaware of the repeated forgiveness shown by the angel
Angel in disguise
Goodness hidden by outward appearances
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh looking over my shoulder
Guarding and guiding the singer
looking out, looking out for me
Watching over and protecting the singer
It's a long way down
The fall can be severe
even longer way back up
Recovery can be a difficult journey
When the chips are down
During difficult situations
you'll always back me up
Continuing to offer support and loyalty
You can talk me down
Offering guidance and reassurance
talk me out and talk me up
Encouraging and supporting the artist
When the shit goes down
During particularly difficult situations
you'll always back me up
Consistently offering support and loyalty
Contributed by Alice V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.