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.
Smiles
Various Artists Lyrics
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And Wall Street is sunk,
We're all of us broke, and ready to croak.
We've nothing to dunk,
Can't even get drunk,
And all the while, they tell us to smile:
Cheer up, gentle citizens, though you have no shirts,
All aboard prosperity, giggle 'till it hurts!
No more bread-line charity. Cheer up, smile, nertz!
Cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer,
Up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer, better times are here.
Sunny smilers we must be, the optimist asserts,
Let's hang the fat-head to a tree! Cheer up, smile, nertz!
The world's in the red,
We're better off dead,
Depression, they says in session to stay.
Our judges are queer,
Our banks disappear,
And all the while, they tell us to smile:
Cheer up, gentle citizens, though you have no shirts,
Happy days are here again. Cheer up, smile, nertz!
All aboard prosperity, giggle 'till it hurts,
No more bread-line charity. Cheer up, smile, nertz!
Cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer,
Up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer, better times are here.
Sunny smilers we must be, the optimist asserts,
Let's hang the fat-head to a tree! Cheer up, smile, nertz!
Nertz!
The lyrics of this song, "Cheers," talk about living in hard times and struggling to make a living. It tells the story of how everything seems to be going wrong; people are broke, depressed, and without any hope in sight. Despite all these, others are constantly reminding them to smile and cheer up. The song conveys a message that even in hard times, it is necessary to keep smiling and looking at the brighter side of life.
From a musical perspective, "Cheers" can be interpreted in many ways. Some artists may choose to play it with a somber tone, emphasizing the lyrics' message of hardship and struggle. Others may choose a more jovial tone, instead highlighting the song's message of optimism and hope for something better.
The song provides a window into the struggles and minds of Americans during the Great Depression, which began in the late 1920s and lasted for over ten years. Throughout this period, many people lost their jobs, homes, and savings, leading to widespread despair among the population. In response, the government introduced programs like the New Deal to help lift people out of poverty and restore the economy.
Line by Line Meaning
Sure, business is bunk,
Indeed, the economic system has collapsed.
And Wall Street is sunk,
The financial district is in ruins as well.
We're all of us broke, and ready to croak.
Everyone is penniless and on the verge of death.
We've nothing to dunk,
We don't even have anything to drink.
Can't even get drunk,
Alcohol is scarce as well.
And all the while, they tell us to smile:
Despite our dire situation, we are constantly told to put on a happy face.
Cheer up, gentle citizens, though you have no shirts,
Stay positive, even though you don't have basic necessities like clothing.
Happy days are here again. Cheer up, smile, nertz!
Be joyful because things are improving, despite the setback.
All aboard prosperity, giggle 'till it hurts!
Take advantage of the upswing and enjoy it to the fullest, despite prior hardships.
No more bread-line charity. Cheer up, smile, nertz!
Things are getting better, and assistance programs are no longer the only source of support.
Cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer,
Keep going and remain optimistic, no matter how tough it gets.
Up, cheer up, cheer up, cheer, better times are here.
Things have improved, and continue to do so.
Sunny smilers we must be, the optimist asserts,
The optimist suggests that we maintain a positive and hopeful demeanor.
Let's hang the fat-head to a tree! Cheer up, smile, nertz!
Get rid of the negative and cynical attitude, and embrace positivity and joy.
The world's in the red,
The entire globe is struggling financially.
We're better off dead,
We would be better off dying than trying to survive in this disastrous climate.
Depression, they says in session to stay.
Experts predict that the economic depression will persist for a while.
Our judges are queer,
The legal system is being questioned.
Our banks disappear,
Banks are shutting down due to financial difficulties.
Nertz!
Expressing frustration or disapproval.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind