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.
Something In The Air
Various Artists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
Ive been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord
Well if you told me you were drowning
Ive seen your face before my friend
But i dont know if you know who i am
Well i was there and i saw what you did
I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe of the grin
I know where youve been
Its all been a pack of lies
I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
Ive been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Well i remember
I remember dont worry
How could i ever forget
Its the first time
The last time
We ever met
But i know the reason why you keep me silenced up
No you dont fool me
Cause the hurt doesnt show
But the pain still grows
Its no stranger to you and me
I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
Ive been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Possible interpretations of the lyrics to "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins:
Phil Collins, the writer and performer of "In the Air Tonight," has revealed different inspirations for this song, such as a painful personal experience, a nightmare, or the shock of seeing someone drown. Regardless of the specific source, the lyrics convey a sense of ominous anticipation and unresolved tension that have made the song one of Collins's signature hits and a staple of classic rock radio.
The first stanza establishes a hypnotic rhythm and a haunting mood, as Collins repeats the phrase "Oh Lord" three times and adds "I've been waiting for this moment for all my life." This prepares the listener for the climactic drum fill that comes after a long instrumental buildup, serving as a release of the pent-up anticipation that the lyrics evoke. The second stanza deepens the mystery and the resentment that the singer feels towards someone he calls "my friend" but doesn't offer any help to. The singer claims to know this person's lies and deceptions, and warns them that their reckoning is near, but leaves the details ambiguous. The third stanza reframes the narrative as a flashback, where the singer recalls the only encounter he had with this person, whose reason for silencing him is still unknown. The chorus returns, with even more intensity and desperation, as if the confrontation that has been brewing is about to erupt.
Line by Line Meaning
I can feel it
A feeling of anticipation and eagerness
Coming in the air tonight
An event or change that is approaching
Oh Lord
An expression of awe or reverence
Ive been waiting for this moment
A sense of longing for something that has been anticipated for a long time
For all my life
The wait has been very long and meaningful
Well if you told me you were drowning
If you were to be in trouble or need help
I would not lend a hand
I would not offer assistance or support
Ive seen your face before my friend
I know you well
But i dont know if you know who i am
You may not be aware of who I truly am
Well i was there and i saw what you did
I witnessed your actions firsthand
I saw it with my own two eyes
I have undeniable proof of your actions
So you can wipe of the grin
You cannot hide your guilt or true feelings
I know where youve been
I am familiar with your past actions and decisions
Its all been a pack of lies
Everything you have said has been false or insincere
Well i remember
I have not forgotten
I remember dont worry
You may have thought I forgot, but I haven't
How could i ever forget
The event was too significant to be forgotten
Its the first time
It was the beginning of something important
The last time
It was also the end of something significant
We ever met
Our first and last encounter
But i know the reason why you keep me silenced up
You have purposely kept me quiet for your own benefit
No you dont fool me
I am not deceived by your actions
Cause the hurt doesnt show
You hide the pain and suffering that you have caused
But the pain still grows
The effects of your actions continue to affect me
Its no stranger to you and me
The pain and hurt is not unfamiliar to either of us
Oh Lord, Oh Lord
An expression of deep emotion and feeling
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Phil Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind