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.
This Old House
Various Artists Lyrics
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Little bit tired, little worn through the years
You sound nervous, you seem alone
I hardly recognize your voice on the telephone
In between I remember
Just before bound-up, broken-down
We drive out to the edge of the highway
[Chorus:]
We're all in this thing together
Walkin' the line between faith and fear
This life don't last forever
When you cry I taste the salt in your tears
Well my friend, let's put this thing together
And walk the path with worn out feet of trial
'Cause if you wanted we can go home forever
Give up your jaded ways, spell your name to God
[Chorus]
All the hour there's a picture in a mirror
Fancy shoes to grace our feet
All there is is a slow road to freedom
Heaven above and the devil beneath
[Chorus]
The song "This Old House" is a poignant remembrance of friendship and the struggles that come with the passage of time, loss, and uncertainty. The lyrics are a conversation between two friends who are long-time acquaintances but have lost touch over the years. The singer observes the fatigue and nervousness in his friend's voice and tries to encourage him to cling to faith and hope in the face of life's challenges.
Different artists have approached the song from various perspectives, ranging from country to gospel music. Perhaps the most famous version is the one sung by Rosemary Clooney, which features a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that emphasizes the melancholy atmosphere of the lyrics. Clooney's sultry voice adds a touch of sophistication and world-weariness that is a perfect fit for the song's mature themes.
Other artists who have covered "This Old House" include Loretta Lynn, Elvis Presley, and Jimmy Swaggart. Each artist brings their unique brand of soul and style to the song, making it a timeless classic that resonates with listeners across generations. Overall, "This Old House" is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of friendship and the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Well my friends, I see your face so clearly
The singer recognizes his friends in spite of the years that have passed
Little bit tired, little worn through the years
The singer acknowledges that time has taken a toll on his friends
You sound nervous, you seem alone
The singer senses his friend's vulnerability over the phone
I hardly recognize your voice on the telephone
The singer notices a change in his friend's voice which reflects the hardships and struggles they have faced
In between I remember
The singer remembers a time before things fell apart
Just before bound-up, broken-down
The singer recalls a time when his friend was not struggling as much in life
We drive out to the edge of the highway
The singer reminisces about going on a road trip with his friend
Follow that lonesome dead-end roadside south
The singer and his friend go to an isolated place when they were trying to find themselves
We're all in this thing together
The singer wants to remind his friend that they are not alone in their struggles
Walkin' the line between faith and fear
The singer is struggling with the same emotions as his friend, but is trying to maintain hope in the face of fear
This life don't last forever
The singer accepts that life is fleeting
When you cry I taste the salt in your tears
The singer feels his friend's pain deeply
Well my friend, let's put this thing together
The singer is ready to help his friend overcome their struggles
And walk the path with worn out feet of trial
The singer acknowledges that the journey won't be easy
'Cause if you wanted we can go home forever
The singer hopes his friend will find solace in their faith
Give up your jaded ways, spell your name to God
The singer urges his friend to let go of their bitterness and trust in a higher power
All the hour there's a picture in a mirror
The singer reflects on life's impermanence
Fancy shoes to grace our feet
The singer acknowledges the materialistic aspects of life
All there is is a slow road to freedom
The singer believes that true freedom is a process
Heaven above and the devil beneath
The singer knows that life is a balance between good and evil
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Matthew R. T. Gerrard, Robert S. Nevil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind