Their most famous hit was the single, "Apparently Nothin'" (Talkin' Loud, 1991), which helped launch Anderson's solo career when the band split up.
Apparently Nothing
Young Disciples Lyrics
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The song "Apparently Nothin'" by Young Disciples is a social commentary on the human condition, focusing on the cyclical nature of violence and conflict throughout history. The lyrics describe the repeated patterns of invasion and warfare that have been handed down through generations, resulting in countless tears and scars. Despite this history, the singer chooses to keep loving as the only sane response, and seeks a place on earth where people can heed the signs of impending conflict and work together to create a better world.
The opening lines of the song draw attention to the popularity of invasion and gentle persuasion throughout history, highlighting the fact that nothing seems to be learned from these patterns. The chorus repeats the phrase "apparently nothin'" to drive this point home, emphasizing the sense that humanity repeatedly makes the same mistakes without learning from them. The second verse contrasts the value placed on human life versus that of gold, pointing out the countless offenses that have subtracted tears from people's lives and left only guns and scars behind.
Overall, "Apparently Nothin'" expresses a sense of frustration with the cycle of violence that seems to define human history. The singer offers love as a response, but also calls for an awareness of the signs of conflict and a collective effort to create a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
A popularity of invasion
The concept of invading and taking over others' lands has become quite popular.
Handed down through centuries
This idea has been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.
A force of arms called gentle persuasion
The act of using military force to convince others to yield to one's demands is often described as gentle persuasion.
What have we learned from history
Despite the countless instances of invasion and its disastrous consequences throughout history, we have not learned much.
Human worth is so inexpensive
The value of human life is woefully low compared to the value we place on things like gold, which often become the root cause of wars.
Compared to gold, the root of most wars
Gold is often the underlying cause of most wars.
Subtract the tears from countless offenses
If we were to remove all the painful emotions that arise from offenses throughout history, what we would be left with is simply a record of guns and scars.
What is left but guns and scars
All that remains from our history is a trail of destruction and violence.
Well as for me, I'm gonna keep lovin'
Despite the violence and hatred that surrounds us, the only sane and worthwhile path is the path of love.
Cause it's the only sane thing to do
Given the state of the world, it is the only logical and rational thing to do.
Cause I'm not into pushin' and shovin'
I have no interest in engaging in confrontations and conflicts with others.
No confrontation, what have you
I prefer to live in peace and harmony with others and avoid confrontation whenever possible.
I ain't trying to rule your mind
I have no interest in exerting control over others' thoughts or beliefs.
A conscious observer trying to find
I am simply an observer, seeking to understand the world around me more deeply.
A place on earth where they heed the signs
I am searching for a place in this world where people pay attention to the warning signs and work to create a better future for everyone.
Beware of conflicts that ruin mankind
We must be mindful of conflicts and wars that have the potential to destroy humanity.
If you want things mo' better
If we want to see improvements in the world, we need to take action.
Withstand the tides of the bad weather
We need to be strong and resilient in the face of difficult challenges and adversity.
The struggle thrives when we all gather
When we come together and work towards a shared goal, we can achieve great things.
Down at the bank of the soul river
This is a metaphorical reference to the river of life where we must all come together to make the world a better place.
You got to see the light
We must strive to understand the truth about the world and ourselves in order to bring about positive change.
Show yo' light
We must lead by example, demonstrating what it means to live a life of love, compassion, and understanding.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
I am committed to living a life that shines a light on the darkness in the world and inspires others to do the same.
Everywhere I go I'm gonna let my light glow
No matter where I am, I will do my best to spread love and light to those around me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@miguelteixeira4134
Standing tall as the greatest acid jazz album of all time
@lovemykiss9
Carleen Anderson is one of the most underrated singers out there.
@bailey2913
I never actually saw your post before I posted mine 🤷🏻we obviously have the same impeccable taste 👅😉
@tonypowell7138
Big up your chest sweetheart
@davidhoran9634
Nope, not underrated…… stunning vocals and song……..❤
@ItsNotRealLife
How is she underrated?
@robwilkinson8497
Good tune. part of me wants to go back to the 90's....and stay there
@Fensta
Saw a movie the other night that played "black eyed peas - let's get it started" and thought some of the bassline sounded familiar. Knew i'd heard somethin similar in 1991 ish, wracked my brain to eventually remember the name "young desciples" and wadda ya know, it was this song i used to love. Takes me back......
@markc7175
Takes me back to far,far better times. Both musically & socially. Still relevant.
@Dreamcatcher-wu7iu
I walked into the co-op heard this old song playing and just wanted to dance, love it.