Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony this life
The opening lines of Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve, taken from their masterful third studio album Urban Hymns (1997). Starting with a gorgeous orchestra sound, it was a huge smash and one of the defining Britpop songs of the 1990s.
You saw me standing by the wall corner of a main street
And the lights are flashing on your window sill
All alone ain’t much fun so you’re looking for the thrill
And you know just what it takes and where to go.
The opening lines of Save a Prayer by English band Duran Duran, from their third studio album Rio (1982). I’ve spoken of how much I love the band numerous times on the blog, and even mentioned this same song a few posts ago in Best Songs to Fall One Place Short of UK Number One.
So I look in your direction
But you pay me no attention, do you
I know you don’t listen to me
‘Cause you say you see straight through me, don’t you
The opening lines of the song Shiver by Coldplay. From the English band’s debut album Parachutes (2000), it was the follow up to the hugely successful Yellow. Here’s a photo of when I saw them live, where they closed with this song.
Since you’ve been gone nothing makes any sense
Cause being with you was the thing I did best
Now that it’s over what else have I left?
Taken from the lyrics from upcoming talent Luke Friend, from his song ‘Hole in my Heart’.
I was dreaming of the past
and my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control.
I didn’t mean to hurt you
I’m sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn’t want to hurt you
I’m just a jealous guy.
The song ‘Jealous Guy’ was originally recorded by John Lennon in 1971, but after Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, Roxy Music produced a cover of the song in tribute.
Your skin, oh yeah your skin and bones,
Turn into something beautiful
Taken from the song ‘Yellow’ by Coldplay from their debut album Parachutes.
There’s no time to lose, I heard her say
Catch your dreams before they slip away.
Taken from the song ‘Ruby Tuesday’ (1967) by The Rolling Stones, which was a double A-side along with ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together’, and first released from the album Between the Buttons.
It’s been raining since you left me
Now I’m drowning in the flood.
You see I’ve always been a fighter
But without you I give up.
Taken from the song ‘Always’ by the rock band Bon Jovi, from the album Cross Road (1994).
I wanted to be with you alone
And talk about the weather
The opening lyrics from ‘Head Over Heels’ by the musical duo Tears For Fears, from their second album Songs from the Big Chair (1985)
Face against the ground
Torn, but you can stand
Your will is strong, but you have now
I know you can save us
The opening lyrics of the song ‘Save Us’ by Newport band Feeder, from the compilation album The Singles.
Alex Raphael 