When Bush dropped “Glycerine” in 1995, the airwaves hummed with its haunting tune and compelling lyrics. This British rock sensation managed to wrap up heartache, confusion, and raw emotion into one melodic package.
Over the years, many have tried decoding its lyrics. Is it a tale of romantic turbulence? A chronicle of addiction? Or perhaps an intimate confession of battling depression?
The beauty of “Glycerine” is its lyrical ambiguity, offering listeners a canvas to paint their own stories. For some, it’s a poignant ballad about love lost and the bitter pangs of regret. For others, it’s a deeper dive into the relentless clutches of addiction.
What secrets do these verses hold? Dive in as we unravel the intricate tapestry of emotions woven by Gavin Rossdale and discover the untold story that has kept us guessing for years.
Understanding the Song ‘Glycerine’
The song ‘Glycerine’ is one of the most popular tracks by the British rock band Bush. It was released in 1995 as part of their debut album, Sixteen Stone. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Gavin Rossdale.
‘Glycerine’ is a slow and melancholic song that speaks about the complexities of relationships. The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, and there have been various explanations concerning its meaning.
Some listeners believe the song is about a relationship falling apart. The line
“Don’t let the days go by”
suggests that the protagonist is trying to hold on to the relationship, but it is slipping away. The line
“Could’ve been easier on you”
implies that the protagonist may have been responsible for the relationship’s demise.
Others believe that the song is about the pain of addiction. The line
“It must be your skin, I’m sinking in”
suggests that the protagonist uses the other person as a source of comfort. The line
“I’m never alone, I’m alone all the time”
indicates that the protagonist is struggling with loneliness and may be using drugs or alcohol to cope.
The song title is also open to interpretation. Glycerine is a clear, odorless liquid used in various products, including cosmetics, food, and medicine.
Some believe it’s a metaphor for the fragility of relationships, while others see it as a reference to the soothing properties of glycerine.
Lyrics Interpretation
The opening lines
“It must be your skin, I’m sinking in”
suggest that the singer is deeply attracted to someone, but whether this attraction is mutual. The line
“Must be for real ’cause now I can feel”
indicates that the singer had been emotionally numb before this encounter.
Chorus
The song’s chorus, which repeats the word “glycerine,” is particularly open to interpretation.
The line
“Don’t let the days go by”
suggests that the singer is afraid of losing the person they are singing to, but it is unclear whether this fear is justified. Likewise, the line
“I’ll never forget where you’re at”
indicates that the singer is holding onto a memory of the person they are singing to, even if they are no longer together.
Themes and Emotions
Bush’s lyrics of “Glycerine” explore various themes and emotions related to love, time, regret, doubt, pain, fear, and anger.
- The lyrics suggest that the narrator is deeply in love with his partner, but feelings of doubt and uncertainty plague him. He is afraid of losing the person he loves and regrets any mistakes he may have made in the past. The lines “Don’t let the days go by, could’ve been easier on you, I couldn’t change though I wanted to, should’ve been easier by three” highlight this sense of regret and longing.
- The song also touches on the pain and fear of being in a relationship. The lyrics suggest that the narrator has been hurt in the past and is afraid of being hurt again. He is filled with anger and frustration but acknowledges that he is not blameless. The lines “If I treated you bad, you’d bruise my face, couldn’t love you more, you’ve got a beautiful taste” highlight this complex mix of emotions.
“Glycerine” captures the pain, fear, and uncertainty that can arise when two people struggle to make things work.
Influence and Inspiration
Bush’s “Glycerine” was inspired by a personal experience of the band’s lead singer, Gavin Rossdale. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Rossdale revealed that the song was about his former girlfriend, who had left him to pursue an art career.
Rossdale explains that the song’s inspiration came from visiting the Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park, New York. The memorial was created to honor John Lennon, who wrote the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” while he was a member of The Beatles.
Rossdale was struck by the peacefulness and beauty of the memorial, which he found to be a fitting tribute to Lennon’s legacy. The experience of Strawberry Fields and reflecting on Lennon’s life and music inspired Rossdale to write the lyrics for “Glycerine.”
The song captures the pain and longing he felt after his girlfriend left him and the sense of hope and possibility he found in Lennon’s music.
In addition to Lennon’s influence, Rossdale has also cited the work of other artists and writers as sources of inspiration for his music. He has admired the works of William Blake, T.S. Eliot, and Sylvia Plath, among others.
Rossdale’s interest in art and literature is reflected in the poetic and evocative lyrics of “Glycerine,” which resonated with fans worldwide.
Rossdale’s Personal Life and Its Impact
Gavin Rossdale, the lead singer of Bush, wrote the lyrics to “Glycerine” based on his girlfriend at the time, a model named Jasmine Lewis, who is credited as a backup vocalist on the Sixteen Stone album. Rossdale dated her for about five years before their breakup, which was exacerbated by busy schedules that kept them apart.
TIL The song ‘Glycerine’ by the band Bush was written about Gavin Rossdale’s relationship with his girlfriend at the time, a model named Jasmine Lewis. The title comes from the explosive applications of glycerine to stabilize nitro. Rossdale said the song was about how love was like a bomb.
by intodayilearned
“Glycerine” describes the ups and downs inherent in a troubled love affair. Rossdale’s personal life and relationship with Lewis significantly impacted the song’s meaning and emotional impact.
After his breakup with Lewis, Rossdale began a relationship with Gwen Stefani, whom he met when her band, No Doubt, opened for Bush on tour. Stefani and Rossdale eventually got married and had three children together. However, their relationship also had its share of troubles, and they announced their divorce in 2015.
Music Video and its Significance
The music video for “Glycerine” was directed by Kevin Kerslake and premiered on MTV in 1995. The video features the band performing the song in a dimly lit room, with close-up shots of lead singer Gavin Rossdale as he sings the emotional lyrics.
The video also includes footage of Rossdale walking through the streets of London at night, interspersed with shots of him and his girlfriend at the time, Jasmine Lewis, embracing.
The video has simple yet powerful visuals. The close-up shots of Rossdale’s face, in particular, help to convey the raw emotion behind the lyrics. The footage of him and Lewis together adds an extra layer of poignancy.
Glycerine’s video was nominated for several MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Alternative Video and Best Art Direction. It has since become a beloved classic, with over 100 million views on YouTube.
Chart Performance and Reception
Despite not being released as a single in the United States, “Glycerine” by Bush is one of their most popular songs. The song peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 22 weeks on the chart. It also reached number 4 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.
The song’s success on the charts was not the only indication of its popularity. In a review for Rolling Stone, Rob Sheffield wrote that “Glycerine” was “the most beautiful, wrenching song” on Bush’s album Sixteen Stone.
The song’s success helped to propel the album to multi-platinum status. Sixteen Stone has sold over six million copies in the United States alone. “Glycerine” was also a hit in other countries, reaching the top 10 in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
International Success
After its release in 1995, “Glycerine” became a massive hit for Bush, reaching the top 10 in several countries and becoming one of the band’s most popular songs.
The song’s success was particularly notable in Canada, where it reached the number-one spot on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and stayed there for several weeks.
“Glycerine” also performed well in Australia, where it peaked at number four on the ARIA Charts and remained in the top 50 for over 20 weeks.
Collaborations and Covers
Over the years, “Glycerine” has been covered by many artists and has appeared in various collaborations. Here are some notable ones:
- In 1996, Gavin Rossdale collaborated with Suze DeMarchi, his then-girlfriend, on “Everything Zen” for DeMarchi’s band, Baby Animals.
- In 2002, South African singer Jasmine Lewis covered “Glycerine” for her debut album, “Vibin’.”
- In 2003, Desmond Child, a songwriter known for his work with Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, covered “Glycerine” on his “Demos 2” album.
- In 2009, the Korean singer Rain covered “Glycerine” in his song “Love Story.”
- In 2014, Dave Parsons, the former guitarist of Bush, covered “Glycerine” on his solo album, “Death of a Party”.
- In 2015, the Australian band Bad Moon covered “Glycerine” for their EP, “Glycerine.”
- In 2017, Billie Myers covered “Glycerine” for her album “Wonderful.”
These covers and collaborations show the enduring popularity and influence of “Glycerine” in the music industry.
Legacy of ‘Glycerine’
‘Glycerine’ has stood the test of time and is still a fan favorite today. It is a classic grunge song that captures the essence of the American rock scene of the 1990s. It’s compared to Nirvana’s ‘Days Go By’ and ‘Wheel’ by Smashing Pumpkins.
The song’s lyrics are deep and introspective, dealing with themes such as struggle, regression, and chemical dependency. The song’s haunting melody and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of the grunge genre.
‘Glycerine’ was also included on Bush’s debut album ‘Sixteen Stone,’ released in 1994. The album was a massive success and helped to establish Bush as one of the leading bands of the grunge era.
The album also featured other hit songs such as ‘Comedown’ and ‘Machinehead.’ Glycerine’s inclusion on Bush’s debut album helped to establish the band as a leading act.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of Bush’s “Glycerine”?
The meaning behind the lyrics of Bush’s “Glycerine” has been subject to various interpretations. Some listeners believe that the song is about a relationship that has ended, while others believe that it is about addiction or depression. The lyrics are somewhat ambiguous, with lines like “It must be your skin, I’m sinking in” and “I needed you more when we wanted us less,” leaving room for multiple interpretations.
What inspired the lyrics of Bush’s “Glycerine”?
Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale wrote “Glycerine” about his then-girlfriend, a model named Jasmine Lewis, who also provided backup vocals on the album. Rossdale has said that the song was inspired by the ups and downs of their relationship and the emotions that came with it.
What emotions does Bush convey through the lyrics of “Glycerine”?
The lyrics of “Glycerine” convey a sense of longing, loss, and vulnerability. The lines “Don’t let the days go by, glycerine” and “Nothing’s real and nothing to get hung about” suggest a feeling of desperation and a desire to hold onto something slipping away.
How does the use of violin add to the meaning of “Glycerine”?
The violin in “Glycerine” adds melancholy and emotional depth to the song. The violin’s mournful sound complements the lyrics, helping convey the sense of loss and longing throughout the song.
When was Bush’s “Glycerine” released?
“Glycerine” was released in 1995 as a single from Bush’s debut album, Sixteen Stone. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
What other songs have a similar meaning or style to Bush’s “Glycerine”?
Other songs that have been compared to “Glycerine” in terms of style or meaning include Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees,” Smashing Pumpkins’ “Disarm,” and Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” These songs all feature introspective lyrics and a melancholy, acoustic-driven sound.
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