Delirious? Thoughts On World Service (Delirious?)
Last modified: 01 Oct 2003
Source: Delirious?
Date: Oct 2003
Stu G, on the band's approach to writing the new album:
When we've been writing the new songs, we've wanted to get them to a more completed stage, lyrically, earlier than we have in the past. Not to say there isn't work to do but the aim has been to know what we're saying in the song now at the tracking stage, rather than having a single verse or chorus and recording a band version, then finishing the lyrics. So it's meant a little more time and effort at the front end.
With You
Stu G: In the song "With You" we're really excited by the middle section that explodes out of the song it's kind of a "heart cry":
You never let me go you never let me fall
I know you're in the pain and when I've got it all
And I'm hanging on to you 'cos it's all that I can do
'Cos knowing you is beautiful.
Majesty
Stu G: In the song "Majesty (Here I Am)" there's a strong theme of grace again:
Here I am humbled by the love that you give
Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand with my simple song of love
Giving everything that I have
Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice
Grace Like A River
Stu G: After a year of not feeling particularly inspired I've been buzzing about the whole idea of grace, of the kind of love we get that is totally undeserved. If I'm acceptable as I am, if God sees me and loves me right now, then that has a huge impact on how I see others. The theme has popped up in a few other songs, but there are a couple I've been working on with Martin lately that I feel inspired by. As for where it's come from, I'm reading Philip Yancey's book 'What's So Amazing About Grace' as well as C.S. Lewis's 'Mere Christianity', but really the ideas have developed over a long time.
Mystery of mysteries
That You could love someone like me
Rain Down
Furious: According to Stu G this one started at a sound check for a gig some time ago. Stu G was playing about with the riff and the others joined in, with Martin coming out with the chorus straight away. It all sounds a bit too easy if you ask me, but Stu G insists that it's pretty rare for the band to come up with songs like this. The second verse says
Back to the start, my heart is heavy
Feels like it's time, to dream again
I hear your voice, and yes I'm ready
To live the life, to sing your song
Yes I belong
Inside Outside
Furious: Stu G takes on the singing duties for the verse, words tumbling out, half mumbled over a rolling melody. He's singing about being caught up, being 'inside, outside... I don't know how high, I don't know how wide'. Then Martin comes in with the rising pre-chorus, and what, for me, is one of the real treats of the album: 'but you, you're all over me'. He carries on and the lyrics and melody take off together, smoke rising as the euphoric, optimistic dance grabs control: 'you still captive, fascinate, saturate, liberate, elevate.'
Every Little Thing
Furious: Back on December 19th a couple of thousand D:friends showed up for what was looking like being an inspiring evening... in the Christmas fairy-shape of the annual London Christmas gig. On 4th December, a close friend and church leader John Thatcher, died suddenly while abroad (aged 44). John was Jon's uncle and Martin, Stew and Tim's uncle-in-law. Needless to say, the news was devastating. One of the most powerful moments of the gig was the breaking out of a new track, Every Little Thing. Started by Martin back in the summer of 02, it has become something of a soundtrack to the mourning of John T.
Every little thing's gonna be alright,
Every little thing, is going to be alright
God In Heaven
Furious: Like all Delirious tracks the current crop burn with a God-soaked fever, but it's also clear that Martin and Stu G have decided to take a more outspoken path when it comes to faith. You don't have to dig deep to uncover the truth that lies behind these songs, and on many occasions the boys are pumping out some seriously classic lyrics: 'to God in heaven be the glory'. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
The above quotes have been collated from various articles on Delirious.co.uk