The Everlasting (song)

Background

The title of the song is borrowed by Nicky, "The Everlasting", is also a title from a poem by his brother Patrick Jones, after he spent some time trying to think of something similar to Blur's "The Universal" or Joy Division's "The Eternal". "The Everlasting" is often described as grand, elegiac and in some ways quite profoundly sad.

The instruments also sound differente in the overall sound of the song. Contrary to Generation Terrorists the drums are now played as a synthetic element. The group also used live and simulated strings during the recording process.

The song is also featured on the 2002 compilation Forever Delayed, however, the length is only 4:07, in order to fit in the album. The album version has 6:11.

Release

The single was released on November 1998, and it went to number 11 on the UK Singles Chart, it broke their run of 5 consecutive top 10 hits, but it managed to stay in the charts for 12 weeks. Outside of the UK the album reached number 47 in the Dutch charts, remaining in the chart for 5 weeks and in Germany it peaked on number 88, but it remained in the chart for 7 weeks.

CD single number one included "Black Holes for the Young" - a duet with Sophie Ellis-Bextor which is a criticism of London culture - and "Valley Boy", a song which criticizes the European Union. A second CD single featured remixes of "The Everlasting" - "Deadly Avenger Mix" and "Stealth Sonic Orchestra Mix".

Promotional Video

The promotional video that accompanied the song was censored because it contained people on fire. The original version was considered insensitive as the release of the single coincided with the well-publicised inquest into the death of Michael Menson, who had been set on fire by three men in a street attack. Two versions of the video were therefore produced - one with computer generated flames, one without. The video was filmed at Euston railway station in London.

Track listings

All music written by James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore; except where indicated. All lyrics written by Nick Jones; except where indicated.

CD single #1 (UK)

Epic 666593 2

1. "The Everlasting" – 6:11
2. "Black Holes for the Young" (Ft. Sophie Ellis-Bextor) – 4:11
3. "Valley Boy" – 5:10

CD single #2 (UK)

Epic 666686 5

1. "The Everlasting" – 6:11
2. "The Everlasting" (Deadly Avenger Psalm 315) – 5:42
3. "The Everlasting" (Stealth Sonic Orchestra Remix) – 5:11

CD single (EU)

Epic EPC 666593 1

1. "The Everlasting" – 6:11
2. "Black Holes for the Young" (Ft. Sophie Ellis-Bextor) – 4:11

CD single (Australia)

Epic 6668542

1. "The Everlasting" – 6:11
2. "Black Holes for the Young" (Ft. Sophie Ellis-Bextor) – 4:11
3. "Valley Boy" – 5:10
4. "The Everlasting" (Deadly Avenger's Psalm 315) – 5:42
5. "The Everlasting" (Stealth Sonic Orchestra Remix) – 5:11

Cassette single

1. "The Everlasting" – 6:09
2. "Small Black Flowers That Grow in the Sky (Live At Manchester Nynex)" (lyrics: Richey James) – 3:34

12" vinyl single

UK: Sony XPR3297

1. "The Everlasting" (Deadly Avenger's Psalm 315) – 5:40
2. "The Everlasting" (Deadly Avenger's Psalm 315 Instrumental) – 5:40

1. "The Everlasting" (Deadly Avenger's 69th St. Mix) – 4:46
2. "The Everlasting" (Deadly Avenger's 69th St. Instrumental) – 4:51