View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Song Lyric Sunday #35
What do I have in my archives in response to Jim Adams’ prompt for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday Challenge which is Blossoms/Cherry/Flowers and evokes Sakura? This time I’m turning to Nobody Loved You by the Manic Street Preachers from their 1998 album This is my Truth.
They’re a Welsh rock band formed in 1986 and consisting of cousins James Dean Bradfield (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Sean Moore (drums, percussion, soundscapes), plus Nicky Wire (bass guitar, lyrics). They are often colloquially known as “the Manics”.
Following the release of their debut single “Suicide Alley”, the band was joined by Richey Edwards as co-lyricist and rhythm guitarist. The band’s early albums were more punk, eventually broadening to a greater alternative rock sound, whilst retaining a leftist political outlook. The group became a trio again after Richey Edwards disappeared in February 1995. The band went on to gain critical and commercial success despite his absence. Edwards was legally “presumed dead” in 2008
Of all the songs the Manics have released since Edwards’ disappearance in 1995, there have been several which have touched on that subject, but few which have confronted it as directly as Nobody Loved You. It makes sense, then, that the song represents the single biggest emotional and musical release on This Is My Truth and that it arrives just before the album’s final song.
Wire magazine described the song as being in the vein of Nirvana circa their massive hit album Nevermind, released in 1991. There’s definitely some truth to this, not least in the song’s usage of that band’s fabled “quiet/loud” dynamic. The more aggressive moments in this song are a jarring break with almost all the rest of the album, which has been as much about mature and atmospheric pop as it has been about “rock” per se. The track is absolutely a rock song, however – a surging, angry one which driven by guitars and especially Moore’s drums. It all makes perfect sense given the weight of emotion the track carries with it. The song refers to cherry blossoms which are known to die at the height of their beauty; a eerie parallel to Edwards’ disappearance.
Lyrics: Nobody Loved You
No control of what I am saying
Winter leaves still make me believe
No vendettas, just a cherry blossom tree
Now there’s no reason just another tomorrow
You keep giving me your free air miles
What would I give just for one of your smiles
Just for one of your smiles
Nobody loved you, no no
Nobody loved you, nobody made you feel so alone
Nobody loved you, no no
And sit with me then you can hold me tight
Give me some more of your carrier bags
And let me dream of a new autumn light
What’s your poison and what is your honey?
You’ve stopped me hurting but so much disorder
Winter flowers, did you ever forgive her?
Did you ever forgive her?
Nobody loved you, no no
Nobody loved you like me
Nobody loved you, no no
No control of what I am saying
Winter leaves still make me believe
No vendettas, just a cherry blossom tree
Just a cherry blossom tree
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: James Bradfield / Nicholas Jones / Sean Moore
Nobody Loved You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Challenge Rules
- Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not. If it does not fit, then please explain why you chose this song.
- Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due.
- Make sure you also credit the singer/band and if you desire you can provide a link to where you found the lyrics.
- Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song.
- Ping back to Jim’s post or place your link in his comments section.
- Read at least one other person’s blog, so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process.
- Feel free to suggest future prompts.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy the music.
View from the Back 
Very interesting this is all new to me 😊
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Always good to introduce new material
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Bloody good I’d say!
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Thanks Francisco
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You’re very welcome Sheree!
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Thank you for inspiring me today.
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My pleasure Kally
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