The The — December Sunlight
Album: NakedSelfAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 1515
Length: 3:14
Plays (last 30 days): 6
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The early morning sun lit up her room
But it wasn't just a change in the weather
She'd read it in her stars and now she felt it in her heart
Life was gonna start getting better
And there was a time when she would pray
That each teardrop that rolled down her face
Would represent a day of pain for him
But now she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time & tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And all the tricks and all the lies
He tried to pull over her eyes
Kept running through her mind
She looks back in disbelief
In confusion and in grief
At what his secrecy was revealing
You can scream into your pillow
You can pray into the night
But you can't switch off your feelings
Like you'd switch out a light
But she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time and tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And now these winter skies
Turn blue and bright
And she feels alive
And wants to drink every kiss
Make up for what she's missed
And wipe him out of her mind
Some day he'll have to grow up
And come clean
And listen to the screams
Of his own conscience
Cry out, cry out, cry out
...And she'll not hear a sound
But it wasn't just a change in the weather
She'd read it in her stars and now she felt it in her heart
Life was gonna start getting better
And there was a time when she would pray
That each teardrop that rolled down her face
Would represent a day of pain for him
But now she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time & tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And all the tricks and all the lies
He tried to pull over her eyes
Kept running through her mind
She looks back in disbelief
In confusion and in grief
At what his secrecy was revealing
You can scream into your pillow
You can pray into the night
But you can't switch off your feelings
Like you'd switch out a light
But she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time and tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And now these winter skies
Turn blue and bright
And she feels alive
And wants to drink every kiss
Make up for what she's missed
And wipe him out of her mind
Some day he'll have to grow up
And come clean
And listen to the screams
Of his own conscience
Cry out, cry out, cry out
...And she'll not hear a sound
Comments (90)add comment
The The was my first experience of non-mainstream, complex, and what I would like to call, quality music. I was 17, and it was 1987.
What a revelation for me!
What a revelation for me!
Cynaera wrote:
Bumping, because even 12 years on her grin is contagious
DANG - I was trying to get bills paid and this song came on and I was so absorbed in it that I screwed up the check I was writing. I'm a little flummoxed - usually I'm pretty focused when something needs to get done, but apparently, The The was more important at the time... *sheepish giggle* This is a really GOOD song - even if it did cause me to have to void a check.
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
Bumping, because even 12 years on her grin is contagious
Cynaera wrote:
An Uncertain Smile?
DANG - I was trying to get bills paid and this song came on and I was so absorbed in it that I screwed up the check I was writing. I'm a little flummoxed - usually I'm pretty focused when something needs to get done, but apparently, The The was more important at the time... *sheepish giggle* This is a really GOOD song - even if it did cause me to have to void a check.
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
An Uncertain Smile?
harrisnewton wrote:
Fair enough - I thought this was Marr's last album- he did a good job of emulating some his tone on this tune! :-)
Fair enough - I thought this was Marr's last album- he did a good job of emulating some his tone on this tune! :-)
I've always admired that inimitable Marr Guitar Sound; the fact that he has done so much magic with so many other artists impresses me!
socalhol wrote:
I see you posted this comment in July 2012 -- has it really been 2 years? I miss her too - glad her comments keep her spirit alive.
It's been almost 10 years now. Every time I come across one of Cynaera's comments, it's like she just posted it. Like she's still here. Or there. Wherever she was writing from. Anyway, yes, her words are still very much alive. I hope she's still listening, wherever she is now.
I see you posted this comment in July 2012 -- has it really been 2 years? I miss her too - glad her comments keep her spirit alive.
It's been almost 10 years now. Every time I come across one of Cynaera's comments, it's like she just posted it. Like she's still here. Or there. Wherever she was writing from. Anyway, yes, her words are still very much alive. I hope she's still listening, wherever she is now.
Great, but Armageddon Days might be more relevant.
Johnny M is so visible/audible…
So many more The The tracks that could/should be included on RP, including this one! Matt Johnson is such a powerful songwriter.
Johnny Marr!
Anything and everything by The The is excellent. I had not previously heard December Sunlight but liked it immediately on first listen. Discovery of gems like this is such a key part of what makes Radio Paradise so rewarding.
szasz wrote:
no mobile app? essential piece of kit in these 'interesting times'
We've listened to RP for years in our office, but now due to corona, we haven't been in the office for a few months. But, back here today and listening to RP and this great track... thanks RP!
no mobile app? essential piece of kit in these 'interesting times'
just have to stop work and listen to The The, no choice, my soul demands it
And once again, I get duped into thinking this is a long lost George Michael track!
We've listened to RP for years in our office, but now due to corona, we haven't been in the office for a few months. But, back here today and listening to RP and this great track... thanks RP!
It made me walk across the room to rate this.
Love this one! I totally forgot about it. I had to stop work and give it a good listen. Thanks Bill!
I love these lyrics. Emotive stuff.
Imkirok wrote:
My first reaction was "The The was still around in 2000?"
Wikipedia says they're still around now.
My first reaction was "The The was still around in 2000?"
Wikipedia says they're still around now.
JohnnySockhead wrote:
My first reaction was "The The was still around in 2000?"
One of the best 'latter era" The The tracks IMHO.
My first reaction was "The The was still around in 2000?"
JohnnySockhead wrote:
Agreed. I don't remember how well this album was received, but it remains a favorite of mine. So wish he would record again.
One of the best 'latter era" The The tracks IMHO.
Agreed. I don't remember how well this album was received, but it remains a favorite of mine. So wish he would record again.
Another reason I'm thinking The The is under rated.
Shame that we get this rather than one of the good ones
Good to see PSD back working fully again and brings me to such an awesome song. Great song, album and band.
One of the best 'latter era" The The tracks IMHO.
Love that varaiable vibrato!
(former member) wrote:
I see you posted this comment in July 2012 -- has it really been 2 years? I miss her too - glad her comments keep her spirit alive.
Cynaera wrote:
Miss you so much, Ann...
rest in peace...
DANG - I was trying to get bills paid and this song came on and I was so absorbed in it that I screwed up the check I was writing. I'm a little flummoxed - usually I'm pretty focused when something needs to get done, but apparently, The The was more important at the time... *sheepish giggle* This is a really GOOD song - even if it did cause me to have to void a check.
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
Miss you so much, Ann...
rest in peace...
I see you posted this comment in July 2012 -- has it really been 2 years? I miss her too - glad her comments keep her spirit alive.
marcvellekoop wrote:
I totally agree - nice comment
One of the few musicians I would love to meet and thank personally for the joy their music gave me in life!
I totally agree - nice comment
yeah, but does he have to keep playing with the reverb at the end
a quality song, thanks
kcar wrote:
Everyone? Like the folks at this church?
Most churches welcome a variety of opinions and beliefs, Lazarus. The ones that don't tend to be personality cults and forces of repression.
Maybe you should go back to the hotel room thing...
Everyone? Like the folks at this church?
Most churches welcome a variety of opinions and beliefs, Lazarus. The ones that don't tend to be personality cults and forces of repression.
Maybe you should go back to the hotel room thing...
Russ lead a mushrooming church - the anti-thesis of the Moon and all the weirdo-American sects you folks run into every Sunday-monring in suit, tie and bad thoughts on your mind!
A mushrooming church idolizes only one god, as far as I understood during my initiation, and that is a natural one. Small, usually hidden in the shade and only to find by those who really want him. In the end though, s/he and his-hers desciples find you - usually unexpected. The waiting for the holy ghosts usually takes no longer than 30 minutes with universal gratification guaranteed! Actually I am on the waiting-list to serve as Russ' first pastor - online-forgivingness possible under my rule! The Hotel-thing you refer to was nothing but a long and winding road of preparation for ultimate divinity. It's actually a commercial-free church, something we registered already a patent on, since America han't seen such a church so far. Wanna join us...? Feel free to be freed from most of your sins - memberships available!
Cynaera wrote:
DANG - I was trying to get bills paid and this song came on and I was so absorbed in it that I screwed up the check I was writing. I'm a little flummoxed - usually I'm pretty focused when something needs to get done, but apparently, The The was more important at the time... *sheepish giggle* This is a really GOOD song - even if it did cause me to have to void a check.
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
True - this is a huuuuuuge drama. I nearly cried.
Cheques are a serious thing - especially when they blast!
A HAMMER-ALBUM (not really this song, though)!
One of the few musicians I would love to meet and thank personally for the joy their music gave me in life!
Awesome. Song, Album and Band. Just simply friggin awesome!
Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
Everyone? Like the folks at this church?
Most churches welcome a variety of opinions and beliefs, Lazarus. The ones that don't tend to be personality cults and forces of repression.
Maybe you should go back to the hotel room thing...
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
Everyone? Like the folks at this church?
Most churches welcome a variety of opinions and beliefs, Lazarus. The ones that don't tend to be personality cults and forces of repression.
Maybe you should go back to the hotel room thing...
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
dot cries out. what what a wonderful song.
dot.
dot.
Most interesting and listenable. Unique.
Never heard this tune by them... accessible and edgy. very tasty indeed.
daveesh wrote:
you're right about this.
Marr played on 2 records, Mind Bomb and Dusk. I have Naked Self somewhere around here, but can't find it in all these damn CD's.
you're right about this.
Marr played on 2 records, Mind Bomb and Dusk. I have Naked Self somewhere around here, but can't find it in all these damn CD's.
Incredible guitarwork by Marr,
incredible song and band.
TOOOTALLY UNDERRATED!
A MUST-SEE - live!!!
incredible song and band.
TOOOTALLY UNDERRATED!
A MUST-SEE - live!!!
The The - YES!
Matt Johnson is ah, well, you know....TALENTED! More The The on RP please!
DANG - I was trying to get bills paid and this song came on and I was so absorbed in it that I screwed up the check I was writing. I'm a little flummoxed - usually I'm pretty focused when something needs to get done, but apparently, The The was more important at the time... *sheepish giggle* This is a really GOOD song - even if it did cause me to have to void a check.
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
Back to the grind, with a grin on my face...
SmackDaddy wrote:
you're right about this.
Bill - I don't think Johnny Marr played on the Naked Self LP. I'm pretty sure he only played on Mind Bomb.
you're right about this.
cry out...
one of the more underrated bands from the 80s and beyond.
Bill - I don't think Johnny Marr played on the Naked Self LP. I'm pretty sure he only played on Mind Bomb.
One of their better tunes - 
Great to hear The The on RP at last. I've strong memories of them in the 80s, when Matt Johnson was a very, very angry man indeed, and rightly so, raging against the Thatcherite destruction of UK society and economy, and our slavish obeisance to Uncle Sam ("This is the 51st State of America" - Heartland). Brilliantly, he combined his anger with poppy songs and tight lyrics, making The The more accessible to those whom post-punk just gave a headache. The The's CDs from that time are a chronicle of social disintegration, and make me angry even now, living as we are in the neo-liberal aftermath of the Thatcher counter-revolution.
I've always had a like/dislike relationship with The The. I like them, but there's something that always leaves me cold.
Went to see Matt in Atlanta when this was released. It was filled with people my age (late 30's at the time), their kids in tow. He was as good then as in the 80's and the kids seemed to enjoy it as well.
Sloggydog wrote:
Definitely — Matt needs to put out something new; been too long.
The The - Totally freakin awesome. So many different sounds over their albums and every one a winner.
Definitely — Matt needs to put out something new; been too long.
The The - Totally freakin awesome. So many different sounds over their albums and every one a winner.
zombietoof wrote:
Not the deepest of songs, but a fine description of the subject matter with masterful musical tone to add to the feelings described:
The early morning sun lit up her room
But it wasn't just a change in the weather
She'd read it in her stars and now she felt it in her heart
Life was gonna start getting better
And there was a time when she would pray
That each teardrop that rolled down her face
Would represent a day of pain for him
But now she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time & tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And all the tricks and all the lies
He tried to pull over her eyes
Kept running through her mind
She looks back in disbelief
In confusion and in grief
At what his secrecy was revealing
You can scream into your pillow
You can pray into the night
But you can't switch off your feelings
Like you'd switch out a light
But she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time and tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And now these winter skies
Turn blue and bright
And she feels alive
And wants to drink every kiss
Make up for what she's missed
And wipe him out of her mind
Some day he'll have to grow up
And come clean
And listen to the screams
Of his own conscience
Cry out, cry out, cry out
...And she'll not hear a sound
Explain what makes this song anywhere near unique. 
Not the deepest of songs, but a fine description of the subject matter with masterful musical tone to add to the feelings described:
The early morning sun lit up her room
But it wasn't just a change in the weather
She'd read it in her stars and now she felt it in her heart
Life was gonna start getting better
And there was a time when she would pray
That each teardrop that rolled down her face
Would represent a day of pain for him
But now she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time & tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And all the tricks and all the lies
He tried to pull over her eyes
Kept running through her mind
She looks back in disbelief
In confusion and in grief
At what his secrecy was revealing
You can scream into your pillow
You can pray into the night
But you can't switch off your feelings
Like you'd switch out a light
But she's changing the way she feels
About wasting her time and tears
Cried out, cried out, cried out
Cried out, cried out, cried out
And now these winter skies
Turn blue and bright
And she feels alive
And wants to drink every kiss
Make up for what she's missed
And wipe him out of her mind
Some day he'll have to grow up
And come clean
And listen to the screams
Of his own conscience
Cry out, cry out, cry out
...And she'll not hear a sound
wow lots of good stuff packed into one song!
TheFriendlyCat wrote:
Woot, never heard 'em before, but gotta love 'em just for the band name! plus helps that the song rocks!
The The is one of the greatest bands ever, dark, poetic... You'll have lots of catching up to do!
Woot, never heard 'em before, but gotta love 'em just for the band name! plus helps that the song rocks!
Any 1 - flat 7 - 4 - 1 song will get at least a 7 ot of me.
most excellent
Let's take a moment to reflect on how awesome RP is. Honestly, would this song ever see the light of day on any other station? Thanks Bill! You are rockin' my Friday!
Yes. The The. Now I am awake. How about something from Infected?
MikeCloud wrote:
uh, right. maybe they're just trying to hard...
"Trying to hard" what?
More The The!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
earthbased wrote:
Just noticed there is no Hanky Panky in the RP library...
Methinks you spend too much time watching Bill's webcam.
Slop-py Joe, Slop-py Sloppy Joe, yeah!
Wow. I almost thought this was Julian Lennon and I wondered when he'd grown balls.
Stingray wrote: CLEAR 10 - this band!!! Speak for yourSelf, A Naked Nine, The The!
uh, right. maybe they're just trying to hard...
One of my favourite bands of all time, but this isn't one of their better albums. Good track on it called Globaleyes though.
Just noticed there is no Hanky Panky in the RP library...
Explain what makes this song anywhere near unique.
Oooh, the vengeful ex-lovers set!
Angloray wrote:
What's the song about England that calls it "The 51st state"?
"Heartland", from Infected. I'd upload it but the service seems to be down right now.
Edit: rejected with an 'already have', though I don't see it anywhere.
What's the song about England that calls it "The 51st state"? Is that the name of the song? I forget. Someone upload it, please! Maybe I will, if I can find my CD.
The lyrics are just fantastic. MJ at his finest, IMO. A standout from NakedSelf, an album I'd otherwise say isn't on par with his best. Matt would say that there's no point arguing with someone's nostalgia.
I like that my vote directly impacted the rating :sunny.gif:
:sunny.gif: Not easy to get an AMG entry for these guys....... OK, I figured it out. I dig the tune. Anybody have the disk?
Excited to finally see Matt Johnson live.