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The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve is a iconic song known for its lush orchestral arrangement and poignant lyrics. Here are some interesting facts about the song:

  1. Sampling Controversy: The orchestral arrangement in "Bitter Sweet Symphony" was sampled from an orchestral version of The Rolling Stones' song "The Last Time." The Verve obtained permission to use a five-note segment, but the dispute arose when it was claimed that they used more than the agreed-upon portion. This led to legal issues, and The Verve had to relinquish most of the song's royalties to The Rolling Stones.

  2. Richard Ashcroft's Lyrics: Richard Ashcroft, the lead singer and songwriter, wrote the lyrics. The song's melancholic and reflective lyrics touch on the themes of urban life, existentialism, and the quest for meaning.

  3. Chart Success: "Bitter Sweet Symphony" was released as a single in 1997 and became a massive hit. It reached the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the UK, and received critical acclaim for its innovative sound.

  4. Album Context: The song is part of The Verve's third studio album, "Urban Hymns," which is considered a landmark in alternative rock. The album also includes other notable tracks like "The Drugs Don't Work" and "Lucky Man."

  5. Music Video: The music video for "Bitter Sweet Symphony" is iconic, featuring Richard Ashcroft walking down a busy urban street, bumping into people along the way. The visual style and Ashcroft's demeanor in the video have become synonymous with the song.

  6. Award Nominations: The song received several award nominations, including Grammy nominations for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" remains a timeless and powerful song that has left a lasting impact on the music landscape.

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