Ripeness
Echo And The Bunnymen · Porcupine [1983]
Change the shape of the world for long enough
Got the boat 'til as far as I could
Afford it to take me, it was far enough
Mature you said at the wrong time
Broke my aging skin 'cause age was mine
Had a field day, smelt like roses
Harvesting my thoughts 'cause it was time
When you grasped the question
Did you miss the meaning?
When you met your challenge
Did you go out fighting?
We will discover
Ripeness twice over
Sing your song, worth its weight
In God gold, curse its fate
When you grasped the question
Did you miss the meaning?
When you met your challenge
Did you go out fighting?
How will we recover
Ripeness when it's over?
I lost something in a big room
Change the shape of the world for long enough
When you grasped the question
Did you miss the meaning?
When you met your challenge
Did you go out fighting?
When you climbed on top
Did you fall on shadows?
And clambering off
Did you fall on rainbows?
How will we recover
Ripeness when it's over?
Neither kinder nor the kinder
(How will we recover?)
Are you fuel for the fire?
(Ripeness when it's over)
Neither [Incomprehensible] nor the over
(How will we recover?)
Must have others to inspire
(Ripeness when it's over)
I've discovered my Nietzsche
I've discovered my Nietzsche
Death should be unleashed or something
(How will we recover?)
(Ripeness when it's over)
Do tell me what's the difference?
(How will we recover?)
Do tell me what's the difference?
(Ripeness when it's over)
Ripeness - Echo And The Bunnymen
Echo And The Bunnymen's "Ripeness" stands as a defining track from their 1983 debut album, Porcupine. Released during the height of the post-punk revival, the song exemplifies the band's signature blend of melodic pop sensibilities with driving, rhythmic energy. The recording captures the group's early development, showcasing frontman Ian McCulloch's distinctive vocal delivery and the band's ability to craft infectious hooks that transcended their genre roots. As a cornerstone of their discography, the track remains a testament to the era's vibrant musical landscape and the band's enduring influence on alternative rock. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the specific atmospheric tension and optimism characteristic of early eighties British indie music.