
She Sells Sanctuary is one of the most popular songs by British rock band The Cult. The song was released in 1985 as the second single from the album Love. She Sells Sanctuary became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching the top 40 in the United Kingdom and gaining a cult following in the US.
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But what inspired this iconic song? What is the meaning behind it? Let’s take a closer look…
The Inspiration Behind The Song
The lead singer of The Cult, Ian Astbury, has said that the song was inspired by the band’s experiences on tour in the United States. They were traveling through the desert in Arizona when they saw a woman selling trinkets and healing crystals by the side of the road. Astbury says the image of the woman stayed with him and he started to weave a story around her.
In another interview, Astbury revealed that She Sells Sanctuary was also influenced by the poetry of William Blake and the symbolism of the Tarot. He said that the song was about “a celebration of personal freedom, self-expression, of leaving a dead and lost world for a new and brighter one.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of She Sells Sanctuary can be interpreted in many ways, but most people agree that the song is about escaping the mundane and finding freedom.
In the song, Astbury sings about a woman who sells sanctuary, a place where people can go to escape the chaos and noise of the world. He also sings about finding a place where the sun always shines, and where there are no rules or restrictions.
Some fans have speculated that the song is about drugs, with “sanctuary” being a reference to a safe place to get high. However, Astbury has denied this interpretation, saying that the song is about a state of mind rather than a physical place.
The Music
She Sells Sanctuary is famous for its catchy guitar riff and infectious beat. The song is a fusion of rock, pop, and new wave, with hints of psychedelia thrown in.
The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with Billy Duffy’s spiky riffs providing the perfect backdrop for Ian Astbury’s soaring vocals. The driving beat and ethereal synth sounds also add to the song’s hypnotic appeal.
She Sells Sanctuary has been covered by many other artists over the years, including The Dandy Warhols, HIM, and Todd Rundgren. The song was also used in several movies and TV shows, including the popular video game, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
FAQs Related to the Song
1. What Is The Cult’s Most Famous Song?
She Sells Sanctuary is arguably The Cult’s most famous song. It has been covered by many artists over the years and is considered a classic of the genre.
2. Who Wrote She Sells Sanctuary?
The song was written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, the lead singer and guitarist of The Cult, respectively.
3. What Is The Meaning Behind The Title?
The title is a reference to the woman who sells sanctuary in the song. She represents a place of refuge and freedom, away from the pressures of everyday life.
4. What Genre Is She Sells Sanctuary?
The song is a fusion of rock, pop, new wave, and psychedelia.
5. Has She Sells Sanctuary Won Any Awards?
The song has not won any major awards, but it is considered a classic of the genre and is widely beloved by both critics and fans alike.
6. What Is The Cult’s Best-Selling Album?
The Cult’s best-selling album is Electric, which was released in 1987.
7. Where Was She Sells Sanctuary Recorded?
The song was recorded at Jacob’s Studios in Surrey, England.
8. Was She Sells Sanctuary A Hit?
Yes, the song was a hit in the United Kingdom and gained a cult following in the US.
9. What Other Songs Did The Cult Release?
The Cult released many other songs over the years, including Love Removal Machine, Fire Woman, and Edie (Ciao Baby).
10. What Is The Cult’s Most Successful Album?
The Cult’s most successful album is Sonic Temple, which was released in 1989.
11. What Inspired The Cult’s Sound?
The Cult’s sound was influenced by a variety of different genres, including punk, post-punk, new wave, and hard rock.
12. What Is Ian Astbury’s Net Worth?
The net worth of Ian Astbury, the lead singer of The Cult, is not publicly known.
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