“Purple Skies” by Diamond Thug – A Song Feature

 

      The piano isn’t complex, but it is powerfully effective in establishing the personality of “Purple Skies.” The single from Diamond Thug is simultaneously both calm and intense, both musically solemn and personally upbeat, and both minimalist and lush. In listening to the lyrics (included below) it was helpful to learn that the song was Inspired by the deep purple-pink sunsets of South Africa. So, “underneath the purple light” is a reference to the end of the day, when “a moonlit sky comes out to greet you.” While explaining the song, the band said:
  “’Purple Skies’ was written right at the beginning of the lockdown in South Africa… [The song] reflects on a silver lining that shone through the dark clouds. A song about coming to terms with the finite nature of our existence, and the fragility of our existence.’
 
     From the intro until near the song’s conclusion, the piano performs a key role in “Purple Skies.” But other instruments provide important contributions, including the cello, horns, guitar and percussion. Our favorite moment occurs at 2:05, when the single swells with the addition of orchestral instruments. Then, at the conclusion, the piano hands-off its hook to the plucking of strings.
 
     The members of Diamond Thug are Chantel Van T (vocals, keys), Danilo Queiros (bass, production), Adrian Culhane (guitar, synth, backing vocals, production), and Ted Buxton (drums). The Cape Town-based quartet describes itself as a Space Rock band. In one of the more insightful explanations of the use of a particular instrument, the band disclosed:
  "Danilo wrote the piano line in his apartment in Cape Town on a rainy Saturday. The left-hand is reminiscent of an old Romantic era Classical bassline, with a free-form right-hand melody that weaves in and out allowing space for more, saturated in a long-tailed reverb. Danilo sent the song to Chantel, who resonated with the mood instantly. It had been a time of contemplation, she kept staring into the deep purple-pink sunsets every evening. Contemplating how quickly life could change direction, how quickly it could end and found herself deeply saddened by the thoughts of losing those around her. As the sunsets passed, the fear of losing those around her lifted. With the end of every day, came a moment of intense beauty that only lasted a short time. Despite the short time that the sunsets lasted, the happiness they brought was significantly impactful to her.”

     “Purple Skies” by Diamond Thug – A Song Feature

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Website: https://www.diamondthug.com/

Lyrics of “Purple Skies” by Diamond Thug
I’m not afraid
 
Underneath the purple light
The final light
In candlelight
A moonlit sky comes out to greet you
 
If I ever did meet someone
Like you upon this earth
I could only wonder
Who you might be
 
I’m not afraid
 
Underneath the purple light
The final light
In candlelight
A moonlit sky comes out to greet you
 
I’m not afraid
 
Underneath the purple light
The final light
In candlelight
A moonlit sky comes out to greet you
 
If I ever did meet someone
Like you upon this earth
I could only wonder
Who you might be
 
I’m not afraid
 
But I’m not afraid
Anymore
But I’m not afraid
Anymore
But I’m not afraid
Anymore
But I’m not afraid
Anymore