You Stole the Sun from My Heart


"You Stole the Sun from My Heart" is a song by Manic Street Preachers, released as the third single from the album This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours. All three members of the band — James Dean Bradfield, Sean Moore and Nicky Wire — share the writing credits. The song reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and number two in Iceland.

Background and content

Wire has described the music as a mix of New Order and Nirvana: "something you might be able to go along with if you really do the audio equivalent of squinting – and explained that the drum loop was sampled by Moore from the sound of a pinball machine, of all things".
In allusion to the sound of "You Stole the Sun From My Heart" Marc Burrows of Drowned In Sound proclaimed it "the most straightforward rocker here" and "catchy to the point of irritating".
The lyric concerns Nicky Wire's dislike of touring. He has said that as much as he enjoys being on stage, he hates the routine of travelling, soundchecks, hotels and the homesickness it causes.
The song title is namechecked in a later Manic Street Preachers single, "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough". It was included on the 2002 compilation Forever Delayed.

Release

CD one contains a live version of The Clash's "Train in Vain" and the B-side "Socialist Serenade". The single was released on 8 March 1999 in the United Kingdom and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, spending 12 weeks in the top 100. In Australia "You Stole the Sun From My Heart" spent one week on the ARIA Singles Chart in April 1999, peaking at number 97. The single also peaked at number two in Iceland and number 94 in the Netherlands. At the 2000 Brit Awards, "You Stole the Sun From My Heart" was nominated from "Best British Single" but failed to win the prize.

Music video

The video presents a dark/light contrast where the band plays in a room in front of a huge ornate feature window. Outside the weather rapidly alternates between stormy and sunny. Rabbits and animated birds also make an appearance.

Track listing

All music written by James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore; except where indicated.
All lyrics written by Nick Jones; except where indicated.
CD one
  1. "You Stole the Sun from My Heart" – 4:20
  2. "Socialist Serenade" – 4:14
  3. "Train in Vain " – 3:17
CD two
  1. "You Stole the Sun from My Heart" - 4:20
  2. "You Stole the Sun from My Heart" – 5:12
  3. "You Stole the Sun from My Heart" – 6:09
Cassette
  1. "You Stole the Sun from My Heart" – 4:20
  2. "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next " – 4:48

    Charts

Certifications