The Sign

Revision as of 12:52, 12 January 2024 by Joshface (talk | contribs) (Added references, expanded upon)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
The Sign (Ace of Base cover)
Written by Ace of Base
Appears on N/a
Sung by Rob Cantor, Zubin Sedghi
Genre Pop
Language English
Links: HITS post


The Sign is a song by Ace of Base

The song was played live around 2002, most likely late October, as the recording makes reference to it being Halloween.[1] Rob Cantor is on lead vocals, and presumably acoustic guitar, with what sounds like Zubin Sedghi on backing vocals, but it is unknown who else is playing in the band, or even what band is playing it.

Theories

Coz stated in the HITS Christmas Dump of 2021:

I’m pretty sure that’s Zubin singing the backup vocals through most of these, but sometimes it doesn’t sound like him and I wonder if it’s D Spectacular. [who is referenced in other uploads] The one track seems to refer to him in a manner that makes it sound like he’s a member of the band at that time.

Coz contacted Rob, and Rob confirmed that D Spectacular was a guy named Dan P. who lived across the hall from Rob at the University of Michigan, and that they used to play some shows and open mics together.[2] With this in mind, it could be from an open mic performance with Dan P.

The recording could also possibly be from Tally Hall's first show at The Frieze Basement, when they were known as 540.


Lyrics

(shocking)
I, I got a new life, you would hardly recognize me
I'm so glad, how can a person like you care for me?
Why do I bother, when I'm not the one for you?
Ooh-ooh, is enough enough?

I saw the sign
And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding

I saw the sign
And it opened up my eyes, I thought
No one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong
But where do (break it down)

Under the pale moon, been so many years I've wondered who you are
How could a person like you bring me joy?
Under the pale moon, where I see a lot of stars
Ooh-ooh-ooh, is enough enough?

I saw the sign
And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the sign
And it opened up my eyes, I thought
And no one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong
(no, not yet)

I saw the sign, I saw the sign (yeah I saw the sign)
I saw the sign, I saw and I
I saw the sign, had to be without you
I left you

I saw the sign, I saw the sign, yeah-ign
I saw the sign, I saw the sign, yeah-ign 
(I saw the sign I saw the sign)
I saw the sign, I saw, yeah-ign (Trick or treat!)
(I saw the sign I saw the sign)
I saw the sign! (we saw the sign)

I saw the sign
It opened up my eyes, I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the sign
It opened up my eyes, I saw the sign
And no one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong
But where do you belong?

References

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sknek53ZZyY Uploaded: December 26th 2021. by tapiocattundra / hailey. '540 (Tally Hall) - The Sign (Ace of Base cover)' YouTube. Video. Accessed 12th January 2024.
  2. https://www.hiddeninthesand.com/blogs/fanjournals/audio-fanjournals/2021/12/the-hits-christmas-dump-of-2021/ Coz Baldwin. December 25th, 2021. 'The HITS Christmas Dump of 2021'. Hidden In The Sand. Accessed 12th January 2024.