Introduction:
High Civilization, released in 1991, marked a distinct shift in the musical direction for the legendary band, the Bee Gees. The disco-pop pioneers were venturing into a new decade, one characterized by the burgeoning influence of electronic music and dance music. High Civilization, the Bee Gees’ nineteenth studio album, embodied this change.
Throughout the 1970s, the Bee Gees had become synonymous with disco. Their signature falsetto vocals, tight harmonies, and infectious rhythms had propelled them to international superstardom. High Civilization reflected a band seeking to adapt and remain relevant in a new musical landscape.
The album’s production was helmed by the Gibb brothers themselves: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb. This trio had been the creative force behind the Bee Gees since their formation in the 1960s. For High Civilization, they embraced electronic effects and drum programming, sonically departing from the band’s earlier disco-focused sound. This modern dance-pop aesthetic permeated the album, particularly evident in the title track, High Civilization.
High Civilization was not a commercial juggernaut compared to some of the Bee Gees’ earlier disco triumphs. However, the album garnered positive critical reception. Critics acknowledged the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve their sound. High Civilization served as a bridge between the Bee Gees’ disco heyday and their later work in the 1990s.
While High Civilization itself may not be one of the Bee Gees’ most widely recognized songs, it holds significance within their broader career trajectory. The song represents a conscious decision by the band to adapt to the changing musical tastes of the 1990s. High Civilization demonstrated the Bee Gees’ desire to remain musically relevant, a quality that had been a cornerstone of their success for decades.
Video:
Lyrics:
Cryin’ in the streetsThey run for their livesHow can you lead them to heavenThey don’t realizeChildren of the nightHow far can we fallThat which we say is foreverAin’t no time at all
Father and the sonNot too young to be oldReach out for each other whenThe world goes coldFeel so good to be homeAre you ready for
My high civilizationAre you ready forMy high civilizationAre you ready forMy high civilizationCivilization
Everything for us to seeThe ultimate society
Keeper of the swordYou fight for your rightsHow can you live for the hourWhen there’s no yesterdayDyin’ in the streetsYour number your nameAll that which keeps us togetherIs bringing us the pain
Thunder of the gunsComes the criminal mindWorking for the power ofThe evil eyeWe are never aloneUncivilized
My high civilizationAre you ready forMy high civilizationAre you ready forMy high civilizationCivilization
New York, Paris, TokyoVienna to BerlinBaby don’t know youL.A., Rome, AfghanistanCairo to IranNo city can hold youThere’s no one in Avalon to show youMinutes into seconds are you readyFor the end
My high civilizationAre you ready forMy high civilizationAre you ready forMy high civilizationCivilization