“Bitter Sweet Symphony” is a poignant and anthemic rock song by British band The Verve, released in June 1997 as the lead single from their third studio album, Urban Hymns. Written by the band’s lead vocalist Richard Ashcroft, the song is a meditation on the struggles of life, the search for meaning, and the interplay between joy and sorrow. It became one of the most iconic tracks of the 1990s, celebrated for its emotional depth and sweeping orchestral arrangement.
The lyrics reflect themes of existential introspection and the cyclical nature of life. Musically, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” is built around a lush and stirring orchestral sample taken from The Andrew Oldham Orchestra’s recording of The Rolling Stones’ song The Last Time. The string motif forms the backbone of the track, creating an expansive and cinematic sound. This is complemented by Ashcroft’s plaintive vocals, hypnotic rhythms, and subtle guitar layers, resulting in a powerful and emotive listening experience.
The song achieved widespread commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and entering the top 10 in multiple countries, including the United States, where it peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned critical acclaim and was nominated for numerous awards, becoming a defining moment in The Verve’s career.
The music video, directed by Walter Stern, features Richard Ashcroft walking down a busy London street, seemingly indifferent to his surroundings and brushing past pedestrians without changing course. The stark simplicity of the video underscores the song’s themes of individual struggle and perseverance, and Ashcroft’s intense, brooding presence became iconic.
Despite its success, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” was mired in legal disputes over the use of the orchestral sample. The Verve had initially secured rights to use the sample, but the agreement was later contested, leading to a lawsuit by The Rolling Stones’ management. The rights to the song were awarded to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, with royalties diverted to them for decades. However, in 2019, the rights were returned to Richard Ashcroft, marking the resolution of a long-standing controversy.