Love Spreads

Album: Second Coming (1994)
Charted: 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead guitarist John Squire wrote this controversial song that attacked the conventional view of Jesus. In his lyrics, Squire portrayed his image of Jesus as a black woman being crucified.
  • John Squire was also responsible for the artwork, which featured a photograph of a stone cherub from the Newport Bridge. These cherubs were subsequently stolen from the bridge, presumably by fans of the band as souvenirs. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Radhika - Gurgaon, India, for above 2
  • This was The Stone Roses' biggest hit in the UK and topped the charts in Australia. Its high chart placing was mainly because this was the first release from their much anticipated follow-up album to The Stone Roses. Due to contract difficulties with their record label, there was a five year gap between their first two albums.

Comments: 7

  • Pika from FranceInterestingly there's another mix of this song available on the charity album Help published in 94. Along a rare mix of Radiohead's Lucky (you'd have to have both mixes to notice the difference) this Love Spreads version plays lots of backward guitar samples and Squire's riff is way louder. It gives a lot more grit to the track IMO.
  • Luke from Manchester, UkBarry, it's more a Jimi Hendrix influence as they use his riffs as the backdrop.
  • Matt from Bakersfield, Cathis song is okay in my opinion the guitar work is really good though.
  • Paul from Croydon, PaWhoops - Sorry for the comment below - obviously I didn't clearly know the lyrics! My bad. The song still rocks though!
  • Paul from Croydon, PaI love this song from the Roses! Ian Brown is somewhat of a mumbler but sings pretty damn good on this one. The musicanship of the band all comes together on this one - it freakin' rocks! Couple interesting thoughts though: not that it matters (she could havbe been purple - who cares) but the lyrics clearly say:" Cold white skin, naked in the rain" - Squire's "Jesus" was white. It's also interesting that at one point in the song, the lead charachter is non-caring and aloof "hiding in the trees with a play-thing; she's over there" and yet later in the song copping the 'tude "I forgive you boy, but don't leave town"... oh well - it's just a song; and a great one at that. Shame the Roses had to break up - could've been a lot more in the direction they were heading! Peace!
  • Barry from Greenville, NcI hear a strong Led Zeppelin influence in this song. It's a great rocker!
  • Mark from London, EnglandThis was the first single by the Roses after their extended, intra-album hiatus.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.