Collective Soul is touring this summer (new album), including multiple dates across Canada. I caught the band in Kitchener, Ont. a couple of weeks back, at last crossing one of my all-time faves off my concert bucket list.

Ed Roland and mates didn’t disappoint, not least on the band’s most famous song, “Shine” – a instantly recognizable rock tune with a classic riff that came about in a most atypical way.

Roland originally recorded the song simply as a demo to display his song-writing talents and, long-story short, his version (along with the other songs that became the band’s first album, ‘Hints, Allegations & Things Left Unsaid’ in 1993) was discovered and became a No. 1 smash. And the rest is history.

A few years later, Dolly Parton of all people covered the song, winning a Grammy for her vocal performance in 2001.

Collective Soul, of course, is certainly no one-hit wonder, but “Shine” remains the Atlanta outfit’s signature tune (though others, like “The World I Know,” “December,” and “Run” are every bit as good). And do you remember “Perfect Day” with Elton John?

At any rate, check out this amazing (and unique) version of “Shine,” performed with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra circa 2005 – and picture Dolly replacing Ed if you can (especially when he amazingly heaves his guitar off the stage!)

Lyrics

Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find?
What will I find?

Lay me on the ground
Or fly me in the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find?
What will I find?

(Yeah)
(Yeah)
(Yeah)

Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down

Love is in the water
Love is in the air
Show me where to look
Tell me will love be there?
Will love be there?

Teach me how to speak
Teach me how to share
Teach me where to go
Tell me will love be there?
Will love be there?

(Yeah)
(Yeah)
(Yeah)

Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down

Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find?
What will I find?

Lay me on the ground
Or fly me in the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find?
What will I find?

(Yeah)
(Yeah)
(Yeah)

Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down
Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down

I’m gonna let it shine
I’m gonna let it shine
Heaven send a light, let it shine on me
Hey yeah
Hey yeah
Heaven send a light, let it shine on me
(Shine)
Shine on me
(Shine)
Well come on and shine