Nine Million Bicycles
Katie Melua Lyrics
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That's a fact
It's a thing we can't deny
Like the fact that I will love you 'til I die
We are twelve-billion light years from the edge
That's a guess
No one can ever say it's true
But I know that I will always be with you
I'm warmed by the fire of your love every day
So don't call me a liar
Just believe everything that I say
There are six-billion people in the world
More or less
And it makes me feel quite small
But you're the one I love the most of all
We're high on a wire with the world in our sight
And I'll never tire
Of the love that you give me every night
There are nine-million bicycles in Beijing
That's a fact
It's a thing we can't deny
Like that fact that I will love you 'til I die
And there are nine-million bicycles in Beijing
And you know that I will love you 'til I die
In "Nine Million Bicycles," Katie Melua draws a connection between two seemingly unrelated things - the number of bicycles in Beijing and her unconditional love. The song begins by stating the fact that there are nine million bicycles in Beijing, and that it's an undeniable truth. The concept of the song is about comparing one's love to an undeniable fact, that is there throughout every age, unlike the number of bicycles, which will change over time.
The lyrics describe the vastness of the universe, and how the number of people in the world makes the singer feel insignificant. But even with all of this vastness, her love for her partner remains a constant that she can always rely on. She states that she's warmed by the fire of their love every day and that her love is true, asking her partner to believe that everything she says is true, even if some facts in the world may be uncertain or untruthful.
Moreover, the song features an example of "back of the envelope" mathematics because the calculation is relatively straightforward, and the result is a somewhat round number, making it easier to remember. Melua reportedly heard about the number of Beijing bicycles from her manager, who had visited the Chinese capital on business.
Melua's song has a rather subjective take on light years. The song suggests that the edge of the universe is 12 billion light-years away. However, the exact distance to the edge of the universe is unknown and is considered a continually evolving scientific guess. The song highlights the inaccuracy in trying to define things as facts, even if they are based on scientific premises.
Additionally, the song was written by Mike Batt, who is Katie Melua's co-producer and composer. In addition to "Nine Million Bicycles," Batt has written numerous hits for other artists, including "Bright Eyes" for Art Garfunkel and "A Winter's Tale" for David Essex.
Overall, the song "Nine Million Bicycles" narrates a compelling story of love and undying commitment that withstands the test of time, even as the world keeps changing.
Chords (Capo 2)
Verse: D, Bm, F#, G
Chorus: D, Bm, F#, G
Line by Line Meaning
There are nine-million bicycles in Beijing
It is factual that Beijing has nine million bicycles.
That's a fact
The previous line is indisputable.
It's a thing we can't deny
The above fact should not be disputed.
Like the fact that I will love you 'til I die
The singer expresses her enduring love for someone.
We are twelve-billion light years from the edge
The distance to the universe's edge is estimated to be 12 billion light years.
That's a guess
The mentioned distance may be approximate.
No one can ever say it's true
The speculation above is not certifiable.
But I know that I will always be with you
The singer is confident of being with someone despite uncertain aspects of life.
I'm warmed by the fire of your love every day
The singer feels the warmth of someone's love every single day.
So don't call me a liar
The singer does not want to be accused of lying.
Just believe everything that I say
The singer wants someone to trust her implicitly.
There are six-billion people in the world
The present world's population is about six billion.
More or less
The world's population is roughly this number.
And it makes me feel quite small
The global population makes the singer feel insignificant.
But you're the one I love the most of all
The singer loves someone despite the world's hugeness.
We're high on a wire with the world in our sight
The singer feels like standing on a tightrope overlooking the whole world.
And I'll never tire
The singer will never become weary.
Of the love that you give me every night
The singer revels in the affection given by someone each night.
And there are nine-million bicycles in Beijing
The singer repeats the fact from the beginning.
And you know that I will love you 'til I die
The singer emphasizes her undying love for someone.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mike Batt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jis87BE
Goh, what a crush I had on you, Katie, when I first saw this video and heard your divine voice on TV. I was moonstruck. We were of similar age but you were everything how a girl of my dreams would sound, act and look like. You are really "one in a billion", so beautiful and so talented.
Bought all the albums, but I my biggest dream was to finally see you live, in my country. For some reason, I never got that lucky, time after time.
When last year I read you'd be playing again in Brussels yesterday, I didn't hesitate for a second and told myself I would even go on my own if needed.
And wow, how glad I am I did!!! After almost 20 years.....I don't think I ever took my eyes off you during that amazing concert. And I can tell your new album will be another divine piece of work. Just like you are.
That 'crush' I had, went away....it is now just pure love I feel for you, Katie. Out of reach, but never out of sight.
My only next wish would be you'd ever come to my hometown and play at the Ghent Jazz Festival.....it is truly MADE for you and I'm sure you'd enjoy it too!
Thank you....for being an angel....and giving me an unforgettable evening.
Love,
Jonathan
@edisonmustainethrash6662
-Who Listening This Is In 2024.?
@leebell1371
Yes
@misaiksnets5261
No one
@keysersoze7491
Évidement intemporel
@lumingliu2727
Me!
@Taushathetech
Me a female mechanic from Arizona ❤
@michaelcorley9968
This was my wife’s favourite song of all time even as her ringtone . She passed away six weeks ago and was played at her funeral in the church. I play it every day to remind of the 48 perfect years we had together. Thank you Susan xx
@sabrinakuhb5125
So sorry for your loss!! :( after 48 years together... so sad!
@versatec1
Oh man...im so sorry...😢😨
@versatec1
Thank God you had 48 years...amazing...😊❤👍