After high-school Ainslie set out to refine her skills. She left her rural home in Albury and moved to Ballarat where she studied for a diploma in music and performed regularly at local venues. During this time Ainslie began writing more and more.
After completing her diploma, Ainslie was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. Here she studied under the masterful Julie O'hara, learning the ins and outs of Jazz and Improvisation.
Although Ainslie has spent much of her time studying Jazz, it is in pop/rock music where her heart truly lies.
Ainslie's Influences range from Dvorak through Wes Montgomery to Jeff Buckley, Tori Amos and beyond. And the Carpenters. She really likes the Carpenters.
Ainslie performs regularly around Melbourne.
Running Second
Ainslie Wills Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Running on empty, should pull over but there's no time for that
(no time)
On the starting block, adrenaline is pumping high
Terror in the water, muffled screams, just follow the blue light
So much hate in this skin
So much weight in this wind
Don't you know, don't you know
There's nothing to prove
There's nothing to be scared of
You are enough
Enough
You're trying to do it all, you give more than you ever get back
It's you that puts the pressure on, can't blame anybody else for that
You caught a glimpse of something, stepped out into the light
Took the long way to find out that there was no need to apologise
So much hate in this skin
So much weight in this wind
Don't you know, don't you know
There's nothing to prove
There's nothing to be scared of
You are enough
There's nothing to prove
There's nothing to be scared of
You are enough
There's nothing to be scared of
Just enjoy the view
You don't need to please anybody else
You've got nothing to be scared of
Just enjoy the view
Don't need to please anybody else
Don't need to be anybody else
The song "Running Second" by Ainslie Wills seems to be about the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly strive for perfection and how ultimately, we need to learn to accept ourselves and be content with who we are. The opening verse talks about pushing harder and running on empty, indicating how we are always on the go and trying to do more than we can handle. The reference to the starting block and terror in the water suggests that we are in a high-pressure situation and are struggling to keep up with the demands of life. The line "so much hate in this skin, so much weight in this wind" could be interpreted as feeling weighed down by our own self-criticism and judgment.
The chorus is a message of hope and self-acceptance. "There's nothing to prove, there's nothing to be scared of, you are enough" reminds us that we don't need to constantly strive to prove our worth to others or to ourselves. We are enough just the way we are. The second verse acknowledges the pressure that we put on ourselves and our tendency to blame others for our own shortcomings. The line "took the long way to find out that there was no need to apologize" suggests that we need to learn to forgive ourselves and stop holding onto past mistakes.
Overall, the song is a beautiful reminder that we don't need to be anybody else but ourselves. We need to learn to love and accept ourselves for who we are, and to enjoy the journey without constantly worrying about the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep pushing harder, pushing harder than you ever have
Strive harder and harder, outdo your previous efforts, go beyond your limits
Running on empty, should pull over but there's no time for that (no time)
Feeling drained, should take a break but don't have the luxury of time
On the starting block, adrenaline is pumping high
At the starting line, with excitement and nervous rush running through your veins
Terror in the water, muffled screams, just follow the blue light
In a state of panic while swimming, following the guiding lights to safety
So much hate in this skin
Feeling angry and dissatisfied with oneself
So much weight in this wind
Feeling overwhelmed by the burdens of life
Don't you know, don't you know
Do you not realize?
There's nothing to prove
No need to demonstrate or validate oneself
There's nothing to be scared of
There is no need to be afraid
You are enough
You are sufficient as you are
You're trying to do it all, you give more than you ever get back
Attempting to handle everything, putting in more effort than what is received back
It's you that puts the pressure on, can't blame anybody else for that
Putting pressure on oneself, cannot hold others responsible for it
You caught a glimpse of something, stepped out into the light
Caught a glimpse of a new opportunity, stepped out of comfort zone
Took the long way to find out that there was no need to apologise
Going through a long process to understand there was no reason to feel sorry
Just enjoy the view
Just take pleasure in the present moment
Don't need to please anybody else
No need to make others happy at the expense of one's own happiness
Don't need to be anybody else
No need to be someone different from oneself
Contributed by Kennedy H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NiallEveritt
I still can’t get over how agile her vocals are ❤❤❤ she’s so so brilliant. I remember when I first heard this song - I kept thinking I knew where it was going next and it kept surprising me. I love it. I’ve listened a million times now. ❤
@margaritam8140
Girl can do NO WRONG! The world needs to hear of Ainslie... fucking rockstar!
@barryboardman5770
I keep getting dragged back to this. Thank you.
@rolandblackman7332
Total genius ❤
@truthexposed7011
You are amazing Ainslie Wills - Blessed to discover you. Thank you.
@carolmartin566
LOVE her sound/vibe! Just found her on Spotify. Wish she had more music.
@margaritam8140
She does!!! She has at least 6 albums out and they are all absolute magic!
@thefreem
incredible....im blown away
@kellychristie423
Beautiful song.
@PaintedSinatraBlue
I just love everything that you do ever since I first heard your cover of Lionel's Hello!