Alex Gardner grew up in Edinburgh, surrounded by music. Mum was a violinist with an orchestra, his older brother played in a heavy metal band. “I started having piano lessons when I was 5,” he says. “Though I quit when I was 6. I couldn’t stand someone telling me how to do it. If music sounds right, then it has to be right. It shouldn’t matter about the method.”
Having supported Paolo Nutini across Scotland, played on the same bill as Mika and Paloma Faith and performed dozens of his own shows, Gardner has cut his chops live. “Performing is such an essential part of what I do,” he enthuses. “I was always the guy at parties who’d get the guitar out.”
“Edinburgh is absolutely beautiful, but it can be a bit of a slow-paced city,” he says. “I wanted to see if there was a bit more excitement in London.” So Gardner struck out for the capital – which is where he met Brian Higgins, Xenomania’s director.
I'm Not Mad
Alex Gardner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could tell something was on your mind
He was nothing and you wanted me
Your having trouble trying to set him free
But out of nowhere you were acting strange
Point your finger, tell me I'm to blame
Promised one day I would make this work
No, I won't give up even if it hurts
I couldn't hurt you
And I'm the one to talk to
Feeling like I never knew
Tell me that your his too
No, I'm not mad
I can help you
Tell me what you gotta do
Oh, it's time you realised the truth
He was turning and he got there first
That's when it started always getting worse
I was foolish, you were mean to me
But I know it's more than jealousy
I couldn't hurt you
And I'm the one to talk to
Feeling like I never knew
Tell me that your his too
No, I'm not mad
I can help you
Tell me what you gotta do
Oh, it's time you realised the truth (x2)
My heart is turning to waste
Your love is willing to wait
You know you could say and I'm yours
Would you fight our lies?
Would you let him go?
Because I know it's hard to let go
We're the same, it's crazy but real, real
No, I'm not mad
I can help you
Tell me what you gotta do
Oh, it's time you realised the truth (x2)
The song "I'm Not Mad" by Alex Gardner is a powerful message about love, friendship, and sacrifice. The lyrics express the emotions of the singer as he stands with open arms, sensing that there is something on his friend's mind. The friend is having trouble releasing her emotions and letting go of a previous lover who was nothing to her. He was only holding her back from true love. The singer stands by her side, promising that he will never give up on their friendship and love, regardless of the sacrifices he must make.
The song expresses the frustration of not being able to openly communicate with the friend and how it feels like complete isolation. It's hard to understand the mixed signals and erratic behavior she exhibits. At times, she tries to blame the singer for her troubles, pointing fingers, but he understands that the root of the problem lies in her inability to let go of the past. The singer understands the pain of longing for someone who is unreachable and how it can be hard to let go.
Overall, Alex Gardner's song "I'm Not Mad" expresses the complexities of love and friendship and how they can coexist. It sends a powerful message of hope and perseverance, showing the importance of standing by those you love, even when it hurts.
Line by Line Meaning
I was standing with those open arms
I was standing here sincerely, ready to listen.
I could tell something was on your mind
I sensed that you were upset about something.
He was nothing and you wanted me
You wanted to be with me, but were struggling to let go of someone else.
Your having trouble trying to set him free
You are finding it difficult to move on from your current relationship.
But out of nowhere you were acting strange
Suddenly, you started behaving differently towards me.
Point your finger, tell me I'm to blame
You are blaming me for something that is not my fault.
Promised one day I would make this work
I promised you that I would try to make our relationship work.
No, I won't give up even if it hurts
I won't give up on our relationship, even if it causes me pain.
I couldn't hurt you
I would never intentionally hurt you.
And I'm the one to talk to
I am here for you to talk to and confide in.
Feeling like I never knew
I feel like I never really understood how you were feeling.
Tell me that your his too
Tell me if you are still with the other person.
No, I'm not mad
I don't feel angry towards you.
I can help you
I am willing to help you through this difficult time.
Oh, it's time you realised the truth
It's time for you to face the reality of your situation.
He was turning and he got there first
The other person moved on faster than we did.
That's when it started always getting worse
Our relationship started to deteriorate at that point.
I was foolish, you were mean to me
I made mistakes, and you were unkind to me.
But I know it's more than jealousy
I understand that this situation is more complicated than just jealousy.
My heart is turning to waste
My heart is breaking.
Your love is willing to wait
You are willing to wait for me.
You know you could say and I'm yours
You could tell me that you choose to be with me instead of the other person.
Would you fight our lies?
Are you willing to fight against our difficulties and make this work?
Would you let him go?
Are you ready to let go of the other person?
Because I know it's hard to let go
I understand how difficult it can be to move on.
We're the same, it's crazy but real, real
We are going through similar struggles, and our connection feels intense and genuine.
Contributed by Julian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
alan alex
I was 16 at the time, and I was so obsessed by him lol
Lavendo
You and me both haha. Such a shame nothing happened after this single and feeling fine, though.
elskerloki
This guy has alot of talent, fantatstic Acoustic songs, good looks and killer eyes. and the most refreshing voice I have heard in years!!!! He will have a good future. Good
Natalie Cullen
Deffinately agree, this song is extremely addictive, can't stop singing it! Can't wait to hear more from Alex. He's one to watch in 2010 for sure! Laura DH
MultiSuperllama
I can't believe it's been 5 years! I was obsessed about this song! I'm so glad Alex is still making music.
Noni
MultiSuperllama 8 years now
PerrrsianCat
I love this guy. He's so underrated tbh. Thankful that I discovered him two years ago. Still a tuneeee
James McLuckie
This is one of those songs that, at the time, I was quite bored by. But looking back at it years later I'm baffled why it wasn't at least a moderate hit. Beautiful boy, good singer, and the song is actually a lovely piece of electro pop. If this had been Sam Sparro's follow-up to "Black and Gold" he would have been a two hit wonder.
David Eggo
Nossa Eu sou Brasileiro. Acabei de assistir seus videos. São Incríveis... eu amei você..... espero que faça muito sucesso. Meu Parabéns.
Kit Donnelly
Saw Alex last night in Edinburgh he was amazing so good live, this song is not his best there is alot of material which should have been his first single. Alex is incredible, best talent to come out of Edinburgh for a long time