In 2003, after several years singing with various bands, he went on Fame Academy to try and get a solo record deal. He came second, got a recording contract and had two top 20 hits. His debut album charted but got no promotion and he was mostly ignored by the media. He parted company with Universal and his management in 2004 and carried on independently, setting up his own gigs and recording and playing his own material in his own way.
He has written hit singles for other people - Hungry for Love for Di-rect and Angel by my Side for Do. He toured Germany and has co-written songs with Robin Gibb. He has also co-written and recorded songs with members of Ultra, Oasis legends Tony and Chris Griffiths of The Real People and Paul Banks of Shed Seven.
You only get a small flavour of what he is like from his first album which includes some very catchy upbeat songs as well as some very romantic love songs which Alistair himself has described as "a bit slushy".
His second "mini-album" was recorded live during his tour with Robin Gibb and consists of acoustic versions of four of his own songs and a George Michael cover. CDs of his new original material are hard to find and are only available at gigs or through his website. "finding Boethius" (3 tracks) was released in December 2006 and "Alistair Griffin" (4 tracks)in May 2008. He is currently working on his next album.
Previews of his current songs can be heard on his Official Myspace http://www.myspace.com/alistairgriffinonline
Always No.1
Alistair Griffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know we'll meet again
'cos I've seen in your eyes
the spark that lights the dreams of rocket men
And you still chase that light
That takes you to the place you'll always know
Takes you home
I don't know if I will make it
All I know is that the sun
Keeps on shining when you're gone
So I ride the wave that takes me
To that time when we were young
And you were always number one
They say it's too late to write your
name in lights across the sky
That you've had your time
But you'd risk it all for one last chance to fly
Cause you still chase that light
That takes you to the place you'll always know
Takes you home
But I don't know if I will make it
All I know is that the sun
Keeps on shining when you're gone
So I ride the wave that takes me
To that time when we were young
And you were always number one
It's a brand new life
It's a glorious day
It's a golden sun
They'll write your name
In the fire & blood
When we're long gone
You will always be... number one.
In "Always No. 1," Alistair Griffin expresses both hope and uncertainty about achieving his goals, while also celebrating a friend's persistence and passion towards his dreams. The song begins with a bittersweet farewell, acknowledging that the singer and his friend won't be together forever. However, the singer is confident that they'll meet again one day, fueled by his friend's determination and the "spark that lights the dreams of rocket men." The imagery of rocketry, with its associations with exploration, innovation, and daring, adds an element of adventure and excitement to the song.
The chorus emphasizes the theme of chasing the light, or pursuing one's personal dreams and goals. The friend, in particular, is heralded for never giving up on his passion, following that light wherever it takes him. He is always "number one" in the singer's eyes, an admirable and inspiring figure. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of life, the sun keeps shining even when the friend is gone. The singer rides the wave of time back to when they were young, a simpler and more carefree time, but still anchored by the friend's unwavering spirit.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics turn grandiose as they proclaim that the friend's name will be written in fire and blood, an eternal symbol of his power and triumph. Overall, "Always No. 1" is both a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the fragility of time and memory.
Line by Line Meaning
So long, farewell, but not goodbye
I am saying goodbye to you for now, but I know we will meet again.
I know we'll meet again
I am confident that we will see each other again in the future.
'cos I've seen in your eyes
the spark that lights the dreams of rocket men
I have seen the same passion for chasing one's dreams reflected in your eyes, like that of an astronaut.
And you still chase that light
That takes you to the place you'll always know
Takes you home
You continue to pursue the passion that leads you to the place where you feel most at home.
I don't know if I will make it
All I know is that the sun
Keeps on shining when you're gone
So I ride the wave that takes me
To that time when we were young
And you were always number one
I am not sure if I will achieve my dreams, but I find solace in memories of our youth when you were always successful and respected.
They say it's too late to write your
name in lights across the sky
That you've had your time
But you'd risk it all for one last chance to fly
People say that it is too late for you to achieve greatness, but you would still take a chance to pursue your dreams.
It's a brand new life
It's a glorious day
It's a golden sun
They'll write your name
In the fire & blood
You have a new opportunity to make something of your life and be remembered for your achievements.
When we're long gone
You will always be... number one.
Even after we have passed away, you will always be remembered as someone who was the best and achieved greatness.
Contributed by Christopher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andy Magee
For Jules, For Anthoine, For Niki, For Charlie, For all our number ones
Fernando Gonçalves
For senna
o
Anthoine*
Zesus
F1 2012 - one of the best seasons ever.
Nuukkis YT
Oh how i miss it... So different now. Who would have thought F1 would get so bad in only few years?
King Heidfeld
Just finished watching the review. I think i've seen most of the races and also seen the review 2 or 3 times before. But with current F1... i'll probably watch it in a few months again.
Samprasnadal
This guy should be a star, instead of having to struggle to get heard.
Max Verstappen
17 de Julio 2019. 4 Años sin el amigo de todos. 4 años de lo que no queríamos que ocurriera. 4 años...sin Jules Bianchi. #ForzaJules
Sonia
Ya casi 5 😫 #SiempreJules #FuerzaJules
masterboy1477
thanks to BBC F1 for recognizing this great music! Without them i would have never known about Alistair Griffin. F1 back to BBC!