Matt Hales (born January 17, 1972), better known as Aqualung, is a British … Read Full Bio ↴Matt Hales (born January 17, 1972), better known as Aqualung, is a British singer/songwriter best known in the United Kingdom for his song "Strange and Beautiful (I'll Put a Spell on You)", which was featured on a television advertisement for the new Volkswagen Beetle during the summer of 2002 and went on to become a Top 10 hit in the UK singles chart later that year.

Prior to his success as Aqualung, Hales was known as the lead singer of mid-1990s, London-based Britpop band Ruth. Ruth had a string of moderately successful hit singles, including "I Don't Know," "Valentine's Day," and "Fear of Flying," and one album, "Harrison," before changing their name in 2001 to The 45's. As The 45s, the band released two more singles and one posthumous album to little attention before splitting so Hales could focus on his new endeavor as Aqualung. Almost immediately after the band's split, "Strange and Beautiful" began climbing the British charts and gaining massive amounts of attention--a dramatic turnabout from the previous year. In 2005, Aqualung would even achieve elusive success in the United States, where they are best known for the song "Brighter Than Sunshine", which had considerable airplay and was used in the film A Lot Like Love and various television spots. He's also known to some for his song, "Easier to Lie", which was featured on the hit television show, Scrubs. His music also went on to feature in another hit television show the OC. His song, "Strange and Beautiful" was also featured on the hit show CSI. Later, the song "Something To Believe In" was also featured at the ending of an episode of CSI: Miami. It was also featured in the movie "Wicker Park". "The Lake" was also featured on the wildly popular television show Grey's Anatomy. Aqualung has also had songs featured on One Tree Hill in various seasons. In 2009, his song "Easier to Lie" was again featured on a television show, this time Lie To Me.

It has been written that Hales took the name "Aqualung" from a Jethro Tull album of the same name. However, he himself says he was not aware of this album, and that it was descriptive of the underwater feeling he felt listening to his debut album.

His debut single, "Strange and Beautiful (I'll Put a spell on You)", was released in the UK on the B-Unique label on September 16, 2002, and reached number 7 in the UK Top 40 and was used in the film Wicker Park.

The song "Something To Believe In" from the album "Memory Man" was used during the ending of the former ABC show Eli Stone premiered on Jan 31, 2008.

The song "Good Times Gonna Come" has recently been used on the show Skins on the British channel E4.

On April 20th, 2010 Aqualung released his 6th studio album Magnetic North (2010). The first single released is a song called "Fingertip".

Can't Get You Out Of My Mind
Aqualung Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

A kiss is not just a kiss
A smile is more than a smile
Maybe we get together
Maybe forever
Maybe just for a while

I've seen the look in your eye
I've seen you wondering why

There's a center of gravity
Brings you near to me
Nearer all the time

And I'm hypnotized
Petrified
Every time you walk by
And I can't get you
Out of my

Thought you'd never be mine
I thought I was wasting my time
Darling every time I think of you
I can't believe it's true
That you're here by my side

And I'm hypnotized
Petrified
Every time you walk by
And I can't get you

Out of my
Mind

Overall Meaning

In Aqualung's song "Can't Get You Out Of My Mind," the lyrics express the feeling of being completely smitten with someone, unable to resist their magnetic pull, and constantly thinking about them. The first verse uses simple, everyday actions - a kiss and a smile - to convey the idea that this person means more than just the physical act itself. The lyrics hint at a potential future, whether it be a fleeting romance, a long-term relationship, or something in-between. The uncertainty of what the future holds only adds to the allure and obsession with this person.

The second verse reveals that the singer has noticed the other person questioning their connection, but the "center of gravity" between them continues to grow stronger. The repetition of the line "nearer all the time" emphasizes the undeniable force pulling them together. The bridge of "Can't Get You Out Of My Mind" is where the singer admits to being completely spellbound, unable to resist or move on from the other person. The repetition of "hypnotized" and "petrified" conveys the idea of being frozen in place by the sheer power of attraction.

Overall, "Can't Get You Out Of My Mind" explores the complex emotions of infatuation and the inability to let go of someone, despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The lyrics convey a sense of obsession and being completely consumed by the allure of another person.

Line by Line Meaning

A kiss is not just a kiss
A kiss has a deeper meaning and can spark emotions beyond just physical touch

A smile is more than a smile
A smile can convey feelings of happiness, love, and desire

Maybe we get together
There is a possibility of a romantic relationship between us

Maybe forever
Perhaps our relationship will last a lifetime

Maybe just for a while
Our relationship may only be temporary and come to an end

I've seen the look in your eye
I've noticed the way you look at me and suspect that you may have feelings for me

I've seen you wondering why
I perceive that you're questioning your attraction towards me

There's a center of gravity
We are drawn to each other by an irresistible force

Brings you near to me
This force brings us closer to each other

Nearer all the time
Our attraction is growing stronger with each passing moment

And I'm hypnotized
I am entranced and captivated by you