He played with Marc Bolan / T. Rex on their 1974 album Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow, as well as with Elton John on his albums Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across The Water, specifically on the songs "Country Comfort" and "Tiny Dancer". For a few select appearances in 1998, Cole joined R.E.M. for live performances of the latter's "Daysleeper", "Country Feedback", "Man on the Moon", and a cover of Iggy Pop's "The Passenger", which closed out the band's appearance on Later with Jools Holland. He has also worked with Kevin Ayers, Richard Ashcroft, The Verve, Luke Vibert, Graham Coxon, Roger Waters, Juno Reactor, Rockin Dave Taylor, Depeche Mode, Doll by Doll, Devon Sproule, Björk, Chumbawamba, David Gilmour, Hanson, Ian Siegal, Jah Wobble, The Stranglers, Sting and Brian Joseph Friel. Cole features on the track Then I Close My Eyes on David Gilmour's 2006 album "On An Island". He also appears on The Moody Blues' 1981 album Long Distance Voyager playing on the track "In My World".
Cole also appeared (as 'Manley Footwear') in the Hank Wangford band. When The Verve's lead guitarist Nick McCabe left in the summer of 1998, Cole took over from him for the live dates.
He currently plays once a month at Darbucka World Music Bar in Clerkenwell, London alongside Steve Lawson and other experimental ambient/jazz musicians as part of The Recycle Collective.
Clair de lune
B.J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Le bonheur du mal-être
Courir au bord des rêves
Effrayé par moi même
J'aimerais voir ce qu'il y a dans ma tête
Tu sais quoi le bonheur c'est juste d'être
Je t'emmène loin marcher au bord des rêves
J'entends mes voix
Elles guident mes pas hésitants quand j'aperçois que mon âme est dans le noir
Donc prends garde à ces gens qui quand le pourront n'hésiterons pas
À pointer du doigt tes différences qui les effraient un par un ils ne te comprennent pas
Ils seront là tes défauts qui font de toi quelqu'un de tellement spécial
Qui pourrai-je croire dans ce monde où les âmes se meurtrissent dans leur propre histoire
J'entends mes rêves
Ils résonnent au plus profond de ma cage
J'entends mes rêves
J'entends mes rêves
J'aimerais voir ce qu'il y a dans ma tête
Tu sais quoi le bonheur c'est juste d'être
Je t'emmène loin marcher au bord des rêves
Je me connais moi j'ai juste peur d'être moi même
J'aimerais voir ce qu'il y a dans ma tête
Tu sais quoi le bonheur c'est juste d'être
Je t'emmène loin marcher au bord des rêves
Je me connais moi j'ai juste peur d'être moi même
Je t'emmène dans ma tête
Je t'emmène dans mes rêves
The lyrics to B.J. Cole's song "Clair de Lune" delve into introspective themes of self-exploration, inner turmoil, and the struggle to embrace one's true self. The opening lines, "Il fait nuit dans ma tête, Le bonheur du mal-être, Courir au bord des rêves, Effrayé par moi-même" evoke a sense of darkness within the singer's mind, where they find a strange comfort in their own discontent. They express a desire to bravely confront their inner thoughts, even as they struggle with fear of their own identity.
The next set of lines repeat the sentiment of longing to understand what lies within their mind, emphasizing that true happiness lies in simply existing. The imagery of walking on the edge of dreams suggests a willingness to explore the depths of one's subconscious, despite the apprehension of facing their true self. The singer acknowledges their fear of confronting their own reality, hinting at the complexities of self-acceptance and personal growth.
The following verses delve into the complexities of navigating societal judgments and pressures. The singer hears the voices that guide their hesitant steps, acknowledging the darkness that lurks within their soul. They caution against those who may judge and condemn others for their differences, highlighting the struggle of being misunderstood and unaccepted by society. The lyrics emphasize the importance of embracing one's flaws and uniqueness, as they are what make an individual truly special in a world full of conformity and judgement.
The repeated refrain "J'entends mes rêves, Ils résonnent au plus profond de ma cage" further emphasizes the singer's internal struggle and yearning for self-discovery. The dreams that echo within them signify a deeper longing for understanding and liberation from mental confines. The closing lines of the song, "Je t'emmène dans ma tête, Je t'emmène dans mes rêves" reinforce the idea of inviting someone into the depths of their mind and dreams, symbolizing a desire for connection and understanding amidst the complexities of self-exploration and acceptance. The song overall conveys a poignant message about the challenging journey of embracing one's true self and finding solace within the complexities of one's own mind.
Line by Line Meaning
Il fait nuit dans ma tête
It is dark in my mind, symbolizing confusion or inner turmoil.
Le bonheur du mal-être
The happiness of discomfort, finding joy in pain or struggle.
Courir au bord des rêves
Running on the edge of dreams, chasing after aspirations or goals.
Effrayé par moi même
Frightened by myself, struggling to come to terms with one's own identity or emotions.
J'aimerais voir ce qu'il y a dans ma tête
I would like to see what is in my mind, seeking self-awareness or understanding.
Tu sais quoi le bonheur c'est juste d'être
You know what, happiness is just being, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance.
Je t'emmène loin marcher au bord des rêves
I take you far to walk on the edge of dreams, inviting someone to explore the realm of possibilities together.
Je me connais moi j'ai juste peur d'être moi même
I know myself, I am just afraid of being myself, expressing fear of authenticity and vulnerability.
J'entends mes voix
I hear my voices, representing inner thoughts or conflicting emotions.
Elles guident mes pas hésitants quand j'aperçois que mon âme est dans le noir
They guide my hesitant steps when I realize that my soul is in the dark, acknowledging inner struggles or uncertainties.
Donc prends garde à ces gens qui quand le pourront n'hésiterons pas
So beware of those people who, when they can, will not hesitate, warning about unsupportive or judgmental individuals.
À pointer du doigt tes différences qui les effraient un par un ils ne te comprennent pas
To point out your differences that frighten them, one by one they do not understand you, highlighting the fear of being misunderstood or judged.
Ils seront là tes défauts qui font de toi quelqu'un de tellement spécial
They will be there, your flaws that make you so special, emphasizing the uniqueness and strength found in imperfections.
Qui pourrai-je croire dans ce monde où les âmes se meurtrissent dans leur propre histoire
Who could I believe in this world where souls suffer in their own story, questioning trust and authenticity in a world of personal struggles.
J'entends mes rêves
I hear my dreams, representing hopes or aspirations.
Ils résonnent au plus profond de ma cage
They resonate deep within my cage, referring to emotions or desires constrained by external factors.
Je t'emmène dans ma tête
I take you into my mind, inviting someone to understand or explore one's inner thoughts.
Je t'emmène dans mes rêves
I take you into my dreams, sharing aspirations or visions for the future.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Eazy 4b
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mjtpogo
I remember back in 86 traveling with a blues band on our way to Portland Maine stopping at a roadside bar in upper Michigan meeting Mr Cole who invited the band to come in have few beers and Jam the night away. Life is full of little surprises, thank you so gratefull see this interview 😊
@CatherineBarnebey
I love this piece. My husband and I start every single wine-tasting drive with this gorgeous masterpiece by B.J. Cole and play the rest of this CD as we drive from vineyard to vineyard. It adds a dreamy feel to the whole experience. B. J.’s sound is so distinctive I remember the day not too long ago when it finally struck me that his signature sound is unmistakably present in Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” , something I didn’t know, but suddenly heard now that I am so familiar with his unique sound. What a gift!
@tubebeaver1
OK.
Well.
I can die now.
@Quimancho
Where is the tomb? There is a little room for me?
@willcatlin9089
I come back to this every now and again. It would make my desert island discs.
@KameraMusica
It’s beautiful isn’t it?
@ericfricke4512
I've listened to this at least ten times this afternoon.
@cubbo55
I'm inspired by this to try and learn it on my D10 Emmons.... simply beautiful!
@marktaylor4287
That was utterly superb !
@Kwietschbeu18
The Bird joining in at the end made my day