After building up a reputation with his gigs across the UK, Howard was eventually asked to sign to Island Records. His first album, Every Kingdom, was released on October 3, 2011 and debuted at #7 on the UK album chart. It sold in excess of 1 million copies globally, received a Mercury Music Prize nomination, and was the catalyst for Ben picking up two Brit Awards in 2012 for British Breakthrough and British Solo Male Artist.
The follow up, 'I Forget Where We Were' was released on 20th October 2014 through Island Records. It was produced by Ben and his drummer Chris Bond at Start Point Farm Studios in Devon.
www.benhowardmusic.co.uk.
Gracious
Ben Howard Lyrics
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When everything around you's changing like the weather
A big black storm
And who would you turn to?
Oh had I a ghost, a shadow at the most, would you let me know?
'Cause I don't want to
Trouble your mind with the childish design of how it all should go
But I love you so
I'll be here, you know
'Cause you said ours were the lighthouse towers
The sand upon that place
Darling, I'll grow weary, happy still
With just the memory of your face
Oh, gracious goes the ghost of you
And I will never forget the plans and the
Silhouettes you drew here, no
Gracious goes the ghost of you, my dear
Oh, how would you know?
When everything around you is bruised and battered
Like the cold night storm
And where would you turn to?
Oh had I a ghost, a shadow at the most, would you tell me so?
'Cause I, I adore you so when it all comes clear
The wind is settled, I'll be here, you know
'Cause you said ours were the lighthouse towers
The sand upon that place
Darling, I'll grow weary, happy still
With just the memory of your face
Oh, Gracious goes the ghost of you
And I will never forget the plans and the
Silhouettes you drew here and
Gracious goes the ghost of you, my dear
Oh, gracious goes the ghost of you
And I will never forget the plans and the
Silhouettes you drew here and
Gracious goes the ghost of you, my dear
In Ben Howard's song Gracious, the lyrics describe a sense of uncertainty and fear of change. The opening lines use a metaphor of a storm to represent the unpredictability of life. The lyrics then turn to a question of who to turn to in difficult times, and the singer suggests they would appreciate a sign or some comfort from a loved one. The lyrics show the singer's fear of imposing on their loved one, but also their desperate need for reassurance.
As the lyrics progress, the singer turns to memories of a happy time in their relationship, tying back to the nostalgia and love present in Howard's other work. The use of the lighthouse as a symbol of stability in a tumultuous world is a recurring theme throughout the song. The chorus repeats the idea of the 'ghost' of the relationship, the memory of a love and a person that has now gone. The final lines of the song end on a bittersweet note, with the singer accepting the loss of the relationship but still cherishing the memories.
Line by Line Meaning
How would you know?
The singer questions how someone would know what to do in the midst of constant change
When everything around you's changing like the weather
The singer compares the changes in life to the ever-changing weather
A big black storm
A metaphor for the chaos and difficulty in life
And who would you turn to?
The singer wonders who to turn to in times of trouble
Oh had I a ghost, a shadow at the most, would you let me know?
The singer wishes for some kind of sign or guidance, even if it's just a faint whisper or hint
'Cause I don't want to
The singer doesn't want to burden anyone else with their own problems and doubts
Trouble your mind with the childish design of how it all should go
The singer doesn't want to impose their own naive expectations on others
But I love you so
Despite the difficulties, the singer expresses their love for another person
When it all comes clear, when the wind it settles
The singer anticipates clarity and peace after the turbulence
I'll be here, you know
The singer promises to stick around
'Cause you said ours were the lighthouse towers
The singer recalls a previous conversation where another person offered comfort and stability
The sand upon that place
A reference to a specific location that holds significance to the singer and their loved one
Darling, I'll grow weary, happy still
The singer expresses their willingness to endure difficulty as long as they can hold onto good memories and feelings
With just the memory of your face
The singer emphasizes the power of memory to sustain them through hard times
Oh, gracious goes the ghost of you
The singer reflects on the memory of a loved one who is no longer present
And I will never forget the plans and the Silhouettes you drew here, no
The singer recalls specific details about their loved one, such as their plans and the things they drew
Oh, how would you know?
The singer repeats the opening line, expressing continued uncertainty about navigating change
When everything around you is bruised and battered
The singer describes the harshness of life
Like the cold night storm
A metaphor for the difficulty and discomfort of life
And where would you turn to?
The singer repeats their earlier question, emphasizing the feeling of being lost
Oh had I a ghost, a shadow at the most, would you tell me so?
The singer asks for any kind of guidance or sign, no matter how faint or fleeting
‘Cause I, I adore you so when it all comes clear
The singer reiterates their love and devotion to their loved one
The wind is settled, I'll be here, you know
Repeating a previous sentiment, the singer promises to stick around through difficult times
Gracious goes the ghost of you
The singer repeats a key phrase, emphasizing the theme of memory and loss
And I will never forget the plans and the Silhouettes you drew here and
A repetition of an earlier line, reinforcing the idea of specific details the singer remembers
Gracious goes the ghost of you, my dear
A final repetition of the key phrase, underscoring the feelings of loss and remembrance
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Benjamin John Howard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind