Butler formed the duo McAlmont & Butler with David McAlmont. They released two singles, Yes and You Do. A compilation album, The Sound of McAlmont and Butler, was released after the split. Butler went on to release two albums under his own name, People Move On and Friends and Lovers, before a second McAlmont & Butler album, Bring it Back, and two singles, Falling and Bring it Back.
Since then Butler formed a new band, The Tears with former Suede cohort, Brett Anderson. They released their highly anticipated debut LP, Here Come The Tears, produced by Butler, in June 2005. Singles include Refugees, which reached #9 in the UK charts, and Lovers.
In between his own projects he has played on and produced records by Sparks, Edwyn Collins, Aimee Mann, Neneh Cherry, Tim Booth (of James), Manic Street Preachers, Eddi Reader, Hopper, Roy Orbison, Bert Jansch and The Libertines. He created the soundtrack to the 1997 film The James Gang and played on the soundtrack of Velvet Goldmine, alongside Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. He has played live with The Cranberries, Paul Weller, Teenage Fanclub and Manic Street Preachers.
He helped shape the sound of newcomer Duffy in 2008. For his production work on her debut album Rockferry, Bernard won the Producer's Award at the 2009 BRIT Awards, and Producer Of The Year at the 2008 Music Producers' Guild awards.
Autograph
Bernard Butler Lyrics
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Or has you warm smile turned us cold?
When dark clouds slip between us
That's the moment when our love grows, our love grows
It's not what I choose to tell you
It's about what you already know
It don't matter which way you push me
Inside my book of autographs
I pictured scenes that I could not write
If your name was in that book of autographs
Would you stay with me every night?
... the songs in my head you write
Is the winter really over
Or does the soft snow mirror your eyes?
When I say "don't hurry me over"
It's because I'm drifting to the edge of time
Inside my book of autographs
I pictured scenes that I could only describe
If your name was in that book of autographs
Would you stay with me here tonight?
... the songs in my head you write
The lyrics in Bernard Butler's song “Autograph” are metaphorically rich and reflect on love, relationships, and the power of memories. The singer seems to be questioning the state of his relationship with his partner, especially when there are dark clouds or conflict between them. The lines “is the summer time nearly over, or has your warm smile turned us cold? When dark clouds slip between us, that's the moment when our love grows” suggest that when things get difficult in the relationship, that is when they start to grow stronger. The singer is trying to connect with his partner and emphasize that it's not about what he tells her but about what she already knows. He wants to show her that he still understands her and knows how to love her in the way he should.
The concept of keeping an “autograph book” is also prominent in the lyrics. The singer reflects on the scenes he has pictured in his mind but cannot describe in writing. His partner is a significant part of this reflection. He questions whether she would stay with him every night if her name was in the book of autographs. The line "the songs in my head you write" hints at the impact his partner has had on him, potentially inspiring his music as they make their mark on each other's lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Is the summer time nearly over
Is our relationship coming to an end?
Or has your warm smile turned us cold?
Have you lost feelings for me?
When dark clouds slip between us
When we face obstacles in our love
That's the moment when our love grows, our love grows
Our love becomes stronger when we overcome obstacles
It's not what I choose to tell you
I don't tell you things on purpose
It's about what you already know
You should already know what's going on
It don't matter which way you push me
You can't control me
You've got to feel which way I flow
You need to understand my perspective
Inside my book of autographs
In my mind, I have a special place for you
I pictured scenes that I could not write
I have vivid pictures of moments with you I can’t describe on paper
If your name was in that book of autographs
If you were truly a part of me
Would you stay with me every night?
Would you stay with me for the rest of our lives?
Is the winter really over
Is our love still ongoing?
Or does the soft snow mirror your eyes?
Is our love icy and cold?
When I say 'don't hurry me over'
When I ask for time and space
It's because I'm drifting to the edge of time
I’m getting closer to the end of us
I pictured scenes that I could only describe
I have beautiful memories I can barely put into words
If your name was in that book of autographs
If you were the one I truly love
Would you stay with me here tonight?
Would you stay with me through the tough times?
... the songs in my head you write
You inspire me to create beautiful things
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRETT ANDERSON, BERNARD JOSEPH BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind