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.
Friends & Lovers
Bernard Butler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We share a weakness I'm straining to hide
I'm in the picture, I'm on your wall
Sister together, we're ten feet tall
Yes, it's wonderful to be friends and lovers
Yes, it's wonderful to be, yeah, your lover
I've faked this sadness, I've faked my whole life
And in the bedroom, well, I cling to your side
Sister whatever, I mirror your life
Yes, it's wonderful to be friends and lovers
Yes, it's wonderful to be yeah, your lover
Of all the lies we shared
This one will find us out in the end
Of all the ways to care
Cherish this, cherish this my friends
Yes, it's wonderful to be friends and lovers
Yes, it's wonderful to be yeah, your lover
Yes, it's wonderful to be friends and lovers
Yes, it's wonderful to be yeah, your lover
Your time will take us there
Your time will take us there
The lyrics to Bernard Butler's song Friends & Lovers capture the essence of a close, yet complicated relationship between two people who see each other as friends and lovers. The first verse speaks of their closeness, how they spend their days and nights together, and their shared vulnerability. The second verse delves a little deeper into the perspective of one of the individuals who confesses to faking their sadness and their entire life, leading to an assumption that their friend/lover has been their support system through it all. In the chorus, the singer affirms that it is wonderful to be both friends and lovers. The last verse acknowledges that despite their unique connection, they have shared lies and that the truth will eventually surface. The song ends on a hopeful note with the line "your time will take us there", suggesting that time will ultimately reveal the best path forward for their relationship.
The chorus of the song, "Yes, it's wonderful to be friends and lovers", emphasizes the complexity and beauty of their relationship, portraying it as a rare and special connection. The song speaks to personal struggles and the importance of relying on those we hold closest, as the singer reveals to his lover the fear and vulnerability he has struggled with in his life. The song also explores the insecurities and lies within a relationship while acknowledging its worth, stating that "of all the ways to care, cherish this."
Line by Line Meaning
We grow together morning 'til night
We spend our days and nights together, always growing and changing within our relationship.
We share a weakness I'm straining to hide
There is a weakness we share that I am keeping hidden and trying to overcome.
I'm in the picture, I'm on your wall
I am a significant part of your life, always present and visible, like a picture on your wall.
Sister together, we're ten feet tall
As friends and lovers, we are a unified and strong force that gives us a sense of power and confidence.
Yes, it's wonderful to be friends and lovers
Being both friends and lovers brings great joy and happiness to our lives.
You listen to me, listen this time
Please pay attention to me and hear what I have to say.
I've faked this sadness, I've faked my whole life
I have been pretending to be sad and have been living a fake life.
And in the bedroom, well, I cling to your side
In the bedroom, I always want to be near you and feel connected.
Sister whatever, I mirror your life
As friends and lovers, we are closely intertwined and our lives reflect one another's.
Of all the lies we shared
Out of all the lies we have told each other,
This one will find us out in the end
This lie will eventually be uncovered and cause problems for us.
Of all the ways to care
Out of all the ways to show caring and compassion,
Cherish this, cherish this my friends
Those ways are important, so let's cherish our friendship and love for one another.
Your time will take us there
As time goes on, we will continue to grow and experience new things together.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bernard Butler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind