Orton moved to East London at the age of fourteen. During her early career she was more interested in acting. She first gained notice in 1995 for her vocals on the Chemical Brothers' track "Alive Alone" and is well known for her collaboration (stemming from a relationship) with William Orbit in which she lent her voice for the Strange Cargo albums. The collaboration with Orbit called SuperPinkyMandy, though of excellent sound, was only released in very limited numbers in Japan.
Orton's first solo album, Trailer Park, was released in 1996. It earned her nominations for two Brit awards (best British newcomer, best British female), and the Mercury Music Prize in 1997, was well received by critics, and sold modestly, selling 300,000 copies and reaching sixty-eight in the U.K. The album was produced by Andrew Weatherall, whom she selected based on his production of one of her favourite records at the time, Primal Scream's "Screamadelica".
Central Reservation, her second album (proper), released in 1999, helped Orton build on the success of her debut. Although retaining the electronic edge of the former, this record showed a notably more acoustic side with several tracks consisting purely of Beth's vocal accompanied by a solitary acoustic guitar, with subject matters becoming more introspective. The album also featured notable contributions from folk musician Terry Callier, Dr Robert, and Ben Harper. Several tracks were produced by Ben Watt of Everything but the Girl. The album earned Orton a second Mercury Music Prize nomination and won her Best Female at the 2000 Brit Awards.
In July 2002, she released the album Daybreaker, which again blended the early electronica style, with up tempo pop songs and acoustic ballads. It featured guest appearances from musicians such as The Chemical Brothers, Emmylou Harris, whom she met at Lilith Fair, Ryan Adams, and Four Tet. It was a great commercial success, reaching the top eight of the U.K. album chart, but received mixed reviews from the press.
Her fourth studio album, Comfort of Strangers, was released in February 2006. The release saw her move away from the electronica element that she is usually associated with, to a more stripped down traditional alt-folk album. This followed an extended absence since her previous release, partially a result of several failed production attempts, and the parting of ways between her and Heavenly. The album was produced by Jim O'Rourke.
In 2012 Beth's 5th album Sugaring Season was released, on the ANTI- label, and was followed by a tour of Europe.
In 2016 Kidsticks, Beth's 6th album, was released.
Beth has also collaborated with American pop artist Beck on his Midnite Vultures album, providing vocals on the track "Beautiful Way". She is also known for her own singles, "Stolen Car," a hit in college circles and "She Cries Your Name", once featured in the TV show Roswell in the "Cry Your Name" episode. She also wrote songs for the Erin Brockovich soundtrack.
Beth Orton's brother, Rupert Orton, is the guitarist/manager for British rock'n'roll band The Jim Jones Revue.
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Comfort Of Strangers
Beth Orton Lyrics
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Are brighter than you and I may ever be
I know there's an answer to your question
But I don't know that I could word it right
Say what you mean don't tell it like it could be
I'm not sure, should I just say it out loud?
Say what you mean don't tell it like it could be
One love is better than not enough
I'd rather have no love
Than messing with the wrong stuff
It's just the comfort of strangers
Always the comfort of strangers...yeah yeah yeah
I know the sun that shines on me
On better terms than you and I may ever be
I know there's an answer to the question
But I'm not sure that I should word it right
Say what you mean don't tell it like it could be
Every time you're gonna set me free
Say what you mean don't tell it like it could be
Alright this time let's take it right home to see
One love is better than not enough
I'd rather have no love
Than messing with the wrong stuff
It's just the comfort of strangers
Always the comfort of strangers
Well some of those are like best friends
Best friends!
Ones that keep you coming round again
In "Comfort Of Strangers," Beth Orton reflects on the difficult nature of personal connection and intimacy. She acknowledges the fact that the stars, representing the greater cosmic unknown, are brighter and more tangible than she and her companion may ever be. However, while she recognizes the existential complexity of interpersonal relationships, she also asserts that honesty is essential in all relationships, romantic or otherwise. She implores her partner to "Say what you mean, don't tell it like it could be," and to be direct and honest with her. She acknowledges the possibility of being hurt or disappointed, but insists that she would rather face the truth than be caught in a web of lies and half-truths. Despite this striving for honesty, the song also recognizes the comfort of strangers - those people who can offer us comfort and companionship without the risk of emotional exposure.
Line by Line Meaning
I know the stars that shine on me
Beth Orton acknowledges that the stars shining on her are brighter than her and the listener, which could be interpreted positively or negatively based on how the listener feels
Are brighter than you and I may ever be
The brightness referred to could refer to both starlight and personal success
I know there's an answer to your question
Beth Orton is aware that there is a solution to the problem the listener is referring to
But I don't know that I could word it right
Beth Orton is unsure if she will be able to convey the right message to the listener's question
Say what you mean don't tell it like it could be
Beth Orton encourages the listener to be direct and honest with their words instead of beating around the bush
I'm not sure, should I just say it out loud?
Beth Orton is asking herself if she should be forthright with the listener, despite being unsure of how they will react
One love is better than not enough
Having at least one strong connection is preferable to having none
I'd rather have no love
Beth Orton has a preference for solitude if the alternative is being involved with the wrong people
Than messing with the wrong stuff
Beth Orton finds it more beneficial to be alone than waste time on negative influences
It's just the comfort of strangers
Beth Orton is finding solace in the anonymity of people who aren't close to her
Always the comfort of strangers...yeah yeah yeah
Beth Orton emphasizes that this is a common occurrence or pattern in her life
Well some of those are like best friends
In spite of being strangers, some of these people are closer to Beth Orton than people she knows well
Best friends!
Beth Orton is comparing the people she's frequently around to the closeness of best friends
Ones that keep you coming round again
These strangers make Beth Orton feel at ease and welcome, encouraging her to return to their company
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ELIZABETH CAROLINE ORTON, MATT WARD, ROURKE JIM (US) O
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind