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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Couldn't Cause Me Harm
Beth Orton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You couldn't cause me any harm.
Although, at times, I may get startled,
I'm not alarmed.
I can see your eyes
I know when they're telling me a truth
I can feel the heart,
Especially when it's on the roof
There's no right or wrong.
This isn't a test.
And I won't lose my experience.
I won't try
To put it aside.
But it's alright.
You know that it's alright.
's alright.
It's gonna be alright.
It's gonna be alright.
And if I told you,
Would you never know to guess?
Sure, what's the point
When little often means so much less.
I can see for miles.
I know when you're telling me a truth
I can feel my heart,
Especially now.
It's on the roof
Of my mouth
There's no right or wrong.
This isn't a gesture
And I don't use my experience.
I don't try
To let it go by
But it's alright.
You know that it's alright.
It's alright.
It's gonna be alright.
In "Couldn't Cause Me Harm," written by Beth Orton and Ben Watt, Beth Orton speaks about the challenges and benefits of trusting others. Right from the beginning, she lets the listener know that she feels safe and comfortable, despite moments of hesitation. This is evident in the line "You couldn't cause me any harm/Although, at times, I may get startled/I'm not alarmed." Orton is opening up to the person she's conversing with and setting the precedent for the rest of the song.
The theme of trust is further explored in the lines "I can see your eyes/I know when they're telling me a truth/I can feel the heart/Especially when it's on the roof/of my mouth." This verse serves to demonstrate the intimacy and bond that two people can share. Through Orton's words, it's clear that she has a deeper understanding of the person she's speaking with, and they share a level of trust that goes beyond the surface level.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, yeah, you know,
I am confident that you will not harm me.
You couldn't cause me any harm.
I trust that you will not cause me harm.
Although, at times, I may get startled,
While I may be caught off guard sometimes,
I'm not alarmed.
I am not fearful or disturbed.
I can see your eyes
I can observe your eyes.
I know when they're telling me a truth
I can discern when you are being truthful.
I can feel the heart,
I can sense emotions or feelings.
Especially when it's on the roof
Particularly when my emotions are intense or overwhelming.
Of my mouth.
At the back of my throat or top of my palate.
There's no right or wrong.
There are no absolutes or definite answers.
This isn't a test.
There is no examination or evaluation underway.
And I won't lose my experience.
My past encounters or events will not be lost.
I won't try
I will not attempt.
To put it aside.
To disregard or ignore what has happened.
But it's alright.
Everything is acceptable or satisfactory.
You know that it's alright.
You are aware that everything is acceptable or satisfactory.
's alright.
It's alright.
It's gonna be alright.
Things will improve or become better.
It's gonna be alright.
Things will improve or become better.
And if I told you,
Suppose I informed you,
Would you never know to guess?
Can you admit that you would not know otherwise?
Sure, what's the point
Yes, what reason would there be
When little often means so much less.
When minor details can signify less importance.
I can see for miles.
It is possible to see very far away.
I know when you're telling me a truth
I can tell when you are speaking honestly.
I can feel my heart,
I am able to sense my own emotions or feelings.
Especially now.
Particularly at this moment.
It's on the roof
I can sense my emotions intensely.
Of my mouth
At the back of my throat or top of my palate.
There's no right or wrong.
There are no definitives or absolutes.
This isn't a gesture
There is no action or movement involved.
And I don't use my experience.
I do not rely on my past encounters or events.
I don't try
I do not make an effort.
To let it go by
To ignore or overlook something.
But it's alright.
Everything is acceptable or satisfactory.
You know that it's alright.
You are aware that everything is acceptable or satisfactory.
It's alright.
Everything is acceptable or satisfactory.
It's gonna be alright.
Things will improve or become better.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TED BARNES, BETH ORTON, SEAN READ, WILL BLANCHARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
M Cooper
This is an a amazing song heard it about 5 years ago when my mum brought the lazy sunday cd #1 and its just a song that take you back to when life was good!!!
CHARLES202able
Yes I also have Lazy Sunday #1 and this song probably my very favourite
Lorna Harwood
Just discovered this today - loving it!
Matthew C
One of the greatest songs of all time, in my humble opinion. When this album came out, I had this song/and album on repeat for months. All my friends fell in love with it as well. Just a brilliant talent.
Dan Hare
Superb song, lovely flow.
Peter Mortimer
It hasn't been viewed too many times compared to some but I am somewhat surprised that a song like this will only gain 270 likes.One would hope there are other versions on YouTube that have appealed to more people. It deserves better.
VS 12
Nice flash back... Beth I love your music and another Lyrical queen!!!!! You music always gives me such a strength....
Nick Reklitis
I fell in love listening to this back in 94
Alan Treacy
I was 18 years old when I first heard Beth Orton. Life was never the same after.
whereeyeend
This song is one of my all time favorites! So exited she is coming to DC :)