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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Countenance
Beth Orton Lyrics
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Whilst they're practising revenge
Man will do to man
But nature's got it all in hand
It ain't free
It ain't fooled you'll see
There are no rights for the many
The fear born into grace
They're gonna get the helping hand
It ain't free
It ain't fooling me
And there's nothing to hide
And there's nothing to save
And there'll always be something
Your countenance to give it away
Not much more to say
Not much more to say
For those who are obsessed
With his reflection as he is
Nature has a cause
You know you ain't never
Gonna be that blessed
It ain't free
It ain't fooled you'll see
And there's nothing to hide
And there's nothing to save
And they'll always be something
Your countenance to give it away
Not much more to say
Not much more to say
Beth Orton's song "Countenance" touches on themes of forgiveness, revenge, and the ways in which humans interact with each other and with nature. The first verse speaks to the hypocrisy of those who preach forgiveness while practicing revenge. The lyrics suggest that while humans may harm each other, ultimately nature will balance things out. The phrase "it ain't free, it ain't fooled you'll see" speaks to the idea that there are consequences for our actions, even if they may not be apparent in the moment.
The second verse addresses the idea that there are no equal rights for everyone, and that some are already "damned" by their circumstances. The line "the fear born into grace" implies that some people are born into situations where they are destined to struggle, due to factors beyond their control. The idea of a "helping hand" may refer to the idea of social programs or intervention, but the lyrics suggest that this may not be enough to truly level the playing field.
The chorus repeats the idea that there's "nothing to hide" and "nothing to save", and that our "countenance" - our facial expressions and demeanor - can reveal a lot about us. The lyrics suggest that there's not much left to say on these issues, as they're fundamental to the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
For those who preach forgiveness
Those who preach about forgiveness and its importance
Whilst they're practising revenge
Yet, they themselves seek revenge
Man will do to man
Humans tend to harm and hurt each other
But nature's got it all in hand
But the balance of the natural world takes care of everything
It ain't free
There is always a cost involved
It ain't fooled you'll see
We cannot be deceived by the seemingly free things
There are no rights for the many
The majority do not have the same rights or privileges
The ones already damned
Those who are already condemned or punished
The fear born into grace
The fear that comes with being blessed or favored
They're gonna get the helping hand
They will receive the support or assistance they need
And there's nothing to hide
There is no way to conceal or keep secrets
And there's nothing to save
There is nothing that can be rescued or salvaged
And there'll always be something
There will always be some indication or evidence
Your countenance to give it away
Your facial expression or demeanor will reveal it
Not much more to say
There is nothing more to add or explain
For those who are obsessed
Those who are fixated or preoccupied
With his reflection as he is
With their self-image as it currently exists
Nature has a cause
Nature has its own purpose or intention
You know you ain't never
You know that you can never
Gonna be that blessed
Be as lucky or fortunate as you think you deserve to be
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ELIZABETH CAROLINE ORTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind