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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Lean on Me
Beth Orton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your eyes have told me so
Blue and black times
You think that I don't know
But there'll be glad times
Just you wait and see
And I'll be your sunrise if you'll lean on me
I have forgotten the things that you've been through
But here's one thing
On which we can agree
When you're ailing darlin' you can lean on me
And the love I bring
Will grow into a lasting thing
Put your heart on wings
That set you free
And as you rise
Up into the clearing skies
Maybe you will realize
You can lean on me
All your heartaches
Are hidden deep inside
So there's no telling
How many tears you've cried
But like the river
Told the weeping willow tree
I can hold your tear drops
Try, lean on me
Beth Orton's song "Lean on Me" is a comforting reminder to someone going through a difficult time that they are not alone. The lyrics begin by acknowledging that these are "sad times" and that the person's eyes reveal their pain. The stanza suggests that the person thinks that they are hiding their emotions, but in reality, the singer understands the depth of their despair. However, the singer assures the person that happier times are yet to come, and if they rely on the singer, they will see the light of sunrise. The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire song: a comforting and supportive message from one person to another going through a challenging period.
The second stanza is even more intimate and personal than the first. The singer imagines that they can comfort the person going through the tough time. Although the singer may have forgotten the specifics of what the other person is going through, they are still here to offer their support. The singer tells the other person that they can "lean on" them when they are feeling weak or struggling. The singer even goes on to say that the love they bring will grow into a lasting thing and that the other person will be able to "put [their] heart on wings that set [them] free." This statement is an even more profound and promising assurance of the singer's unwavering support and help.
Line by Line Meaning
These are sad times
The current situation is unhappy and miserable.
Your eyes have told me so
I can tell from the look in your eyes that you're sad.
Blue and black times
You're experiencing some dark and unhappy times.
You think that I don't know
You may believe that I'm unaware of the sorrow you feel, but I do know.
But there'll be glad times
I'm confident that we'll experience happier times in the future.
Just you wait and see
Be patient, and we'll see better days ahead.
And I'll be your sunrise if you'll lean on me
I'll be there as a beacon of hope for you if you allow me to support you.
I imagine that I could comfort you
I believe I have the ability to provide you with emotional support.
I have forgotten the things that you've been through
I may not fully understand or remember the pain and hardships you've faced.
But here's one thing
Despite my lack of full understanding, there is one thing I know for certain.
On which we can agree
We can both agree on this one thing.
When you're ailing darlin' you can lean on me
You can always turn to me for support when you're struggling.
And the love I bring
The affection I have for you.
Will grow into a lasting thing
That love will only become stronger over time and endure.
Put your heart on wings
Allow your heart to take flight.
That set you free
And feel liberated.
And as you rise
As you begin to feel better.
Up into the clearing skies
And your mood becomes more positive.
Maybe you will realize
It's possible you'll discover something new.
You can lean on me
That you can confide in me and depend on me for support.
All your heartaches
All of the emotional pain you've experienced.
Are hidden deep inside
You may be holding that pain inside and keeping it concealed.
So there's no telling
It's difficult to determine.
How many tears you've cried
How much sadness you've released through tears.
But like the river
Similar to how the river flows.
Told the weeping willow tree
The way the river interacts with the tree.
I can hold your tear drops
I can be there to support you and bear witness to your emotional release.
Try, lean on me
I encourage you to rely on me for emotional support.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TERRENCE O. CALLIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
isoldecld
how the hell did I miss this! he was my hero for years! so sad! I met him once. He didn't disappoint. Few celebrity deaths upset me, but I loved Terry. most wonderful voice :-(
sa9e
Timeless duet. In my world, this would a number 1 hit. Callier is always intoxicating.
agatunes
Heard Beth and Terry perform this live, fabulously, in Bruxelles (Nuits Botaniques) in 2002 and it's stayed with me ever since. Even more beautiful than Terry's solo version and/or their duet cover of Fred Neil's Dolphins, and that's saying something!
Suzasun Hzzz
Beautiful. Two fantastic artists. First time of hearing this. I love it.
M. Riley
🎯💖♐
stephanie garland
So beautiful. It makes me weep. Their gorgeous voices together are perfect.
edward reisdorf
i have had this cd single for thirty years, always something to come home to
Chas Cha
This is a beautiful version of this song. Nothing can touch the original but this version is really nice.
JazzyBluesWoman
I first heard Terry Callier sing this song at a club called The Bulls in Chicago... nearly 40 years ago. He had just written it...and when he started playing the noisy place got quiet and everyone listened!!!
mai.ceramics
JazzyBluesWoman ❤️