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.
http://beth-orton.co.uk
https://www.bethortonofficial.com
Worms
Beth Orton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No matter how do you do
It's just you do that's all
You got what it takes to knock at my door
You wanna get all excited
Never been here before
And now I'm your apple eating heathen
Well you ain't got my faith
So best keep your belief
I had waited forever to love someone
I swear I heard you thank your god this time
For having me come along
Chickens don't fly but they have got the wings
No matter how hard they try
They bump into things
They're all running around
Like they're heads on the ground
They got a wish bone where their backbone should've grown
And now I'm your apple eating heathen
Any old rib stealing eve
Well you don't have my faith
So best keep your belief
I had waited forever to love someone
I swear I heard you thank your god that time
For having me come along
Intimacy reduced to cruelty
Had you believe like this was meant to be
And I look for the magic
But you got away with it
That's all
In the beginning of the song, Beth Orton states that worms do not dance because they do not have the confidence to do so. This is juxtaposed with the idea that humans, like the listener, have the ability to knock on her door and get excited about something new. The line "You wanna get all excited, never been here before" implies that the listener is inexperienced and curious about what Beth has to offer.
Beth Orton then states that she is an "apple eating heathen," suggesting that she is someone who has strayed from religious beliefs but is still sinful in nature. She is aware that the listener may have faith, but warns them to keep their beliefs to themselves. The line "I had waited forever to love someone, I swear I heard you thank your god this time for having me come along" suggests that Beth Orton has been waiting for someone who appreciates her and is grateful for her presence.
The chorus mentions that chickens cannot fly, despite having wings. This is symbolic of the idea that some people may have the tools to succeed, but are hindered by their own limitations. The line "They're all running around like their heads on the ground, they got a wish bone where their backbone should've grown" suggests that these limitations may come from fear or lack of confidence.
The final line of the song "And I look for the magic, but you got away with it, that's all" implies that Beth Orton is disappointed by the listener's lack of effort or enthusiasm. She was hoping for something special, but ultimately they were not able to make a connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Worms don't dance they haven't got the balls
Worms cannot dance due to a lack of courage
No matter how do you do
It's just you do that's all
Regardless of how you approach things, it is ultimately up to you
You got what it takes to knock at my door
You wanna get all excited
Never been here before
You have the capability to come to me with enthusiasm, even if you have never done so in the past
And now I'm your apple eating heathen
The original sin
Well you ain't got my faith
So best keep your belief
I had waited forever to love someone
I swear I heard you thank your god this time
For having me come along
I am viewed as a sinner by some when they see me eating an apple, reminiscent of the original sin. You do not share my beliefs, so it is better for you to stick to your own. I had been anticipating finding love for a long time and I believe I heard you expressing gratitude to your god for my arrival.
Chickens don't fly but they have got the wings
No matter how hard they try
They bump into things
They're all running around
Like they're heads on the ground
They got a wish bone where their backbone should've grown
Chickens are equipped with wings but do not have the ability to fly effectively. They flail about and are clumsy when they try. These creatures often behave as if they are headless and possess wishbones where their spines ought to be.
Intimacy reduced to cruelty
Had you believe like this was meant to be
And I look for the magic
But you got away with it
That's all
A once meaningful and heartfelt relationship has become cold and harsh. You may have deluded yourself into thinking that we were destined for each other but that was not the case. I sought out the enchantment that used to be present, but you put an end to that. That's all.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JULIAN HAMILTON, KIMBERLEY MOYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind