Donning his tr… Read Full Bio ↴Billy Lockett is a British musician from Northampton.
Donning his trademark leather jacket and set to transform the music of the stereotypical indie wild child, a youthful, self-taught, ambitious Billy Locket began 2011 with an armoury of tracks ranging from flawless piano playing [Heartache] to catchy, punchy feel good tunes [One That Got Away]; all aided by a uniquely soulful voice that leaves crowds muttering choruses into the night... and you thought Northampton only produced good shoes.
Hidden away in a quaint, terraced house, beneath years of prestigious artwork and creative awe, in a basement full to the brim of old slot machines, canvases, board games and band equipment, lurks the infectious sound of Billy Lockett; the towns best kept, home grown, musical prodigy in the making. Call it “acoustic-pop with a hint of indie”, call it “indie-piano with a tint of pop”; all we know is there’s some serious method in the music he’s making.
Billy’s lived in Northampton his whole life, yet it only clicked that he wanted to make something of himself when he turned 16. “You can’t win if you don’t play” is a quote that sticks out for him as he reminisces about the days he used to 7-ball all the drunks at the local pub. Although blessed with musical talent, Billy never realised he could truly make something of himself until he actually played the cards he’d been dealt [Follow me] and took his music out of his bedroom. “One day I thought to myself, get out of your room and work on your music... Show people why you’re doing it and what you’re capable of...”
Lockett starting playing piano aged 8; His Mum had originally wanted to take it up but after she lost the enthusiasm to play Billy took the reins and started jamming. From then onwards he played classical piano all through his early school days, and when his father’s friends came around to jam, he’d jump on the piano and join in - Never once did he have any lessons though. Then, at 15, he realised that there wasn’t much of a future in going to the pub, having a coke, mopping up the drunkards and chalking his cue, so he started a band. Sure, he might start where he left off; performing in a dingy little pub in front of an abundance of drunken people, who are applauding at a unique talent they wish they had, but there would only be one way up.
Although Lockett managed to overcome the challenges that face a sheltered upbringing and find what he’s been put on this earth to pursue, he confesses that his biggest musical achievement to date is the construction of Billy Lockett; “Getting the foundations in place, getting a great set, getting a manager, that’s what I’m really proud of”.
Like most perfectionists, Lockett admits that he can’t truly appreciate music when it comes down to his own and other artists singing and song writing because he’s “always listening out for how they’re doing things, or a certain piano note, or guitar riff”. Despite this, highly respected Radiohead are among one of the handful of bands that have influenced Lockett’s career as a singer songwriter; “what I like about them is how experimental and different they try to be, they don’t just stick to verse-chorus-verse-chorus with their songs, and that’s something I’ve tried to incorporate into my own material.” This definitely shines through in Billy’s latest track, ‘Clinging On’, where he is unusually experimental on certain keys and patterns, complimented by loop pedals and unique sounds; the song is also progressive all the way through, constantly building towards something bigger and better. This progression of sound is a tribute to the big sound of Massive Attack whom Billy also ranks as a crucial influence in his journey of song writing.
Although Lockett’s striving to be a “breath of fresh air” for the music industry, he is well aware that his “job is to create music that the public will like”.
balance
Billy Lockett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm not a crazy guy
But I know I'm genuine
So sit and watch I'll tell you why
And I'm not a superhero
And I'm not a movie star
But when you're around
I make you feel like you are
So let's go to the attic
Let's go to the shops
Let's grab the old red carpet
Wear the dress with polka dots
And pretend that we're stars
walking down Leicester Square
Or actors in a movie
On a secret love affair
Love affair
So stick by me and I'll tell you
There's light at the end
Stick by me and I'll show you
That all you need is a friend
So don't balance out the window
And smirk with your eyes
Don't balance on a spindle
And smile when you know I'm uptight
We're sitting in this empty room
With no furniture
And the money's running low
And the future is a blur
And I know it won't be easy
But please just wait and see
One day we'll be where we want to be
Want to be
So stick by me and I'll tell you
There's light at the end
Stick by me and I'll show you
That all you need is a friend
So don't balance out the window
And smirk with your eyes
Don't balance on a spindle
And smile when you know I'm uptight
Take my hand
And spin me around
Dance like a fool
Dance, dance around
Take my hand
And spin me around
Dance like a fool
Dance, dance around
Take my hand and spin me around
And dance like a fool
Dance, dance around
So stick by me and I'll tell you
There's light at the end
Stick by me and I'll show you
That all you need is a friend
So don't balance out the window
And smirk with your eyes
Don't balance on a spindle
And smile when you know I'm uptight
The song "Balance" by Billy Lockett is a meaningful song about being true to oneself and holding onto the people who stand by you through difficult times. The opening lines, "I'm not a wild man, And I'm not a crazy guy, But I know I'm genuine," is an expression of the artist's humility and sincerity. He acknowledges that he's not someone who is always seeking attention, but he values being authentic and real.
The subsequent part of the song is about finding joy in the everyday moments of life. Lockett suggests going to the attic, going shopping, and even wearing a dress with polka dots to have fun and feel like stars. There's a sense of playfulness and imagination in these lines. It’s as if he is saying that even though we may not be movie stars or have the capacity to lead extraordinary lives, we can still have fun and feel special in our everyday lives.
The chorus serves as the heart of the song. Lockett appeals to the listener to stick with him through tough times and reiterates that all we need is a friend to make it through. He urges the listener not to disregard him or make fun of him when he's struggling but stick around and offer support. He uses the metaphor of 'balance' to suggest that life isn't always easy, and we need people to help us maintain our steadiness.
The song ends on an upbeat note with Lockett singing about dancing like a fool with a loved one. It's a celebration of life and love and an acknowledgment that finding moments of joy is essential. Overall, "Balance" serves as a reminder to be real, value the people who stand by us, and find joy in the everyday moments.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not a wild man
I'm not someone who is unpredictable or impulsive
And I'm not a crazy guy
I'm not someone who is insane or irrational
But I know I'm genuine
But I am confident in my authenticity and honesty
So sit and watch I'll tell you why
So listen to me and I'll explain
And I'm not a superhero
I'm not someone who is exceptionally brave or powerful
And I'm not a movie star
I'm not someone who is famous or glamorous
But when you're around
But in your presence
I make you feel like you are
I can make you feel special and important
So let's go to the attic
Let's go to a space that is typically unused or forgotten
Let's go to the shops
Let's go to the stores
Let's grab the old red carpet
Let's take the old and worn-out carpet
Wear the dress with polka dots
Dress in a garment with circular patterns
And pretend that we're stars
And act as though we are famous celebrities
walking down Leicester Square
Strolling through a busy and well-known location in London
Or actors in a movie
Or performers in a film
On a secret love affair
Engaged in a hidden romance
So stick by me and I'll tell you
Stay close to me and I will explain
There's light at the end
There is hope for a better outcome
Stick by me and I'll show you
Remain loyal to me and I will demonstrate
That all you need is a friend
That companionship is what you require
So don't balance out the window
Don't lean out of the window and act recklessly
And smirk with your eyes
And look smug and pleased with yourself
Don't balance on a spindle
Don't try to balance on a thin object that might break or tip over
And smile when you know I'm uptight
And grin even though you are aware that I am worried or tense
We're sitting in this empty room
We are currently located in a bare and desolate space
With no furniture
Without any chairs, tables, or beds
And the money's running low
And the funds are depleting
And the future is a blur
And the upcoming events are unclear
And I know it won't be easy
And I am aware that it will be difficult
But please just wait and see
But please be patient and observe what happens
One day we'll be where we want to be
One day, we will reach our desired destination
Want to be
Take my hand
Hold onto my hand
And spin me around
And twirl me in a circle
Dance like a fool
Dance in an amusing and foolish way
Dance, dance around
Dance and move your body
So stick by me and I'll tell you
So stay close to me and I will explain
There's light at the end
There is hope for a better outcome
Stick by me and I'll show you
Remain loyal to me and I will demonstrate
That all you need is a friend
That companionship is what you require
So don't balance out the window
Don't lean out of the window and act recklessly
And smirk with your eyes
And look smug and pleased with yourself
Don't balance on a spindle
Don't try to balance on a thin object that might break or tip over
And smile when you know I'm uptight
And grin even though you are aware that I am worried or tense
Contributed by Lauren V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.