Hewerdine (born Mark Hewerdine) moved to Cambridge as a child, but returned to London in his late teens, and worked in a record shop. Suffering from agoraphobia, it was not a happy time of his life, and he was fired from his job after being wrongly accused of theft. Returning to Cambridge, he teamed up with a friend with similar experiences and started to write songs. They formed the short-lived Placebo Thing, later renamed The Great Divide. They were heard by Mike Scott of The Waterboys, who recommended them to Ensign Records, where they cut two commercially unsuccessful singles. In 1985 Hewerdine, working once again in a record shop in Cambridge, formed The Bible, recruiting jazz drummer Tony Shepherd. They released an album of songs through the independent Norwich label Backs Records called Walking The Ghost Back Home.
The Bible became a fairly successful independent band, with a cult following spread mostly through word of mouth and live performances. Two tracks from the first album, Graceland and Mahalia were released as singles, but did not achieve very significant sales. The album however was very well received by music pundits, and this brought the band to the attention of Chrysalis Records. Signing to Chrysalis, Graceland and another track, Honey Be Good were (re)released as singles, and reached the lower end of the UK singles chart. A new album, Eureka followed, but failed commercially. In 1988, Hewerdine decided to leave the group and pursue solo projects. Calum MacColl and Neill MacColl from the group went on to form Liberty Horses.
At around this time Hewerdine met US "new country" singer Darden Smith, and this set him off in a new direction. Working together, he and Smith released a collaborative album, Evidence. Hewerdine also worked simultaneously on new solo songs, largely based on his earlier traumatic experiences in London. Eventually these were distilled down to produce the Ignorance album, released in 1992. Invited by Tori Amos to play support promoting these songs, Hewerdine managed to find a new audience and Ignorance and a single from the album, History, did relatively well commercially.
As Hewerdine's star rose, he started to write for other artists, among them Eddi Reader, Clive Gregson and Christine Collister. The Bible reformed for a tour in 1994. Further solo album releases followed, such as 1996's Baptist Hospital and 1999's Thanksgiving. Meanwhile Hewerdine was asked by long-time friend Nick Hornby to contribute music to the soundtrack for the movie version of his book High Fidelity, whose subject (working in a record shop) was also very close to Hewerdine's experiences.
Hewerdine continues to write and perform his own songs. Harmonograph, released on MVine/Red Grape Records in February 2006, is a collection of his songs written for other artists such as Eddi Reader and Hepburn, recorded by Hewerdine for the first time. 2008 saw two mini CD releases - Toy Box 1 and Toy Box 2 with art work by Hewerdine's grandmother. Hewerdine continues to tour regularly, playing a set featuring songs from through out his career from The Bible to Toy Box.
Graceland
Boo Hewerdine Lyrics
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In Boo Hewerdine's song Graceland, the singer seems to be grappling with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness in a romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer is questioning whether they would be able to provide for their partner financially, but ultimately concludes that material possessions pale in comparison to the "free-est things in life." The singer then goes on to ask their hypothetical partner if they would mourn them after their death, perhaps by building the Taj Mahal or wearing black every day. However, the singer doubts that their partner would do these things, suggesting that they find themselves undeserving of such devotion.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer has a deep yearning for love and connection, yet they feel that they are shutting down on the inside. They seem resigned to the fact that their partner will never see "Graceland," which could refer to a physical place like Elvis Presley's estate, or a metaphorical place of happiness and fulfillment. The repeated refrain of "all my yearning" underscores the singer's sense of longing and desire for something they feel is unattainable.
Overall, Graceland delves into complex themes of self-doubt, the value of material possessions, and the yearning for love and connection. The lyrics are introspective, emotional, and poignant, evoking a sense of melancholic beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
Would I give you money? I don't know
I am uncertain if I would be willing to offer you financial assistance.
the free-est things in life are best
I believe that the most valuable aspects of life are those that are free.
and so, put me to the test now...
I am ready to prove my beliefs and be tested on them.
And when I die will you build the Taj Mahal?
I wonder if you will go to great lengths to commemorate my death.
wear black every day of your life? I doubt it
I suspect that you will not mourn my passing indefinitely.
You will never see Graceland... All my wanting, all my waiting, all my working all my wickedness for all my yearning, inside I'm shutting down
You will never witness my true desire and struggles, as I am slowly losing motivation and giving up on achieving my dreams.
So what am I doing without you?
I am lost and uncertain how to continue my life without your presence.
Love at second sight would see me through but not this time
I have previously found happiness in unexpected places, but not in the present moment.
You will never see Graceland... All my wanting, all my waiting, all my working all my wickedness for all my yearning, all my yearning, all my yearning
Despite my intense desire and hard work, my yearning for a better life will remain unfulfilled.
You will never see Graceland...
Ultimately, you will never witness me achieve my definition of success or happiness.
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.