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.
My First Band
Boo Hewerdine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rehearsal rooms and beat up cars
Somehow we never got that far in my first band
It's such a complicated game
To find a look and choose a name
Nothing's ever been the same as my first band
And on old cassettes I find from time to time
My first band
It's like a girl, I can't forget her
And with each rejection letter
Somehow I fell we're getting better
My first band
So long ago (so long ago)
So long ago
So long ago
My first band
And in my memory it shines
And on old cassettes I find from time to time
My first band
"It's good to see ya, how you been?"
Even with the years between
We slip into the old routine
My first band
So long ago (so long ago)
So long ago
So long ago
My first band
So long ago (so long ago)
So long ago
So long ago
My first band
The lyrics of "My First Band" by Boo Hewerdine evoke nostalgia and longing for the past, painting a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations experienced during the formative years of a band's journey. The references to broken strings and cheap guitars, rehearsal rooms, and beat-up cars highlight the humble beginnings and the struggles faced by the band members as they strove to make their mark in the music industry. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of fondness and bittersweet reminiscence attached to these memories, symbolizing the camaraderie and passion that fueled their aspirations.
The singer reflects on the complexities of the music scene, emphasizing the importance of crafting a unique identity through their appearance and choosing a name that resonates with their artistic vision. The intense devotion and dedication poured into the creative process are evident as the singer laments that nothing has ever quite matched the intensity and significance of their first band. This sentiment underlines the profound impact that this initial musical venture had on their lives, shaping their identity and leaving an indelible mark on their soul.
The recurring theme of revisiting past recordings on old cassettes serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the first band. These tangible artifacts serve as a time capsule, preserving the raw energy and unbridled enthusiasm of the band's early performances. The singer's nostalgic reverie underscores the emotional attachment they hold towards their formative musical experiences, hinting at a sense of wistful yearning for the innocence and purity of their youth.
As the lyrics progress, there is a poignant acknowledgment of the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. The reunion with former bandmates and the rekindling of old memories evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, as they seamlessly slip back into the camaraderie and shared bond that defined their musical journey. The closing refrain of "so long ago, my first band" encapsulates a sense of closure and acceptance, acknowledging the transformative power of music and the lasting imprint that the first band has left on the singer's heart and soul.
Line by Line Meaning
Broken strings and cheap guitars
Despite having instruments that were not of the best quality, we made music together in my first band.
Rehearsal rooms and beat up cars
We practiced in run-down spaces and traveled in less than ideal vehicles as we strived to improve in my first band.
Somehow we never got that far in my first band
Despite our efforts, we never achieved great success or recognition in my first band.
It's such a complicated game
Navigating the music industry and trying to make it as a band is a challenging and complex process.
To find a look and choose a name
Deciding on our band's image and name was a significant part of establishing our identity as artists.
Nothing's ever been the same as my first band
The experience of being in my first band holds a special place in my heart and no other musical endeavor has quite compared.
And in my memory it shines
When I look back, the memories of my first band stand out as particularly special and meaningful.
And on old cassettes I find from time to time
Occasionally, I come across old recordings of our music on cassette tapes, bringing back nostalgic feelings of that time.
It's like a girl, I can't forget her
The bond formed with my first band feels similar to a lasting connection with a loved one, unforgettable and enduring.
And with each rejection letter
Despite facing setbacks and disappointment, I still believe in the potential and growth of my first band.
Somehow I feel we're getting better
Despite the challenges, I have a sense of optimism and progress in the development of my first band.
"It's good to see ya, how you been?"
Meeting up again with former bandmates is a joyous occasion, catching up on each other's lives and reminiscing on old times.
Even with the years between
Despite time passing and life taking us in different directions, the bond formed in my first band remains strong.
We slip into the old routine
When we reunite, it feels as though we effortlessly fall back into the familiar pattern and comfort of our shared musical past.
So long ago (so long ago)
Reflecting on the memories of my first band, it feels like a distant past filled with youthful dreams and aspirations.
My first band
The significance and impact of my first band on my life and musical journey remain timeless and unforgettable.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARK NICHOLAS HEWERDINE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind