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.
Voice Behind the Curtain
Boo Hewerdine Lyrics
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Singing in the rain
Though you heart is hurting
Here you go again
While they stand in the spotlight
Taking what is yours
Out of sight and out of mind
Yes it's true
And you play that game
They don't know your name
But everybody smiles when you sing
There's nothing else to do but sing
There's nothing else to do
'Cause people like you and me
We never get to shine
People like you and me
We never get to shine
The voice behind the curtain
Heard but never seen
Now I know for certain
That's how is always been
Don't you cry
I know it looks bad
But you should be glad
'Cause everybody smiles when you sing
There's nothing else to do but sing
There's nothing else to do
'Cause people like you and me
We never get to shine
People like you and me
We never get to shine
People like you and me
People like you and me
People like you and me
We never get to shine
People like you and me
We never get to shine
The lyrics to Boo Hewerdine's song "Voice Behind the Curtain" explore the feelings of anonymity and invisibility experienced by individuals who are not in the spotlight, particularly in the music industry. The voice behind the curtain represents those musicians and artists who are singing and performing, yet remain hidden and unrecognized.
The opening lines, "The voice behind the curtain, singing in the rain, though your heart is hurting, here you go again," suggest that despite personal struggles and emotional pain, the voice continues to perform and sing. The "curtain" symbolizes the barrier between the artist and the audience, highlighting their invisible presence.
The lyrics further highlight the injustice of others taking credit for the artist's work, stating, "While they stand in the spotlight, taking what is yours, out of sight and out of mind, so many times before." This denotes the harsh reality where talented individuals are often overshadowed or exploited by those who steal their spotlight, denying them recognition and success.
The chorus emphasizes the feelings of frustration and resignation. It acknowledges that despite the lack of recognition, the artist has no choice but to continue singing because it is what they love to do. It also suggests that even though they are unknown, their music brings joy to others, as expressed by the line, "everybody smiles when you sing."
The repetition of the verses and the concluding lines reiterates the fundamental premise of the song: people like the artist, who are not in the limelight, never get the opportunity to shine. The phrase "people like you and me" not only includes the singer but also speaks to a broader group of individuals who are similarly overlooked. The song ultimately highlights the bittersweet reality that despite the lack of recognition, the artist's passion for music and the ability to bring happiness through their voice is a reason to be grateful and continue singing.
Line by Line Meaning
The voice behind the curtain
The unseen, unheard presence guiding and providing solace
Singing in the rain
Persisting through hardships and challenges
Though your heart is hurting
Despite the pain you feel inside
Here you go again
Facing difficult circumstances repeatedly
While they stand in the spotlight
Others bask in attention and recognition
Taking what is yours
Claiming credit or success that rightfully belongs to you
Out of sight and out of mind
Being overlooked or forgotten
So many times before
Repeated instances of being ignored
Yes it's true
Acknowledging the reality of the situation
And you play that game
Continuing to participate in the role assigned to you
They don't know your name
People are unaware of your identity or worth
But everybody smiles when you sing
Your voice brings joy to others despite your own struggles
There's nothing else to do but sing
Singing is the only solace and outlet available
There's nothing else to do
No other options or opportunities are present
'Cause people like you and me
Individuals with similar circumstances and experiences
We never get to shine
We are consistently denied our chance to be recognized
The voice behind the curtain
The hidden source of support and encouragement
Heard but never seen
Acknowledged but remain unseen and unknown
Now I know for certain
Coming to a definitive understanding
That's how is always been
This has been the consistent reality
Don't you cry
Do not despair or lose hope
I know it looks bad
The situation appears bleak or unfavorable
But you should be glad
Find solace in the silver linings or small joys
People like you and me
Individuals who are overlooked or dismissed
We never get to shine
Our chances for recognition are consistently denied
People like you and me
Individuals facing similar circumstances
We never get to shine
We are continuously denied our opportunity to stand out
People like you and me
Individuals with shared experiences of being in the shadows
People like you and me
Those who are often neglected or unseen
People like you and me
Individuals who are frequently disregarded or unnoticed
We never get to shine
Our chances for recognition are consistently denied
People like you and me
Individuals who are often overlooked or underestimated
We never get to shine
Our abilities and achievements go unrecognized
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Nicholas Hewerdine, Gustav Ljunggren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind