He was the lead vocalist of rock band Suede from 1989 until their split in 2002. He then fronted The Tears with ex-Suede guitarist, Bernard Butler although as of 2006 they are on hiatus.
So far Anderson has released 4 solo albums. His self-titled debut was released in 2007. The following year brought the quieter, piano-driven Wilderness and Slow Attack was released in 2009. A return to the rock band format "restless, noisy and dynamic" album Black Rainbows was released on September 26, 2011.
Suede reformed in 2010, releasing the albums Bloodsports in 2013 and Night Thoughts in 2016.
By the Sea
Brett Anderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She can walk out anytime anytime she feels that life has passed her
by
And when I start my new life I won't touch the ground
I'm gonna try hard this time not to touch the ground.
He can walk out anytime anytime he wants to walk out that's fine
He can walk out anytime across the sand into the sea into the
brine
I'm gonna try hard this time not to touch the ground.
So we sold the car and quit the job
and shook some hands and wiped the make-up right off,
And we said our good-byes to the bank
left Seven Sisters for a room in a seaside shack,
And when I start my new life I won't touch the ground,
I'm gonna try hard this time not to touch the grounds
...it's by the sea we'll breed
...into the sea we'll bleed...
The lyrics of Brett Anderson's "By the Sea" are filled with a sense of restlessness and the desire for change. The opening lines of the song repeat the phrase "She can walk out anytime" with the added sentiment "anytime she wants to walk out, that's fine." This lyric speaks to the idea of self-discovery and the importance of taking control of one's own life. The singer is accepting of the idea that the woman in question may leave him, as he is focused on his own journey of starting a new life where he won't "touch the ground."
The message of the song is further reinforced by the lyrics "He can walk out anytime, anytime he wants to walk out, that's fine. He can walk out anytime, across the sand into the sea, into the brine." The character in question has the same desire for change and self-discovery as the singer. The image of walking into the sea is both inviting and potentially dangerous, representing the instability that comes with taking risks.
The final lines of the song, "it's by the sea we'll breed...into the sea we'll bleed," are cryptic in their meaning. The phrase "by the sea we'll breed" could be interpreted as a reference to starting a new life and building a family in a seaside location, while "into the sea we'll bleed" could be seen as a reference to the harsh reality of life and potential for danger that comes with such a move.
Overall, "By the Sea" is a song about embracing change, taking risks, and starting a new life. The lyrics are poetic and filled with imagery, inviting the listener to imagine a life outside of their current situation.
Line by Line Meaning
She can walk out anytime anytime she wants to walk out that's fine
She has the freedom to leave the relationship at any time and it's okay.
She can walk out anytime anytime she feels that life has passed her by
She can also leave if she feels like she's missed out on life experiences.
And when I start my new life I won't touch the ground
The singer is determined to make major changes in their life.
He can walk out anytime anytime he wants to walk out that's fine
The male partner also has the freedom to end the relationship whenever he chooses.
He can walk out anytime across the sand into the sea into the brine
The male partner is leaving for a new life by the sea.
And when I start my new life I won't touch the ground
The singer continues to express their determination to make drastic changes in their life.
So we sold the car and quit the job and shook some hands and wiped the make-up right off,
The couple has made significant life changes by selling their possessions and leaving their jobs behind.
And we said our good-byes to the bank left Seven Sisters for a room in a seaside shack,
They have also left their old home to live by the sea in a simpler lifestyle.
And when I start my new life I won't touch the ground,
The artist repeats their determination once again.
...it's by the sea we'll breed
The couple plans on starting a family by the sea.
...into the sea we'll bleed...
This line has a darker meaning, perhaps indicating a willingness to die by or in the sea. It is open to interpretation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRETT ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
cindy ho
I'm crying and listening to this Suede.. it's weird how Suede is always there, to have the exact song to match my exact emotions.. "Nothing ever flows in my life.. no one really cares if there's no one to share my care"..
BVargas78
Deep and touching. Suede are quite possibly my favourite band overall.
rebeldiamondz
What an amazing performance of an amazing song! Thanx for posting!
Rothsuede
Brett Anderson is a Gift that keeps giving
anthonysprott
this song speaks to me perfectly. bretts playing is fine.
Alex Liu
This is great video, Brett is amazing, thanks
Lisa Perneby
Oh, he's the greatest
Cynthia van den Heuvel
It's so weird...i have listened to so many songs in my life....but gogobar it is true... the songs of suede and brett and bernard are the ones to last......
昭慶
it`s an amazing video~THINK you~~~
Didier Lambot
Where was this filmed ????? Never heard this version before