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.
Chinese Whispers
Brett Anderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't listen at my wall.
Don't ask for information.
As the answer's always so.
Collect me From the station.
The blank departure Board.
We'll talk in Chinese whispers.
While the snow Begins to fall
I don't need you
But I want you.
I don't want you
But I need you.
Ho-ho-ho.
Ho-ho-ho.
There is blossom In the garden
On the magnolia Tree.
The ivies are Taking over
Where you planted Rosemary
Where you planted Rosemary.
I don't need you
But I want you.
I don't want you
But I need you.
Ho-ho-ho
Ho-ho-ho
Ho-ho-ho
Ho-ho-ho
Ho-ho-ho
The lyrics of Brett Anderson's song "Chinese Whispers" convey a sense of longing, confusion, and ambiguity that are enhanced by the metaphorical nature of the language used. From the very beginning, the singer warns the listener against prying into his personal space, suggesting that any information obtained this way would be misinterpreted. There is a palpable sense of reluctance and distrust towards any form of communication that may compromise the safety and integrity of his inner world. The reference to Chinese whispers, which is a game of distorted communication, adds to the sense of disconnect and breakdown of trust that the song conveys.
As the song progresses, the imagery of snowfall and painted Easter contrast with the growing ivies and the blossoming magnolia tree, creating a sense of conflict between the seasons of renewal and decay. The singer's ambivalence towards his own emotions is mirrored in the contrasting statements of "I don't need you but I want you" and "I don't want you but I need you," suggesting a struggle between reason and desire, logic and passion. The song ends on an unresolved note, with the repetition of the "ho-ho-ho" sounds adding to the ambiguity and open-endedness of the lyrics.
Overall, "Chinese Whispers" is a powerful song that evokes complex emotions and uses poetic language to convey a sense of ambiguity and conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tap against my window.
Please do not knock on my window to gain my attention.
Don't listen at my wall.
Please do not try to eavesdrop on me through my walls.
Don't ask for information.
Please do not inquire about me or my life as the response will always be the same.
As the answer's always so.
The answer to any inquiry about me or my life will always be the same.
Collect me From the station.
Please come to the train station to pick me up.
The blank departure Board.
The departure board at the train station is empty, symbolizing a fresh start or clean slate.
We'll talk in Chinese whispers.
We will have a private conversation in a secretive manner, as if playing the game of Chinese whispers.
While the snow Begins to fall
As the snow starts to come down.
Painting Easter With the cold
The cold weather during Easter is creating a unique atmosphere.
I don't need you
I am capable of living without you.
But I want you.
Despite not needing you, I still desire your presence in my life.
I don't want you
I do not actively seek you out in my life.
But I need you.
Regardless of my lack of desire for you, I still require your presence in my life.
Ho-ho-ho.
Repetitive sound or chant, possibly reflecting frustration or anxiety.
There is blossom In the garden
The garden is currently in bloom.
On the magnolia Tree.
Specifically, the magnolia tree is in bloom.
The ivies are Taking over
The ivies in the garden are spreading, possibly taking over other plants or areas.
Where you planted Rosemary
Reflecting on a specific memory or location where rosemary was planted.
I don't need you
Reiterating the idea of being able to live without someone.
But I want you.
Despite not needing you, there is still a desire for your presence in my life.
I don't want you
Again, emphasizing the lack of active seeking for someone.
But I need you.
The requirement for someone's presence in life still exists, regardless of want or desire.
Ho-ho-ho
A repetitive chant or sound indicative of anxiety or frustration.
Ho-ho-ho
Continuing with the repetitive chant.
Ho-ho-ho
Continuing with the repetitive chant.
Contributed by Gavin R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.