Signing to the now-legendary Sarah Records, the group issued its debut single "Around the World in Eighty Days" in August 1989, followed in February by "Noah's Ark". Absent a flexi-disc release, "Next Summer", Brighter wasn't heard from again until late 1991, when they issued the full-length Laurel; the EP Disney followed in October 1992, and was the trio's swan song.
Howard and Sharkey later reunited in the short-lived electro-pop project Hal before going their separate ways; Howard then went on to lead Harper Lee and play bass with the Trembling Blue Stars, while Sharkey co-founded Fosca in addition to pursuing a solo project, Pinkie. Alison, meanwhile, went on to teach media studies at a sixth-form college in Hove.
They broke our hearts from 1989 to 1993 while quietly attaining the "best band on Sarah Records" award.
Inside Out
Brighter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down and down, around around
Got to find where I begin
Though I don't even know your name
Got to get up off the floor
Climb and climb more and more
Got to find a place to go
She told me to reign myself
She told me to act my age
Then I'll be happy, I would be happy
I could be happy
I sat down, inside out
Oh, I tried to catch her out
It didn't (?), it turned me in
Giving in to myself, I couldn't cry
I couldn't cry if I tried
I keep calling in your sense
At my beck and call, I know them all
The greatest gift to turn within
Would be the smallest thing from you
From you, from you, from you...
She told me to reign myself
She told me to act my age
Then I'll be happy, I would be happy
I could be happy
I sat down, inside out
The lyrics to Brighter's song "Inside Out" speak to the idea of feeling lost and searching for a sense of direction or purpose. The opening lines set the tone for the song's introspective nature, as the singer dreams of falling and feels the need to find where they begin. They are lost and without a clear sense of self, not even knowing the name of someone who may be able to help them on their path.
The chorus of the song reflects a conversation between the singer and someone who is offering advice on how to find happiness. The advice is to "reign" oneself and "act" one's age, with the implication being that these actions will lead to a sense of contentment. However, the singer's inner turmoil is too great, and they find themselves feeling "inside out" and unable to follow this advice.
Verse two continues this theme of feeling lost and disconnected, with the singer unable to cry or express their emotions. They are "calling in your sense", seemingly hoping for some kind of external guidance or support. However, the final lines of the song suggest that the "greatest gift" would actually be something small from someone else - a clear indication that the search for meaning and satisfaction may not come from within oneself alone.
Overall, "Inside Out" is a powerful exploration of the struggles many people face in trying to find their place in the world and achieve a sense of contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
I could dream of falling in
I am lost and unsure, but still hopeful and dreaming of finding a way forward.
Down and down, around around
My uncertainty is making me feel trapped and disoriented, going round and round without direction.
Got to find where I begin
I need to find my own identity and sense of purpose.
Though I don't even know your name
I'm feeling disconnected from those around me, and don't even have anyone specific to turn to for help.
Got to get up off the floor
I need to take action and start moving forward, rather than feeling stuck and helpless.
Climb and climb more and more
Moving forward is going to be difficult, but I need to keep pushing myself up the metaphorical mountain.
Got to find a place to go
I need to set a destination or goal so that I have something to work towards.
Got to find my way below
I need to explore my own inner depths and emotions to find the source of my struggles.
She told me to reign myself
Someone has given me advice on how to behave or what to do, but I'm not sure it's the right path for me.
She told me to act my age
This advice may be to act more mature or responsible, but it doesn't feel like it's addressing my underlying issues.
Then I'll be happy, I would be happy
The advice is given with good intentions, hoping it will improve my mood and outlook on life.
I could be happy
Deep down, I do want to be happy and find a way to move past my struggles.
I sat down, inside out
I'm feeling exposed and vulnerable, as if my inner self is being laid bare.
Oh, I tried to catch her out
I may have doubted the advice giver's sincerity or intentions, or tried to catch them in a lie or mistake.
It didn't (?), it turned me in
This attempt at confrontation or skepticism may have backfired, making me feel even more uncertain and lost.
Giving in to myself, I couldn't cry
I may have been trying too hard to be strong and independent, to the point where I can't even express my own emotions.
I couldn't cry if I tried
I'm feeling emotionally disconnected and unable to access my own feelings or vulnerabilities.
I keep calling in your sense
I'm searching for guidance or support from others to help me through my struggles.
At my beck and call, I know them all
I may have people who are willing to help me, but I don't want to feel clingy or overly dependent on them.
The greatest gift to turn within
Ultimately, the key to finding happiness and inner peace is within myself.
Would be the smallest thing from you
Even a small gesture of support or kindness from someone else can go a long way in helping me feel better.
From you, from you, from you...
I may be feeling very alone, but I'm still holding onto the hope that others may be able to help me through my struggles.
Contributed by Alexander O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.