Catherine Wheel formed in 1990, comprising singer/guitarist Rob Dickinson (cousin of Iron Maiden legend Bruce Dickinson), guitarist Brian Futter, bassist Dave Hawes, and drummer Neil Sims. Hawes had previously played in a Joy Division-influenced band called Eternal. They took their moniker from the firework known as the Catherine wheel, which in turn had taken its name from the medieval torture device of the same name. The band was often included in the shoegazing scene, characterized by bands that made extensive use of guitar feedback and droning washes of noise, as well as their continuous interaction with extensive amounts of effects pedals on the stage floor.
The band performed a Peel session in early 1991 while still unsigned; two 12" vinyl EPs were released on the Norwich based Wilde Club Records, named after the regular weekly Wilde Club gigs run by Barry Newman at Norwich Arts Centre. They signed to major-label Fontana Records after being courted by both Creation Records and the Brian Eno-run label Opal Records. The band's debut album, 1991/92's Ferment, made an immediate impression on the music press and introduced Catherine Wheel's biggest U.S. hit, "Black Metallic," as well as moderate hit "I Want To Touch You". The album features re-recorded versions of some of the Wilde Club-issued EPs.
The more aggressive Chrome followed in 1993, produced by Gil Norton. With this album, the band began to shed its original shoegazing tag, while still making skillful use of atmospherics, such as on the song "Fripp." In a 2007 interview, Rob Dickinson said that members of Death Cab for Cutie and Interpol told him that without this album, their bands "wouldn't exist."
1995's Happy Days saw the band delving further into metallic hard rock, which alienated a portion of their fanbase, even as it increased their exposure in the United States during the post-grunge era. The single "Waydown," and especially its plane-crash themed video, received heavy play in the U.S. A more sedate strain of rock known as britpop was taking over in the UK, causing C.W. to continue to have greater success abroad than at home.
The B-sides and outtakes collection, Like Cats and Dogs, came out the following year, revealing a quieter, more contemplative side of the band, spanning the previous five years. This carried over into Adam and Eve in 1997, wherein the band scaled back the sonic force of their sound from its Happy Days levels, with clean playing on some songs that featured extensive use of keyboards and acoustic guitars. Alternately, songs like "Satellite" and "Here Comes the Fat Controller" were lush and orchestral in scope.
In 2000, Catherine Wheel re-emerged with a new record label, a new bassist (Ben Ellis); a modified name (The Catherine Wheel); and a new album, Wishville. After mixed reviews, record company turmoil and lacklustre sales, the band went on a still-continuing hiatus.
In March 2010, Ferment was re-released, containing bonus tracks and extensive sleeve notes.
Heal
Catherine Wheel Lyrics
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It's how high you are and the time it takes to heal
I can climb a tree and push up through the leaves 'cause
Only when I try am I happier to see
My head's in some kind of space where boyhood used to be
It's how high you are and the time it takes to heal
There's a streak of melancholy running down my back
And there's a great mistrust that borders round the man
I call it strange from a boy who never left his head
It's how high you are and the time it takes to heal
And everyone needs someone to live by
Everyone needs someone to live by
But it's all a lie, it's a lie to make you beg
For something more for something better than you've had
And I wish I knew
I wish I knew how to change
'Cause everyone needs someone to live by
Everyone needs someone
Everyone needs someone to live by
Everyone needs someone
Everyone needs someone
It's how high you are and the time it takes to heal
The lyrics of Catherine Wheel’s song “Heal” can be interpreted in a number of ways, but they seem to reflect the idea that healing from emotional turmoil takes time and sometimes requires one to “climb a tree and push through the leaves” to find a new perspective. The first verse highlights the importance of recognizing how high one is and the length of time it takes to recover from struggles. The quote continues to be repeated throughout the song, showcasing that the passage of time and reaching a higher level of awareness are essential elements of the healing process.
The second verse of the song speaks to a sense of melancholy, mistrust, and feeling of being disconnected from the world. This mood is thought-provoking in contrast to the opening lines' optimism, and it showcases the singer’s struggle with his emotional state while highlighting the importance of self-discovery to better understand oneself. Everyone struggles with finding their place in the world, and everyone needs someone to help guide them through the process. This emotional state of feeling disconnected is relatable to most people, and the line “It's all a lie, it's a lie to make you beg, for something more, for something better than you've had, and I wish I knew” demonstrates the desire to improve oneself while also acknowledging the need for support from others.
In conclusion, “Heal” is a song about the struggle to heal from trauma, feelings of melancholy and mistrust, and the need for guidance and support. The lyrics’ message is thought-provoking and relatable, and they encourage listeners to take the time they need to heal fully and find their path in life.
Line by Line Meaning
It's how high you are and the time it takes to heal
The level of emotional pain you feel and the length of time it takes to recover are connected.
I can climb a tree and push up through the leaves
I can escape from my problems by retreating into my imagination.
Only when I try am I happier to see
I only experience joy when I challenge myself to do something difficult.
My head's in some kind of space where boyhood used to be
I'm stuck in a mental state that I associate with childhood and youth.
But it's all a lie and I've never felt so sad
Despite my attempts to distract myself, I am deeply unhappy.
There's a streak of melancholy running down my back
I feel a pervasive sense of sadness that affects every aspect of my life.
And there's a great mistrust that borders round the man
I am suspicious of others and have difficulty forming close relationships with people.
I call it strange from a boy who never left his head
I know my tendencies towards isolation and introspection are unusual for someone my age.
And everyone needs someone to live by
Human beings require a sense of connection with others in order to thrive.
But it's all a lie, it's a lie to make you beg
The idea that we need someone to live by is a falsehood perpetuated by societal norms and media messages.
For something more for something better than you've had
We are constantly sold the idea that there is something missing from our lives that can only be filled by finding the perfect partner.
And I wish I knew
I am troubled by my own inability to find happiness in the same way as others.
I wish I knew how to change
I feel that my emotional state is beyond my control and I am helpless to make positive changes.
Everyone needs someone to live by
This idea is so pervasive that it feels almost universal.
Everyone needs someone
Regardless of how much we may resist it, we all crave companionship and connection.
Everyone needs someone to live by
This refrain is repeated to emphasize the importance of human relationships in our lives.
Everyone needs someone
This notion is repeated once more to drive home the message that we all require social bonds in order to thrive.
It's how high you are and the time it takes to heal
The song comes full circle, emphasizing the message that our emotional state and recovery time are intertwined.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: BRIAN FUTTER, ROBERT DICKINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind