Catherine Wheel were a four-piece shoegaze/alternative rock band from Grea… Read Full Bio ↴Catherine Wheel were a four-piece shoegaze/alternative rock band from Great Yarmouth, England. The band was active from 1990 to 2000, experiencing fluctuating levels of commercial success, and embarking on many lengthy tours.

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.

She's My Friend
Catherine Wheel Lyrics

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I'm only waiting 'cause she won't care
She now shuts the shallow ?
Hide the taste that's always there ?
I can say she makes no sense
My dreams are drawn on no much ?
'Cause she's my friend
'Cause she's my friend
'Cause she's my friend, oh

'Cause she's my friend, oh
'Cause she's my friend, oh
'Cause she's my friend

I found you in a cavern in my sleep
But I'm walking over gravel
Formed in blisters on my feet
You give me all the reasons that make no sense
I only choose to be here
'Cause she's my friend
'Cause she's my friend
'Cause she's my friend, oh
'Cause she's my friend, oh
'Cause she's my friend, oh
'Cause she's my friend

Oh oh oh oh

'Cause she's my friend, oh oh oh oh
'Cause she's my friend, oh oh oh oh

'Cause she's my friend, oh oh oh oh
'Cause she's my friend, oh oh oh

Overall Meaning

In Catherine Wheel's "She's My Friend," the song's narrator appears to be stuck in a one-sided relationship with a woman who doesn't reciprocate his feelings. He is waiting for her, but he knows deep down that she won't care. He also mentions that she hides the taste that is always there, suggesting that she may have some hidden flaws or secrets that he is aware of. Despite this, he maintains that she is his friend, even though their relationship seems to be unrequited.

The lyrics continue to delve deeper into the singer's emotional state. He describes finding the woman in a cavern in his sleep, a dream-like setting that suggests an unattainable fantasy. He then contrasts this with the reality of his situation, walking over gravel and forming blisters on his feet. The woman gives him reasons that make no sense, yet he chooses to stay because she is his friend.

Overall, the song portrays a complex dynamic in which the singer is emotionally invested in a relationship that is ultimately unsatisfying. He seems to be aware of the stark contrast between his fantasies and reality, yet he continues to maintain the relationship out of a sense of loyalty or attachment.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm only waiting 'cause she won't care
I'm delaying because she won't mind or take notice of my tardiness.

She now shuts the shallow?
She currently closes the superficial or insignificant.

Hide the taste that's always there?
Is she trying to conceal the inherent bitterness.

I can say she makes no sense
I can admit that she's incomprehensible.

My dreams are drawn on no much?
My aspirations are built on scarcity.

'Cause she's my friend
Despite it all, she's still my friend.

I found you in a cavern in my sleep
In my dreams, I discovered you in a cave.

But I'm walking over gravel
However, I'm traversing a path filled with obstacles.

Formed in blisters on my feet
This journey has physically wounded me.

You give me all the reasons that make no sense
You provide me with explanations that are illogical.

I only choose to be here
Despite the pain, I willingly remain.