… Read Full Bio ↴Charlie Cunningham is an English singer-songwriter based in Oxford.
Cunningham is a fresh talent, proving to be more than just a man with a guitar and a voice; a regularity that we have become all too familiar with. His new and ambitious EP Outside Things combines beautiful, yet honest song-writing with such percussive guitar playing that he truly stands out from the crowd.
Title track “Outside Things’” premièred on Best Fit; the lyrics are from the perspective of a newly-born baby. It’s a time that occurs in everyone’s life that cannot be remembered or recalled, this therefore, explorative aspect to his song-writing shows the depth Cunningham has to offer, unlike so many artists of his type. The song manages to convey an impression of diving in and out from the confusion of that foreign experience in such a compelling nature, accompanied by intense vocals playing on the track’s intimacy. “Outside Things’” carries with it a strange sense of longing, which is continuous throughout the EP.
“In One Out” is the first track to be heard on the record; it’s melodic, but profoundly sombre and relatively dark sounding. The finger-picked guitar behind the vocals is hypnotic. There’s a slight step away from this intensity of the opening track and that of the title track in “Lights Off” and “Plans” - the second and fourth tracks on the EP. With far less movement there’s time to breathe between songs, it really helps to make each one stand out in their own right. During both of these tracks Cunningham creates moments of silence, with constant breaks where everything comes to a brief halt – if you heard these tracks live you’d want to be situated in an intimate and silent setting.
The Outside Things EP not only demonstrates Cunningham’s impeccable writing ability, but his intricate and skilful playing technique, developed and picked up from his time spent in Seville, along with showing off his individual voice. Through the EP Cunningham’s percussive, yet flexible guitars playing technique is something to be whole heartedly admired.
How Much
Charlie Cunningham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So much work at first, it goes
How should I walk this earth?
So much worse the further, the further you go
Go, take off a load
Letting your wings unfold
And keeping everything down to a minimum
Tell'em what you know
But all that you know, though
The truth be told you need it more than you thought
But you're managing, that's how you evened out (out)
Keep on walking that line, the fine line
Between a wrong and a right
You get yours, I'm gonna get mine
Is that what you signed for?
They're feeding you lines
To keep you on their side
It works every time
What you got to live for
Now you got the whole of the world at your feet
And how much more can you pass yourself round?
What you got to live for now
You got the whole of the world at your feet
But you're still shaking?
You need to make up some ground
Go, take off a load
Letting your wings unfold
And keeping everything down to a minimum
Everything a bit though
Tell'em what you know
But all that you know, though
The truth be told you need it more than you thought
But you're managing, that's how you evened out (out)
The song "How Much" by Charlie Cunningham is about questioning one's purpose and place in the world. The singer is asking how they should navigate life and trying to figure out what they're living for. They feel overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to be done and how much worse it becomes as they continue to walk down their path. Despite this, they advise others to take off a load and let their wings unfold while keeping everything to a minimum. In other words, they suggest that people should avoid excess and focus on what's truly important. The singer acknowledges that they need to learn more and manage their life better, but they're doing what they can to stay on track.
As the song progresses, the singer talks about the fine line between right and wrong and how the world tries to feed us lines to keep us on their side. They question whether they're living the life they truly want to live and what they're living for. They mention that they have the whole world at their feet, but they're still shaking and need to make up some ground. In the end, the singer encourages everyone to manage their lives in their best possible way.
Overall, "How Much" is a thoughtful and introspective song that speaks to the human experience of questioning our place in the world and what we're living for.
Line by Line Meaning
How do I walk this earth?
How should I live my life?
So much work at first, it goes
It seems difficult initially, but it gets easier with time.
How should I walk this earth?
What is the right way to live?
So much worse the further, the further you go
It becomes harder and harder the more you experience and learn.
Go, take off a load
Relax and let go of your burdens.
Letting your wings unfold
Allowing yourself to grow and develop.
And keeping everything down to a minimum
Simplifying your life by reducing unnecessary things.
Everything a bit though
However, it's important to keep some things in balance.
Tell'em what you know
Sharing your knowledge with others.
But all that you know, though
But you must acknowledge there's still much you don't know.
The truth be told you need it more than you thought
You need knowledge and information more than you previously realized.
But you're managing, that's how you evened out (out)
Despite not knowing everything, you've found a way to cope and balance your life.
Keep on walking that line, the fine line
Keep trying to find the right balance in life.
Between a wrong and a right
Between what's ethical and what's not.
You get yours, I'm gonna get mine
Everyone is focused on their own needs and desires.
Is that what you signed for?
Is that really what you wanted for your life?
They're feeding you lines
Others are trying to manipulate you by saying what you want to hear.
To keep you on their side
To keep you under their influence.
It works every time
This manipulation is successful.
What you got to live for
What is the purpose of your life?
Now you got the whole of the world at your feet
You have endless possibilities and opportunities.
And how much more can you pass yourself round?
How many more experiences and people can you connect with?
What you got to live for now
What are you living for in the present moment?
But you're still shaking?
But are you still uncertain or fearful?
You need to make up some ground
You need to catch up and make progress.
Contributed by Camilla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Elif Şengül
Close all the doors and hope that it passes
It's all in your stripe
The space in between is tight
Brushing the line
How much should you start with?
’Cause it won't let you lie
We're all rolled in a carpet
And thrown off the side
How much should you want this?
Cut your time
Keepin’ honest
It won't be your last time
I'll make you mine
And I'll make up your mind
How much should you want this?
Cut your time
Keepin' honest
It won't be your last time
Antonio Foglia
Another Charlie Cunningham song that dismantle me with ease. A melancholic melody that carries a latent sorrow...longing for a momentary bliss... <3
Nisa Adıgüzel
You're the best, man. I listen you again, again in a day, especially while studying.. Because your melodies make me more relaxed and focused. Please keep on to produce.
Craig Callaghan
Absolutely loving your music. Thanks to Spotify I came across your amazing songs. Thank you for the music. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Michael Kattenbeld
this song gets me every time... thank you!
C B
Deep deep feelings evoke this song......as usual when I listen to you.
Anabela Cortes
Hermoso tema. <3
Mara Morales
Today is the first day i listen to you. You are an complete artist!! I like me your voice, your style. I hope see you in México soon
Free soul
your songs make me feel alive
Wandermind
I absolutely adore this music!
Nothing Matters
You make my life and give me a huge smile Sending all my love to you CC