The Parachutes Songfacts states that Charlie Simpson has a strong musical pedigree dating back to one of his mother's ancestors, Sir William Sterndale Bennett (1816-1875), who was a distinguished classical music composer of the romantic school. Charlie attended public school Uppingham, along with the likes of Harry Judd from McFly and his ex-girlfriend Camilla Smith. He was selected as the third member of Busted, beating Tom Fletcher (now lead singer and guitarist in McFly), after responding to an advert placed by Matt and James in NME magazine in 2001. He plays guitar, piano, drums and bass, and sings vocals.
He is renowned for his distinguished eyebrows, which he says are "...the biggest and best in the business", and his guitar playing style. He loves Nirvana and The Deftones and considers Kurt Cobain his idol.
On 14 January 2005, Charlie caused Busted to split after deciding to leave the band to concentrate on his other band, Fightstar. The name "Fightstar" was created when bassist Dan Haigh came up with the name "Evenstar" and Charlie thought of the name "A Time To Fight", these names were combined to give the name Fightstar.
Following three studio albums, Fightstar initiated an extended hiatus in 2010, allowing Simpson to focus on his solo career. Parachutes, the lead single from his debut solo full-length album entitled Young Pilgrim, was released on August 15, 2011.
He met the other guys in the band through Camilla when Alex's sister moved in with her as a flatmate, and Fightstar was born. He has two other brothers who are also in bands, Will in Brigade and Edd in Union Sound Set (formerly Prego); both have supported Fightstar on recent tours/gigs.
Suburbs
Charlie Simpson Lyrics
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You couldn't call me out, you wouldn't notice me
You're somewhere I know, you're calling me
But should I ever listen to you, do you need me?
'Cause I need you now, I need you now
I need you now, I need you now
Somehow Eleanor, I know that you are watching me
I met you in the suburbs, I was seventeen
You couldn't save me then so how can you help me now?
You're somewhere I know, you're calling me
But should I ever listen to you, do you need me?
'Cause I need you now, I need you now
I need you now, I need you now
Somehow Eleanor, I know that you are watching me
From somewhere yet I don't know where you are anymore
Somehow Eleanor, I know that you are watching me
From somewhere yet I don't know where you are anymore
The lyrics of Charlie Simpson's song "Suburbs" revolve around a theme of nostalgia and longing for a past relationship. The singer remembers meeting someone in the summer when he was leaving his home, but the other person never noticed him. Later, they meet again in their suburban hometown when he was just seventeen, but things didn't work out. Despite this, he can still feel her presence and her longing through the metaphoric reference to her "calling" him.
The chorus "I need you now" is a declaration of the singer's desire to relive those memories and possibly give the relationship another chance. However, he is also uncertain and torn, questioning whether she needs him as well and if it's worth trying again.
The repeated mention of Eleanor creates a sense of personal attachment and affection, perhaps revealing that the relationship holds a significant place in the singer's heart. The final line, "From somewhere yet I don't know where you are anymore," also adds a layer of sadness and loss, further reinforcing the idea that the singer is yearning for something he can't have, no matter how much he needs it.
Line by Line Meaning
I met you in the summer I was taking off
I came across you during the summer when I was starting a new chapter of my life
You couldn't call me out, you wouldn't notice me
You didn't try to interact with me or didn't even see me
You're somewhere I know, you're calling me
I have a sense that you're out there and beckoning me
But should I ever listen to you, do you need me?
I'm not sure if you're worth paying attention to or if you require my help
'Cause I need you now, I need you now
I'm craving your presence and wishing you were here right now
Somehow Eleanor, I know that you are watching me
I have a feeling that you're observing me, Eleanor
From somewhere yet I don't know where you are anymore
I have no clue where you are located these days
I met you in the suburbs, I was seventeen
I found you while living in the suburbs and being a teenager
You couldn't save me then so how can you help me now?
Back then you weren't able to assist me, so why would you be of any use now?
Somehow Eleanor, I know that you are watching me
I still sense that you're keeping tabs on me, Eleanor
From somewhere yet I don't know where you are anymore
But I'm still uncertain about your current whereabouts
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHARLES SIMPSON, DANTON SUPPLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind