Before her days in Ash, Hatherley was playing in the obscure punk rock band, Nightnurse, from the age of 16. They received moderate success, and Ash frontman Tim Wheeler was present at one of their gigs. She was later recruited as the fourth and final member. Her first album with the group was 1998s Nu Clear Sounds where she provided lead guitar for all tracks and also wrote the song WildSurf which appears on the album.
Apart from this, Hatherley mainly contributed to Ash with soulful guitar and some backing vocals, co-writing the odd song with Wheeler. The title track from Hatherley's first solo album, Grey Will Fade had previously been featured as a B-side to one of Ash's singles. The rest of the band had liked the song, yet felt it wasn't consistent with Ash's sound, and supported Hatherley when she decided to record her own album. This debut album, relased in 2004, has more than proved her songwriting ability. The three singles, Bastardo, Kim Wilde and Summer all received high praise from critics, as well as the album itself.
The videos to the tracks Bastardo and Summer were directed by her ex-boyfriend, Edgar Wright, who is best known as the director of the film "Shaun Of The Dead", which incidentally featured two tracks from Ash's fourth album proper Meltdown, the title track and Orpheus.
On January 20th 2006, she announced her departure from Ash, to pursue her solo career further.
Her first material since her departure from Ash came in the form of the Behave EP which featured tracks from her second album and was released on December 18 2006 on two formats - 7" vinyl and digital download. The EP featured the title track Behave as well as other tracks from her second album including Cousteau and Mr Ed.
Her second album, The Deep Blue, was released in March 2007 on her own label Little Sister Records which was founded by Charlotte together with her manager Ann-Marie Shields. Between this and the release of her 2009 third solo effort, New Worlds, she played with Bat for Lashes as a touring guitarist, and has played bass with Client since December 2007.
Grey Will Fade
Charlotte Hatherley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To make you feel much better fay
And turn your head around and break it down
Don't you want a better view?
Oh come on yeah please say you do
And the wind'll change
And part the dark clouds over you
There's nothing to be gained by
Running all those bad times through your head again
Stormaths ablaze with hellfire
But don't you know that these things
Always end the same
Your pretty face is full of pain
Your act is getting harder to sustain
But I see and I hear it there are other ways
Forget the people who don't care for you
Oh I love you
You know its true
Its so hard
But stay with me I'll see you through
There's nothing to be gained by
Running all those bad times through your head again
Stormaths ablaze with hellfire
But don't you know that these things
Always end the same
In simple words I try to say
Everything will be ok
The grey will fade
And there'll be rainbow skies above you fay
Lets go somewhere we don't know
Its not running away
Just trying to take control
The sunshine and the blue
Maybe you'll find something there for you
Oh I hope so
So lets go
The song "Grey Will Fade" by Charlotte Hatherley talks about finding solace in difficult times. It begins with the singer trying to find the right words to comfort a saddened friend, telling them that things will get better if they look at things from a different perspective. Throughout the song, the singer offers hope and affection, telling their friend to forget the people who don't care about them and assuring them that they will find new opportunities where they can be happy.
The lyrics focus on the idea of moving on and not dwelling on the past, as dwelling on the bad times only reignites the fire. The song ends on an optimistic note, encouraging the listener to embrace the unknown and take a chance on new beginnings.
Overall, "Grey Will Fade" is an uplifting and hopeful song. It offers a glimpse into the power of friendship and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times. It's a reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that things can and will get better if you keep your head up and keep moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying to find the words to say
I am struggling to express my thoughts verbally and find the right combination of words to communicate a certain message.
To make you feel much better fay
I want to alleviate your emotional distress and bring a sense of comfort or positivity to you.
And turn your head around and break it down
I hope to change your perspective or mindset and allow you to see things in a new light, by breaking down any negative patterns of thinking.
Don't you want a better view?
Do you not desire a more optimistic outlook or hope for the future?
Oh come on yeah please say you do
Please acknowledge that you desire a better view and are open to my suggestions or ideas.
And the wind'll change
Metaphorically, a change of perspective or mindset can have drastic effects similar to that of the wind changing direction.
And part the dark clouds over you
I hope to remove any negative feelings or thoughts that may be clouding your judgement or emotions, and bring clarity of mind and optimism to you.
There's nothing to be gained by
It is futile and unproductive to revisit or dwell on past negative experiences or thoughts.
Running all those bad times through your head again
To constantly relive or remember negative experiences can cause additional emotional pain or trauma, and inhibit personal growth and change.
Stormaths ablaze with hellfire
Negative experiences can feel overwhelming and all-consuming, like a raging storm with flames or fire.
But don't you know that these things
It is important to remember that negative experiences are transient and do not define your entire existence or future.
Always end the same
Ultimately, negative experiences will come to an end, but the emotional growth and change that comes with it is up to the individual.
Your pretty face is full of pain
Despite any attempts to conceal or mask pain, it is clear that you are experiencing emotional distress.
Your act is getting harder to sustain
It is becoming more difficult to uphold a facade or mask of emotional stability or positivity, and the pain is becoming increasingly apparent.
But I see and I hear it there are other ways
I recognize that the current mindset or approach to dealing with emotional pain may not be effective or sustainable, and there are other methods or perspectives to try.
Forget the people who don't care for you
It is important to not place value or importance on those who do not prioritize or value your well-being and happiness.
Oh I love you
I care deeply for you and want to support you through any struggles or hardships.
You know its true
I hope you recognize the genuine nature of my affection and support towards you.
Its so hard
Dealing with emotional pain or trauma can be incredibly difficult and challenging.
But stay with me I'll see you through
Please rely on me for support and guidance through any hardships or struggles, I will stay by your side and help you through it.
In simple words I try to say
I am attempting to communicate a message that is easily understandable and clear, without any ambiguity or miscommunication.
Everything will be ok
Regardless of current struggles or pain, everything will eventually work out in a positive way.
The grey will fade
Negative emotions or experiences will dissipate or become less prevalent over time.
And there'll be rainbow skies above you fay
There will be a sense of hope or positivity in the future, with opportunity for growth and change.
Lets go somewhere we don't know
Let us try and explore different opportunities or experiences, outside of our comfort zones or familiar surroundings.
Its not running away
Attempting to find new opportunities or experiences is not a form of escapism or avoidance, but rather taking control of one's personal growth.
Just trying to take control
By exploring and trying new experiences, one can gain a greater sense of control over their life and emotions.
The sunshine and the blue
These new experiences and opportunities have the potential to bring positivity and joy, symbolized by the sun and blue skies.
Maybe you'll find something there for you
It is possible to find new passions or opportunities while exploring the unknown, and this exploration may lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Oh I hope so
I have hope and optimism for the potential new opportunities or experiences that may be discovered.
So lets go
Please come with me and embark on this journey of personal growth and exploration.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLOTTE HATHERLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind