They released two concept albums based on the themes of well-known books of Lewis Carroll and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle:
Jabberwocky (1999)
The Hound of Baskervilles (2002)
The music is full of masterful keyboard-driven pomp prog-rock, classical music and storylines are provided by various characters. Albums include plenty of guests such as Tracy Hitchgins Bob Catley, Peter Banks, Arjen Lucassen, Karl Groom, Ian Salmon, John Jowitt among others.
By Your Side
Clive Nolan & Oliver Wakeman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look into my eyes and then you will see
The only thing in life that meant anything to me
Was the chance to start all over and make my life anew
To share all my remaining days with one I held so true
If he would take me gladly - I would never stray
By his side.
With my pride
I have suffered in oh so many ways,
I can not believe the words you say
I thought I'd love him dearly until the end of time
And now I shall reveal to you the terror of his crime
If he had taken me gladly - I would had never strayed
If he had taken me gladly - I would have always stayed
By his side.
With my pride
(Watson: With this heartbreaking discovery, Laura told all.
And so the plan was set: Sir Henry would dine that night at Merripit House and return on foot, alone across the moor. On no account was he to leave the path, for that would spell certain death. Holmes and I would lie in wait with Doctor Mortimer, who had begun, and would end this journey with us. )
The song "By Your Side" by Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman appears to be inspired by the Sherlock Holmes story "The Hound of the Baskervilles." The lyrics depict a woman, presumably Laura Lyons, who is in love with a man named Stapleton. She hoped to start her life anew with him and stay by his side with her pride intact. However, she suffers greatly upon learning that Stapleton is already married to a woman named Beryl. She reveals to the singer of the story, Sherlock Holmes, that Stapleton was involved in a crime that led to the death of Sir Charles.
The lyrics reveal sadness and betrayal, at the same time revealing a strong desire for redemption and forgiveness. Laura expresses her willingness to stay loyal to Stapleton if he would take her gladly. Her heartbreak at the realization that her beloved Stapleton is already committed to someone else is clear. The line, "And now I shall reveal to you the terror of his crime," adds an intriguing layer to the story. The song suggests an underlying sense of mystery and intrigue, with a hint that justice will prevail in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Look into my eyes and then you will see
If you take a deep look at my eyes, you'll discover that the most important thing in my life is the opportunity to start afresh and spend the rest of my days with my beloved one.
The only thing in life that meant anything to me
The most significant and valuable thing in my life is having someone special to share my remaining days with.
Was the chance to start all over and make my life anew
The only hope I had in life was to begin again and create a new life with someone I loved deeply.
To share all my remaining days with one I held so true
The ultimate dream of mine was to spend the rest of my life with the person I held dear to my heart.
If he would take me gladly - I would never stray
I would never leave my beloved one if he accepted me willingly.
If he would take me gladly - I would always stay
I would remain loyal to my beloved one if he accepted me willingly.
By his side.
By being with him and sharing his life's journey.
With my pride
With my dignity and self-respect intact.
I have suffered in oh so many ways,
I have gone through unbearable pain and distress in many aspects of my life.
I can not believe the words you say
I am in disbelief of what I have just discovered or heard from you.
I thought I'd love him dearly until the end of time
I once believed that my love for him was eternal and would never falter.
And now I shall reveal to you the terror of his crime
Now, I will disclose to you the shock and horror of the crime that he has committed.
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.