Daniel Ash (born 31 July 1957, in Northampton, England) is an innovative, t… Read Full Bio ↴Daniel Ash (born 31 July 1957, in Northampton, England) is an innovative, textural guitarist for Bauhaus, Tones on Tail, Love and Rockets & solo projects.

As a founding member of the ground breaking Bauhaus, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Ash has distinguished himself in the world of contemporary music. He later went on to form Tones on Tail and Love and Rockets with members of Bauhaus.

After attending gigs in his teenage years, he made a promise to himself that no matter in what capacity; he would get up on that stage, even if he was only banging a tambourine. He started playing guitar at age 15, but later he confessed that he didn’t give it much effort, only learning three chords during his first three years. Driven by a love of Rock 'n Roll, Ash began playing in cover bands. The first gig he played was in the Glasgow Rangers Workman's Club. During this time, Ash started playing music with his Kindergarten mates David J and Kevin Haskins. With the addition of Peter Murphy, this lineup became Bauhaus.

Ash became friends with Peter Murphy during his teenage years. Ash went to art school and Murphy to work in a printing factory. They met up five years later and Daniel suggested forming a band. After rigging up a makeshift rehearsal space, Ash played an echo-laden 12-bar blues while Murphy sang a series of newspaper articles. Four weeks later they formed Bauhaus and recorded "Bela Lugosi's Dead".

That song, released in 1979, became the cornerstone of the gothic rock movement. From early on, Ash was intent on sounding original and often tried to “make the guitar not sound like a guitar.” His style is simplistic and visceral, frequently using an EBow or a guitar with a sustainer circuit.

Four years and as many albums later, Bauhaus broke up. Soon after, Ash put together Tones on Tail with Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins. In 1984, Tones on Tail was disbanded, and Ash founded the influential Love and Rockets in 1985 with Kevin Haskins and David J, also of Bauhaus.

Despite creating a unique guitar style seminal to several genres, he's often said that he's really not that interested in guitars. During the last ten years, he has been experimenting with electronic music, limiting the use of guitar as an extra element as opposed to the main focus. Since the last reformation of Bauhaus however, he's been returning to a more guitar based rock sound.

Chelsea
Daniel Ash Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I saw you standing there
I saw you standing there all alone, all alone
I saw you standing there
I saw you standing there beside me

Chelsea, they believe me
Chelsea, they do
Chelsea, they believe me

Chelsea, they do

Close encounter, fountain of youth
Endless love, you forever
Big fear, my life as a single boy

Chelsea they believe me
Chelsea, they do

Don't haunt me but don't leave me
Don't haunt me but don't leave me
Don't haunt me but don't leave me
Don't haunt me in the shadows of love

Chelsea, they believe me
Chelsea, they do
Chelsea, they believe me

Chelsea, they do
Chelsea, they believe me

Overall Meaning

The song "Chelsea" by Daniel Ash is a mysterious and haunting love song that captures the essence of infatuation and fear. The lyrics could be interpreted as Ash expressing his admiration for a woman named Chelsea, whom he saw standing alone, and his apprehension about pursuing a relationship with her. Throughout the song, Ash oscillates between wanting to be with Chelsea and fearing the consequences of being haunted by the shadows of love.

The chorus speaks of Chelsea and the belief that others have in their relationship, but it is unclear whether Ash himself shares this belief. He seems to be wrestling with his own doubts and insecurities, unsure whether he is ready for a close encounter with the fountain of youth that is Chelsea. The line "Big fear, my life as a single boy" suggests that Ash may be afraid of losing his independence and autonomy by committing to someone else.

Overall, "Chelsea" is a complex and layered song that explores the intricacies of love, fear, and desire. It is a haunting reminder of how powerful emotions can be and the risks we take when we open ourselves up to someone else.

Line by Line Meaning

I saw you standing there
I noticed you were nearby

I saw you standing there all alone, all alone
I noticed you were nearby and seemingly isolated

I saw you standing there beside me
I noticed you were nearby next to me

Chelsea, they believe me
Referring to Chelsea as someone who trusts the singer.

Chelsea, they do
Reiterating Chelsea's trust in the singer

Close encounter, fountain of youth
The potential for intimacy and rejuvenation

Endless love, you forever
The desire for never-ending affection

Big fear, my life as a single boy
The fear of loneliness

Don't haunt me but don't leave me
Requesting for closeness without any negative consequences

Don't haunt me in the shadows of love
Demanding not to be involuntarily left alone in a vulnerable state because of love.

Chelsea, they believe me
A repetition of one's trusted confidant in Chelsea.