In the 1970s, Essex emerged as one of the UK's top performers. His biggest hits during this decade included a pair of Number One singles : "Gonna Make You A Star" (1974), a satirical look at his success; and "Hold Me Close" (1975), a cheerful singalong. He also appeared in Stardust, a 1974 sequel to That'll Be The Day; the title song was another Top 10 hit. In 1976, Essex covered the Beatles song, “Yesterday”, for the musical documentary All This and World War II.
Essex's pop idol looks gave him a strong female fan base and his British tours created scenes of hysteria reminiscent of Beatlemania. According to the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles - 16th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-190-X 'he was voted the number one British male vocalist in 1974, and was a teen idol for more than a decade'.
In 1978, he appeared on Jeff Wayne's concept album, a musical version of The War of the Worlds, as the Artilleryman. The two album set remains a bestseller.
In the same year, Essex played the character Che, loosely based on Che Guevara, in the original production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita, and his recording of the show's "Oh What a Circus" reached Number 3. Two years later, he starred in the film Silver Dream Racer; and the soundtrack song "Silver Dream Machine" was yet another Top 10 hit in the UK singles chart. In 1985, he wrote and starred as Fletcher Christian in the West End musical Mutiny!, based on the novel Mutiny on the Bounty by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall. The score produced two more hit singles, including "Tahiti," his tenth Top 10 success.
Essex has continued to perform in all areas of show business, to varying degrees of success. A 1989 sitcom, "The River", achieved good ratings. In 1991, a compilation entitled His Greatest Hits reached Number 13; a 1993 album, Cover Shot, peaked at Number 3. His autobiography, A Charmed Life, was published in 2002, and became a bestseller.
In 1999, Essex was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He still tours the UK on a yearly basis and releases albums through his website. Surprisingly, despite his long and thriving British career, he remains largely unknown in the United States. "Rock On" reached Number 5 in 1974, and was his only Billboard Top 40 hit single.
The grandson of an Irish Traveller, Essex told Jake Bowers of the BBC's Rokker Radio, a programme for Gypsies and Travellers, on 30th July 2006, that he has always been openly proud of his Traveller roots, but that having moved to the US, Essex has said he feels it inappropriate for him to continue as Patron of Britain's National Gypsy Council, which works for equal rights, education, and services for Romany and Irish Travellers.
In 2005, he appeared as a guest vocalist on Saint Etienne's album Tales from Turnpike House. Also that year, he appeared in the Channel 4 documentary Bring Back...The Christmas Number One.
Essex was due to join the cast of soap opera EastEnders, in early 2006, as new character Jack Edwards. However, the role was expanded beyond the three weeks planned, and Essex was unable to commit the time. The role instead went to Nicky Henson.
A model and recording of Essex is featured in the museum of West Ham United Football Club. In the recording, he explains his reasons for supporting West Ham and his love of the team. He remains a popular, hard working and respected star, who has nevertheless not achieved a more global presence.
A Winters Tale
David Essex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe I should close the door
And anyway the snow has covered all your footsteps
And I can follow you no more
The fire still burns at night
My memories are warm and clear
But everybody knows it's hard to be alone at this time of year
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice?
Of one more love that's failed
A love that can never be
Though we meant to love to you and me
On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale
While I stand alone
A bell is ringing far away
I wonder if you hear
I wonder if you're listening
I wonder where you are today
Good luck, I wish you well
For all that wishes may be worth
I hope that love and strength are with you for the length of your time on earth
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice?
Of one more love that's failed
It's a love that can never be
Though we meant to love to you and me
On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice?
Of one more love that's failed
It's a love that can never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale
David Essex's song "A Winter's Tale" is a heartbreaking ode to lost love during the holiday season. The lyrics set the stage for the singer's reminiscing of his past love with the opening lines, "The nights are colder now, maybe I should close the door, and anyway the snow has covered all your footsteps, and I can follow you no more." These lines imply that the relationship has ended, and he can no longer follow the physical path of his lover. The next set of lines, "The fire still burns at night, my memories are warm and clear, but everybody knows it's hard to be alone at this time of year," convey both the warmth of the memories and the loneliness of the present time.
Throughout the song, Essex's voice is filled with sorrow as he reflects on the failed relationship. His use of "It was only a winter's tale, just another winter's tale" conveys the insignificance of their relationship in the grand scheme of things, yet it was everything to the two of them. The singer recognizes that the relationship can never be rekindled, and it was only meant to be a short but intense love affair. The final lines say, "On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale," suggesting that their love was just one in a long line of failed relationships that occur during the holiday season.
Overall, David Essex's "A Winter's Tale" is a poignant ballad that perfectly captures the feelings of lost love during the holiday season. It is a reminder that this time of year can be challenging for those who are alone, and that the memories of past love can be both warm and painful.
Line by Line Meaning
The nights are colder now
The weather is colder now, signaling the change in season.
Maybe I should close the door
Perhaps the door should be closed to keep the cold out.
And anyway the snow has covered all your footsteps
The snow has covered any indication of your presence, physical or emotional.
And I can follow you no more
The evidence of your existence is covered by the snow, and I can no longer pursue you or your love.
The fire still burns at night
The warmth of the fire provides some comfort and reminds me of the love we once shared.
My memories are warm and clear
I recall our moments together fondly and with happiness.
But everybody knows it's hard to be alone at this time of year
Being alone during the winter season is tough, as people generally seek comfort and warmth in the company of others.
It was only a winter's tale
Our love was brief and fleeting, like a story from the winter season.
Just another winter's tale
Our story is one of many romantic tales that take place during the cold winter months.
And why should the world take notice?
Our love was insignificant and not noteworthy in the grand scheme of things.
Of one more love that's failed
Our love did not last and consequently ended in failure.
A love that can never be
Our love cannot be rekindled or reignited.
Though we meant to love to you and me
Our intentions were there, but love ultimately failed us.
On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale
Our love story is nothing new or unique and has been repeated countless times throughout the world.
While I stand alone
I am now standing alone, without you.
A bell is ringing far away
A distant sound, perhaps symbolic of the transition from the past to the present.
I wonder if you hear
I question if you are aware of or affected by the sound.
I wonder if you're listening
I ponder if you are paying attention to my thoughts and feelings.
I wonder where you are today
I am curious about your current location or emotional state.
Good luck, I wish you well
I offer you my best wishes for the future.
For all that wishes may be worth
Despite my good intentions, my wishes may not have any tangible effect.
I hope that love and strength are with you for the length of your time on earth
I desire for you to find love and inner strength throughout your lifelong journey.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mike Batt, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@billylittle3984
A Winter's Tale
David Essex
The nights are colder now
Maybe I should close the door
And anyway the snow has covered all your footsteps
And I can follow you no more
The fire still burns at night
My memories are warm and clear
But everybody knows it's hard to be alone at this time of year
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed
A love that can never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale
While I stand alone
A bell is ringing far away
I wonder if you hear
I wonder if you listening
I wonder where you are today
Good luck, I wish you well
For all that wishes may be worth
I hope that love and strength are with you for the length of your time on earth
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed
It's a love that can never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale
It was only a winter's tale
Just another winter's tale
And why should the world take notice
Of one more love that's failed
It's a love that can never be
Though it meant a lot to you and me
On a worldwide scale, we're just another winter's tale
@user-hm9gs2im7e
One of the best Christmas song,.love this song..and love this dog also💖🐕🎄
@nicholaswiltshire6356
My dear late Mum disliked Mr. Essex saying that he couldn't sing. Until she heard this on the radio and said "what a lovely voice" without knowing it was David Albert Cook himself. But it still became her favourite Christmas song even after discovering who sang it. God bless Mum, miss you and Dad. Especially at Christmas. Xx
@calebrush3833
Ah bittersweet Xmas, some loved ones gone never to return only in our dreams, but new little faces appear let's hope for a better year.
@rw8733
I remember listening to this with my mum and family when I was 17. Whenever I hear it I can see her. God, I miss her still.
@ChristianMotivationChannel
I just remembered this song after so long. Such a simple and sweet song
@anniehaynes1561
God it's so long ago, I'm 60 he's 70!!!! Where did the years go....my fave Christmas song..and he truly was..and still is bloody gorgeous...time is a state of mind . Happy days
@1STBUCKLEY
He's beautiful. Met him s few times, was speechless. I feel old too lol
@purpleplump6650
So true, I'm the same age...... loved this way back then, my late mum loved this too, so extra special ❤
@tansleypotts9486
@purple plump I'm 71 I remember this seems like yesterday gone are the good days
@joanmcfarlane1199
I thought he was good in Eastenders.