1) a Br… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists by the name of David Gray, including:
1) a British singer-songwriter
2) an Italian disco musician
3) an American singer-songwriter
4) drummer for the British blackened death metal band Akercocke
5) a musician from South Africa
6) a British classical hornist
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1) David Gray is a British singer-songwriter born on June 13, 1968 in Sale, United Kingdom. He released his first studio album in 1993 and received worldwide attention after the release of White Ladder six years later in 1999.
Gray moved to Wales at age 9 and later returned to the north-west of England to attend the University of Liverpool. His musical career got early support from a dedicated Irish fan base. After a few marginally-successful releases through the 1990s, Gray's breakthrough came with the worldwide release in 1999 of his fourth album, White Ladder; this was a critical and commercial success and included his best-known songs, "This Years Love" and "Babylon". In the United States, the album received a boost from jam-band leader Dave Matthews, who made it the first release by the record company he co-founded, ATO Records.
On August 11, 2001 White Ladder at last reached the top of the UK charts, having been selling steadily since its reissue the previous May, thereby setting a new record for the longest uninterrupted climb to No. 1. The follow-up, A New Day At Midnight, also hit No. 1, and Gray's seventh album, Life in Slow Motion was released on September 12, 2005.
Gray's early music was in a contemporary folk-rock, singer-songwriter mode; his primary instrument was acoustic guitar, with occasional piano. 1996's Sell Sell Sell featured some rock arrangements and electric instrumentation. Starting with the release of White Ladder in 1999, Gray began to make significant use of computer-generated music to accompany his voice and acoustic instrumentation, a technique which differentiates him from many of his peers. Despite the move to more complex music, Gray has used small-scale, often home-based, recording methods and equipment and espoused a "do it yourself" approach to music production. However, Life in Slow Motion is a collaboration with noted producer Marius De Vries.
David Gray's brothers-in-law are Paul and Phillip Hartnoll, formerly of the Techno/Rave band Orbital. Because of this relationship, Gray performed guest vocals on the Orbital single Illuminate, while Paul Hartnoll produced a breakbeat remix of Gray's song "Please Forgive Me".
His successful single "January Rain" was included in the original soundtrack of the movie Serendipity, starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale.
Pictures and additional information can be found on his website, www.DavidGray.com.
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2) David Gray was an Italian disco musician who had a hit with "Dead in the Water"
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3) David Gray is an American singer-songwriter
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4) David Gray is drummer for the British blackened death metal band Akercocke
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5) David Gray is a musician from South Africa
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6) British classical hornist, originally from London, England, UK, residing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Studied at the Curtis Institute Of Music. Former Principal Horn with The London Symphony Orchestra (1964-1972). Member of The Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.
House with No Walls
David Gray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From what you must say
So each to his reckless reward
Weโve torn up the track
Thereโs no turning back
Each day now a journey toward
That house with no walls
That house with no walls
The pure mountain air
A robe we shall wear
On calling these spirits to rise
For all the high bluff
They see well enough
Whatโs there when they look in our eyes
That house with no walls
That house with no walls
That house with no walls
Mark it well
When I walk through that door
Iโm a whole different person
Not me anymore
Canโt you tell
From the sound my voice makes
Iโm a fish flashing silver
Jumping clear out the lake
Children of the freeze
Some quiet if you please
Your fatherโs got something to say
Weโve tarried too long
Been seeing it all wrong
And he bids you come home right away
To that house with no walls
That house with no walls
That house with no walls
The lyrics of David Gray's song "House with No Walls" convey a sense of liberation and transformation. The singer begins by expressing a desire to turn away from something they must say, suggesting a reluctance to confront certain truths or emotions. The phrase "each to his reckless reward" implies that everyone is seeking their own personal satisfaction or fulfillment, perhaps at the expense of deeper connections or understanding.
The lines "Weโve torn up the track, thereโs no turning back, each day now a journey toward" suggest a bold and irreversible change in direction. The singer acknowledges that they have discarded familiar paths and are now committed to moving forward on a new and unknown path. This symbolizes a willingness to embrace uncertainty and take risks, abandoning the comfort of a predictable life.
The repetition of "That house with no walls" serves as a powerful metaphor throughout the song. This house represents a state of emotional openness and vulnerability, where there are no barriers or defenses. It implies a desire for genuine connection and authenticity, rejecting the walls we often build to protect ourselves. The mention of the "pure mountain air" suggests a sense of purity and clarity that can be found in this state of openness.
The lyrics also touch on personal transformation and the shedding of one's former self. The verse "Mark it well, when I walk through that door, I'm a whole different person, not me anymore" emphasizes the singer's belief that stepping into this house with no walls will result in a fundamental change in their identity. It signifies a complete departure from the past, as if their voice and inner essence have undergone a profound shift.
Towards the end of the song, the singer addresses "Children of the freeze," possibly referring to individuals who have been emotionally closed off or numb. The singer urges them to be still and listen, suggesting that they have important wisdom to impart. They acknowledge their own mistakes of seeing things wrongly and invite these frozen souls to come home to the house with no walls, where they can experience freedom and authentic connection.
Overall, "House with No Walls" is a song that speaks to the desire for emotional openness and transformation. It encourages listeners to break down the barriers that prevent authentic connections and embrace the uncertainties that come with a life lived fully and openly. The house with no walls becomes a symbol of liberation and a place where true transformation can occur.
Line by Line Meaning
With face turned away
Avoiding or ignoring the truth or reality
From what you must say
Refusing to hear or acknowledge what needs to be said
So each to his reckless reward
Choosing personal desires or ambitions over responsibility or consequences
Weโve torn up the track
Damaging or destroying the path we were on
Thereโs no turning back
No possibility of returning to the previous state or situation
Each day now a journey toward
Every day becoming a step closer to a new destination or goal
That house with no walls
A place of openness, vulnerability, and honesty
The pure mountain air
The refreshing and rejuvenating essence of nature
A robe we shall wear
A symbol of embracing new identities or roles
On calling these spirits to rise
Invoking or awakening inner strength, passion, or inspiration
For all the high bluff
Despite pretending or putting up a front
They see well enough
Others can perceive the truth or true intentions
Whatโs there when they look in our eyes
The sincerity or authenticity reflected in our gaze
Mark it well
Pay close attention
When I walk through that door
When I embark on a new path or experience
Iโm a whole different person
Undergoing a transformative change in identity or perspective
Not me anymore
No longer the same individual
Canโt you tell
Can't you perceive or understand
From the sound my voice makes
From the tone or inflection in my voice
Iโm a fish flashing silver
I possess a vibrant and shining quality
Jumping clear out the lake
Breaking free from confinement, taking a leap of freedom
Children of the freeze
Individuals who have been restricted or inhibited by their environment or upbringing
Some quiet if you please
Requesting silence and attention
Your fatherโs got something to say
The artist has an important message or revelation
Weโve tarried too long
We have lingered or delayed for an excessive period
Been seeing it all wrong
Perceiving or understanding incorrectly
And he bids you come home right away
Asking or urging you to return to a place of authenticity and truth
To that house with no walls
To a space of openness and transparency
Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Gray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Calculus
This is beautiful David. Very profound. What a talent God has blessed you with brother.
Marissa
โ๏ธ This is gorgeous, Dave! The apparent lifelessness that brings one to life.
I feel that stiffness from your chord squeaks, too. The ironic distance that makes something beautiful...truth, which I admire so much in your lyrics.
Matthias Merbitz
these songs are like a good book to me, I take them with me every day. You are with me in this difficult time. as only good music can. thank you David,
Paul Boden
He's in a good space.
Eyes and heart open. Contemplating the miracles that surround us.
Patricia Donovan
I love this song. A hymn to creation
lance wilson
Everytime I hear your brilliance I smile. You were the background music to the first dance with my wife....so how can I but smile. Thanks from Canada.
Billy Halffman
Brilliant song, another one from David Gray!
Peter M
Nice vid, simple, no need for too much hype, its pure
Annette Hickey
So beautiful. Thank you David Gray ๐ซ
Carol Trusky
Absolutely beautiful David! Your lyrics are mystifying