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.
The White Owl
David Gray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Into the breakers till my lungs burst
For to still my mind
Down through the echoing blue
In a swallow dive
So damn alive
The tightrope the green lasso
And soft hands to bear me through
I’ll be the white owl
Winds cover me
I’ll be the white owl
Swooping low
I’ll be the white owl
No knowing me
I’ll be the white owl
Blood my road
Till the first is last
All the smoke of the future
Pouring out of the past
Every vestige gone
Nothing left but the altar
We found each new day upon
All else gone
The light bends the thought gets skewed
Each sky dancing heart stripped nude
Then I’ll be the white owl
Winds cover me
I’ll be the white owl
Swooping low
I’ll be the white owl
No knowing me
I’ll be the white owl
Blood my road
I’ll be the white owl
Time cover me
I’ll be the white owl
Swooping low
I’ll be the white owl
No knowing me
I’ll be the white owl
Blood my road
The lyrics of David Gray's song "The White Owl" evoke a sense of longing and a yearning for freedom and peace. The singer is searching for a way to quench their thirst, both literally and metaphorically, by immersing themselves in the vastness of the ocean until their lungs burst. This extreme action symbolizes a desire to escape from the confines of their mind and find inner tranquility. The mention of a "swallow dive" and feeling "damn alive" suggests the exhilaration and liberation they seek.
The imagery of a tightrope and a green lasso implies a need for support and guidance as they navigate through life's challenges. They long for someone with "soft hands" to help them through difficult times. Here, the white owl represents a source of protection and wisdom. In this state, the singer hopes to find solace and a sense of self amidst the chaotic and unpredictable nature of existence.
The repeated refrain of "I'll be the white owl" reinforces the singer's determination to become the embodiment of resilience and grace. The idea of the winds covering them suggests being shielded and enveloped by the forces of nature. They envision themselves swooping low like an owl, symbolizing a silent and powerful presence as they navigate through life's trials and tribulations.
The lyrics also touch upon the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change. The singer acknowledges that everything in life eventually fades away, and only the altar of each new day remains. This acceptance of impermanence allows them to embrace the present moment with all its beauty and vulnerability. The mention of light bending and thoughts getting skewed signifies the distortions and uncertainties that arise in life, but they find solace in their identity as the white owl, embracing the journey despite its challenges.
In the final verse, the singer emphasizes their commitment to embodying the white owl. They recognize that, in this role, they may not be easily understood by others ("No knowing me"). The mention of "blood my road" conveys that their path may be paved with sacrifices and challenges, yet they are determined to persevere and find their own way. The repetition of the refrain, particularly the line "time cover me," suggests the desire for the passage of time to bring comfort and healing, allowing them to fully embrace their role as the white owl.
Overall, the lyrics of "The White Owl" epitomize a search for inner peace and resilience amidst the struggles of life. The singer finds solace in embracing the transformative power of nature and their own identity as the white owl, symbolizing wisdom, grace, and a fierce determination to navigate life's uncertainties.
Line by Line Meaning
For to quench my thirst
In order to satisfy and relieve my inner desires and needs
Into the breakers till my lungs burst
Plunging into the powerful waves until I reach my breaking point
For to still my mind
To calm and quiet my thoughts and emotions
Down through the echoing blue
Descending into the vast and reverberating depths of the ocean
In a swallow dive
Performing a diving technique resembling that of a bird
So damn alive
Feeling incredibly vibrant and full of vitality
The tightrope the green lasso
Navigating through life's challenges and uncertainties
And soft hands to bear me through
Having gentle support and assistance to guide me
I’ll be the white owl
I will embody the characteristics and essence of a majestic white owl
Winds cover me
Being embraced and sheltered by the forces of nature
Swooping low
Descending swiftly and gracefully
No knowing me
Being mysterious and unpredictable
Blood my road
My journey is marked by hardship and sacrifice
Till the first is last
Continuing relentlessly until the beginning becomes the end
All the smoke of the future
The uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding what lies ahead
Pouring out of the past
Flowing out from the experiences and events that have shaped me
Every vestige gone
Every trace and remnant completely disappeared
Nothing left but the altar
Only the sacred place of devotion and surrender remains
We found each new day upon
Discovering and embracing the potential of each fresh start
The light bends the thought gets skewed
The perspective shifts and distorts under the influence of illumination
Each sky dancing heart stripped nude
Every passionate and lively spirit exposed and vulnerable
Time cover me
May time protect and envelop me
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Gray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hollygroelle5991
David Gray, thank you for your presence and artistry.
Your work has the ability to touch truth and connect us to seeing our path forward in peace and beauty.
Yes, an amazing gift and you keep-on giving.
"Nothing left but the altar we found each new day upon
All else gone"
@jennifermahony8254
Have every album and David Gray just keeps getting better. Beautiful song 💕
@tombakhurst2501
I agree !
@rebeccacarroll149
Listen to the white owl in my studio in Kerry, very soothing to paint to. My favourite on this album.
White Ladder CD is worn out. Thanks be for Spotify.
David Gray, thank you for the inspiration 🎨🎶
@joelmiddaugh8229
This whole album is really slow and ethereal. To get the best experience out of it you have to buy the album and listen to it start to finish. Make it an hr long listening session when you're having a hard time and it will bring you peace. This album is like being in a monastery.
I didnt really appreciate it as much listening to the songs individually on YT. The only catchy song on the album is Heart and Soul. Once I got the album it was like a therapy session and this is probably my favorite song of all.
This album also reminds me of early David Gray before White Ladder when he used a more Welsh accent and less electronic influence. It's more folky like that. Overall I like it better than his last.
@tonicemeno5850
Love him!! Beautiful Song and Video
@tombakhurst2501
Yes it’s a lovely song... and thank you
!
@ThePrettymosquito
Fantastic job.
@sammyshakiry7958
Amazing 🤩
@NarutoLpn
I love it!