Signed to Heavenly Recordings, he debuted in 2000 with the 6-track EP Maplewood. His full length effort, Here Be Monsters followed in 2001.
He has since released From Every Sphere (2003), Strangers (2004), The Beautiful Lie (2006, his last for Heavenly), Lustre (2010), Back Into The Woods (2013), Time Of Dust (2014), and Furnaces (2016).
His first instrument is the piano, but he also uses several less common keyboard instruments as well as the guitar. Live, he is accompanied by a band typically comprising a drummer, guitarist, violinist and trumpeter. His work is sometimes reminiscent of Tom Waits but still entirely his own, varied and passionate style.
Kids
Ed Harcourt Lyrics
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Save us now we need an antidote
Kids get out on the street
Through this smoke rise through the city heat
You loved me like a friend
But now I can't pretend
The time we used to spend
Police sirens make me deaf
As I run trying to catch my breath
What's the world afraid of now
We are taught to clap our hands and bow
Rise from the ashes with a song to remember
Kids you're our only hope
In Ed Harcourt's song "Kids," he addresses the youth as a beacon of hope and change, pleading with them to rise up and make a difference in a world that seems to be decaying. The verses of the song express a sense of urgency and desperation, with the lyrics "Save us now we need an antidote" and "What's the world afraid of now?" The chorus repeats the phrase "Kids you're our only hope," emphasizing the message that the younger generation holds the key to creating a better future.
The first verse encourages kids to take action, urging them to "get out on the street" and "rise through the city heat." The second verse takes a personal turn, with Harcourt reflecting on a friendship that has gone sour. He sings, "You loved me like a friend, but now I can't pretend, the time we used to spend, was wasted on you." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for larger societal relationships, perhaps between different age groups or political parties.
The bridge of the song introduces an element of chaos, with police sirens blaring and Harcourt running to catch his breath. Despite this, the lyrics maintain a sense of hope and determination, as he states "Rise from the ashes with a song to remember."
Line by Line Meaning
Kids you're our only hope
Dear younger generation, we hope you can help us in saving the world from its current state of chaos.
Save us now we need an antidote
We require a cure or remedy for the predicaments that are plaguing our society, and we trust that the young people can provide it.
Kids get out on the street
The issue is serious and we need the youths to express their grievances and opinions by demonstrating or protesting on the streets.
Through this smoke rise through the city heat
In order to resolve the issue, the young people must remain steadfast and go through the tough times like rising through smoke or heat in the city.
You loved me like a friend
There was a certain level of affection and camaraderie in our relationship.
But now I can't pretend
Sadly, I cannot maintain the friendship because of the current situation.
The time we used to spend
The moments we shared together, which are now gone and can never be regained.
Was wasted on you
The time we spent together was futile and unproductive, and it is your fault, not mine.
Police sirens make me deaf
The loud sound of the police sirens overwhelms my preoccupied mind, and I am unable to hear myself think.
As I run trying to catch my breath
I am making an effort to escape from my troubles and difficulties, while struggling to breathe.
What's the world afraid of now
The world is gripped by fear, and we are uncertain of what is causing or driving it.
We are taught to clap our hands and bow
Society teaches us conformity, and this makes us susceptible to blind obedience, or even ignorance.
Rise from the ashes with a song to remember
We can overcome our troubles and emerge stronger than ever, with a tune that represents and commemorates this moment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ED HARCOURT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind