Edwyn Collins (born 23 August 1959) is a Scottish musician from Edinburgh, … Read Full Bio ↴Edwyn Collins (born 23 August 1959) is a Scottish musician from Edinburgh, Scotland. He formed the Nu-Sonics in 1976, which became Orange Juice in 1979. The group is perhaps best known for the No. 8 hit "Rip it Up", its only UK top 40 single. In 1985, Orange Juice broke up, and he has since then pursued a solo career. Edwyn Collins is best known for his 1994 hit, "A Girl Like You", which was featured in the films Empire Records and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, and "Magic Piper of Love", a 1997 single which featured on the soundtrack of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

Collins' music is mostly electric guitar-driven pop, and his songwriting and vocal delivery range from the acerbicly satirical to the soulfully tender, although he is better known for the former. He built his own studio in 1994 and produced his own third solo album, Gorgeous George. He has also worked as producer with other artists, including The Proclaimers, The Cribs, and Little Barrie. Collins also produced and starred in the Channel 4 sitcom West Heath Yard.

Collins lives with his long term partner, Grace Maxwell, who also manages his career. The couple, who live in London, have one son.

In a BBC 6 Music radio interview on 18 February 2005 Collins had said he felt unwell, but ascribed the nausea and vertigo to food poisoning. Two days later he was admitted to intensive care in London's Royal Free Hospital after apparently suffering a major cerebral haemorrhage. On 25 February he underwent an operation, reportedly after suffering a second haemorrhage. The procedure was successful, and Collins began a lengthy programme of neurological rehabilitation.

Sept 2007 saw the release of Home Again, the first album since his illness. Recorded before Collins’ hospitalisation but only mixed and produced after his recovery, Edwyn worked on the album during his recovery. He was heard to sing a few bars on BBC Radio 4's Front Row, sharing strumming and chord duties with Grace. 'Crap' he said afterwards; some listeners begged to differ.

HUMBLE
Edwyn Collins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can see it in the way you walk
So fine, so fine
I can see it in the way you smile
Divine, divine
And it's making me humble
It's making me shy
And she's making me humble
She's making me cry

Somehow, somewhere
I'm looking forward
I know that I'm
Going to be fine

I can see it in the way you walk
So fine, so fine
I can see it in the way you smile
Divine, divine
And it's making me humble
It's making me shy

And she's making me humble
She's making me cry

Overall Meaning

The song "Humble" by Edwyn Collins is a mellow, romantic track that speaks of a person who is extremely captivated by someone's grace and beauty. The lyrics describe how the singer can perceive the lady's beauty through her movements and smile, which leave him humble and shy, almost enfeebled by her charm. He can sense that he is falling for her and that she is making him feel so much that he is on the verge of crying even though he knows that he will be fine in the end. The overall effect of the song on the listener is a calming one, with the gentle melody complimenting the heartfelt lyrics.

The song reflects the themes of love, beauty, and frailty. The singer seems to be hopelessly in love with the beauty of the lady he is describing, which is making him feel humble and fragile. The theme of frailty is evident in the line "she's making me cry," indicating that love can make a person feel weak and helpless. The theme of beauty is apparent in the repeated emphasis on the lady's grace, with the singer being enraptured by her charm.

Line by Line Meaning

I can see it in the way you walk
I can tell a lot about you just by observing the way you walk.

So fine, so fine
It is evident that you are elegant and unique.

I can see it in the way you smile
Your smile conveys your inner beauty, which is incomparable.

Divine, divine
Your beauty is so pure that it feels spiritual.

And it's making me humble
Your grace and beauty are so overwhelming that I feel insignificant.

It's making me shy
I feel lost in your presence and I am unable to articulate my emotions.

And she's making me humble
Your magnificence is making me feel humble and small.

She's making me cry
Your unmatchable grace and beauty leave me in tears.

Somehow, somewhere
Although I am uncertain, I have faith that something positive will come out of this.

I'm looking forward
I am eagerly anticipating what the future holds.

I know that I'm
I am aware that I am destined for something great.