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.
It's Right in Front of You
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
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You still describe as your latest undertaking
It seems to me it's been a lifetime in the making
And somehow it won't come right
Somehow it won't come good
Somehow it won't come easy
Not that you thought it would
This is not what you anticipated
And somehow it won't come right
Somehow it won't come good
Somehow it won't come easy
But it's there
Right in front of you
You just keep on striving
As if that were enough in itself
Why don't you stand back a bit
And consider the view of somebody else
These aren't the times for seeking perfection
You could look back upon these days with affection
When somehow it all came right
Somehow it all came good
Somehow it all came easy
Just like you knew it could
'Cause it's there
It's right in front of you
Yes it's there right in front of you
The lyrics of Edwyn Collins's song "It's Right in Front of You" explore the theme of perseverance and the struggle for success. The song conveys a sense of frustration and disappointment as the singer describes a project that has been in the making for a long time, but still hasn't come to fruition. Despite their effort and dedication, things don't seem to be working out as planned, and the singer is feeling tired and dissipated. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "it's there, right in front of you," as a reminder that success is within reach, but it may take some time and effort to get there.
The lyrics suggest that the singer may be too focused on their own perspective and not open to considering other viewpoints. The lines "Why don't you stand back a bit / And consider the view of somebody else" suggest that taking a step back and gaining a new perspective could be helpful in achieving their goals. The song also emphasizes that seeking perfection may not always be the best approach and that sometimes things may come together in unexpected ways.
Overall, "It's Right in Front of You" is a song about the struggles and challenges of pursuing success and the importance of perseverance and open-mindedness. The song encourages listeners to keep striving towards their goals, even in the face of setbacks and obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
It's right in front of you
The solution to your problems or the success you seek is very visible and easily accessible.
You still describe as your latest undertaking
You still consider what you're currently doing as your most recent endeavor, despite the fact that it has taken you a long time to reach this point.
It seems to me it's been a lifetime in the making
It appears to me that it has taken you an extremely long time to get to where you are now in your pursuit of success.
And somehow it won't come right
Despite your efforts, things don't seem to be going well and you're constantly facing obstacles.
Somehow it won't come good
You're realizing that success is not coming easily, and it may not even come at all.
Somehow it won't come easy
Your endeavors are incredibly challenging and success seems nearly impossible to achieve.
Not that you thought it would
Although you knew success was not guaranteed, you still had high hopes for your efforts.
You're feeling tired you're feeling dissipated
You're exhausted and losing the strength to keep going despite being highly motivated.
This is not what you anticipated
Things have not gone the way you expected or desired them to go.
But it's there
The solution or success you are seeking is still available and present.
Right in front of you
It's very visible and within reach, you just need to find the new path to achieve it.
You just keep on striving
You continue to push forward and try to persevere through the difficulties.
As if that were enough in itself
You act like just working hard is going to be enough to attain your goals.
Why don't you stand back a bit
Taking a step back and assessing the situation with a new perspective may help to uncover new solutions to the problems you're facing.
And consider the view of somebody else
It may be helpful to consider the opinions and perspectives of others, who can help you see things in a different way.
These aren't the times for seeking perfection
The current period may not be the time for striving for perfection; sometimes settling for what is possible is the only way forward.
You could look back upon these days with affection
In the future, you will remember these days and may even feel nostalgic about them despite all the challenges faced during this period.
When somehow it all came right
At some point in the future, everything eventually comes together and reaches a successful conclusion.
Somehow it all came good
the situation has turned positive, for the betterment of your goals.
Somehow it all came easy
unexpectedly, everything was completed successfully with ease and was highly satisfying.
Just like you knew it could
Just as you always believed success would come, it did eventually.
'Cause it's there
The solution or success you seek is still present and accessible.
Yes it's there right in front of you
The solution to your struggles is within reach and clearly visible if you adjust your focus in the right direction.
Contributed by Hailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.