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.
Let Me Put My Arms Around You
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Am I to walk these naked streets
for a hundred years or more?
I had a taste of just how good it could be;
there's some place just beyond my grasp
where I'll find sanctuary.
Let me put my arms around you
How will I find my heart's desire?
I'll jump out of the frying pan
and into your arms.
Come on surprise me, go on, tantalize me.
Between the devil and the deep blue sea,
I'll find my sanctuary.
Let me put my arms around you
like I done when we were young.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
The lyrics of Edwyn Collins's "Let Me Put My Arms Around You" depict a sense of desperation and longing for love and sanctuary. The singer feels "all washed up with no place to go" and wonders if they will have to walk "naked streets for a hundred years or more". They had a taste of something good, but it's just beyond their grasp. However, the singer finds comfort in the idea of finding sanctuary in the arms of their lover. They long to hold their lover like they did when they were young and find their heart's desire. The singer is willing to take risks, and encourages their lover to surprise and tantalize them, even if it means being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it reflects the fear of growing old and losing the spark of youth. The singer longs to return to a simpler time when they held their lover, without the pressure and responsibility of adult life. They also feel a sense of uncertainty about the future, and hope that love will provide a sense of safety and security.
Overall, "Let Me Put My Arms Around You" is a poignant expression of the human need for love and connection, even in the face of uncertainty and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
All washed up with no place to go.
Feeling lost and without direction.
Am I to walk these naked streets for a hundred years or more?
Feeling hopeless and like there is no way out of current situation.
I had a taste of just how good it could be;
Remembering a time when things were better.
there's some place just beyond my grasp where I'll find sanctuary.
Hoping for a better, safer place where he can find peace and comfort.
How will I find my heart's desire?
Wondering how to find what he really wants in life.
I'll jump out of the frying pan and into your arms.
Seeking comfort and refuge with someone he loves.
Come on surprise me, go on, tantalize me.
Asking for something new and exciting to happen in his life.
Between the devil and the deep blue sea, I'll find my sanctuary.
Feeling stuck between two difficult choices but hoping to find a safe haven anyway.
Let me put my arms around you like I done when we were young.
Looking for comfort and to relive a happier time with someone he loves.
Contributed by Bella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.