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.
Low Expectations
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
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You shut up shop, you're leavin' home
You feel no need to settle down
In the crippled crook of your earth bound town
And you've been down this road before
Which is not to say you're bored
Or that you shouldn't want for more
There must be somethin' more than this
More than ideal homes or domestic bliss
What is there left for you to do
'Cause you've seen the future and it's nothin' new
And you've been down this road before
Which is not to say you're bored
Or that you shouldn't want for more
It's just your expectations should be lower, should be lower
And you've been down this road before
Which is not to say you're bored
Or that you shouldn't want for more
It's just your expectations should be lower, should be lower
The lyrics of Edwyn Collins's song Low Expectations talk about a person venturing out to explore the world outside and leaving behind the mundane realities of their hometown. The first verse refers to this person closing down their establishment and setting out on their own, with no desire to settle down in their hometown. The song highlights the possibility of there being more to life than just conforming to societal expectations of settling down, having a perfect home, and raising a family.
In the second verse, the artist talks about the disillusionment that one may feel after having seen the future and realizing that it holds nothing new. The repeated lines in the chorus underline the idea that while it is important to be ambitious and want more, it is essential to keep our expectations in check.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the need for people to explore the world beyond their comfort zones but not get carried away by unrealistic expectations, as it can lead to disappointment.
Line by Line Meaning
So, you set out on your own
You have decided to leave your hometown on your own.
You shut up shop, you're leavin' home
You are closing your business and leaving your home.
You feel no need to settle down
You do not feel the necessity to get married and establish a family.
In the crippled crook of your earth bound town
You are leaving behind your hometown which is holding you back and has limited opportunities.
And you've been down this road before
You have experienced this situation previously.
Which is not to say you're bored
However, that does not imply that you are bored.
Or that you shouldn't want for more
It does not mean that you should not aim for more.
It's just your expectations should be lower
But you should keep your expectations modest and realistic.
There must be somethin' more than this
You believe there is something more significant to achieve.
More than ideal homes or domestic bliss
It could be more than perfect homes and happiness in a family life.
What is there left for you to do
But you are unsure of what to do or where to go.
'Cause you've seen the future and it's nothin' new
Because you have analyzed the future and it does not look appealing.
And you've been down this road before
Once again, you have experienced this difficulty.
Which is not to say you're bored
But it does not imply that you are bored.
Or that you shouldn't want for more
It should not stop you from aspiring for more.
It's just your expectations should be lower, should be lower
Just make sure to keep your expectations practical and reasonable.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDWYN STEPHEN COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind