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.
No Idea
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
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You're quite content to let life pass you by
You're numb to everything and everyone
You've no idea
You've no idea
You're wondering about the meaning of within
You furrow your brow and then you scratch your chin
Yet still you stall
Confound it all
You've no idea
You've no idea
You can't buy into the underground
Not for all your dollars, your yens or your pounds
You see, I saw you coming
Your plan was bound to fail
Cos the devil's in the detail
And the detail's not for sale
The detail's not for sale
You've no idea
The song No Idea by Edwyn Collins depicts the life of a person who chooses to observe the world from the corner of their eye, without being an active participant in what's happening around them. The person seems indifferent to everything and everyone, essentially leading a passive life. They're always caught in their thoughts, trying to find the meaning of what's within, but are unable to reach a conclusion. The song suggests that the person has become numb to their surroundings, unable to form tangible connections or engage in spirited activities. The refrain "You've no idea" is a reminder that the person has lost touch with the real world, becoming stuck in their own head.
As the night falls, the person's stalling tactics come into play. They keep putting off what they should be doing, preferring to live in their own bubble. The song also points out that the person lacks the ability to buy into the underground, suggesting a desire to be a part of something that's beyond mainstream culture. However, their inability to do so implies that they're stuck in a rut and may not be able to break free. The lines "Cos the devil's in the detail, and the detail's not for sale" suggest that the person lacks a deep understanding of what's happening around them and that there's no shortcut to acquiring such knowledge.
In conclusion, Edwyn Collins's No Idea is a powerful commentary on the dangers of becoming passive and disengaged from the world around us. It highlights the damaging effects of living within our own heads and the importance of being an active participant in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Watching the world from the corner of your eye
You observe the world passively, without actively participating or engaging with it.
You're quite content to let life pass you by
You are satisfied with letting life happen to you instead of taking control of your own life.
You're numb to everything and everyone
You are emotionally detached and indifferent towards both people and experiences.
You've no idea
You lack knowledge or understanding of the world around you.
You're wondering about the meaning of within
You are pondering the deeper significance of your existence and purpose in the world.
You furrow your brow and then you scratch your chin
You're deeply thinking about something and trying to unravel its complexity, but have no clear answer.
Night falls, yet still you stall, confound it all
You procrastinate despite the passing of time, frustrating yourself in the process.
You can't buy into the underground
You don't fit in with the countercultural, rebellious community at large.
Not for all your dollars, your yens or your pounds
Money cannot buy you acceptance or belonging within the underground community.
You see, I saw you coming, your plan was bound to fail
The artist has observed your attempts and knows that your strategy will fail.
Cos the devil's in the detail, and the detail's not for sale
Success lies in the specific, meticulous details of a plan, which cannot be bought or sold.
You've no idea
You still lack knowledge or understanding at this point in the song.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDWYN STEPHEN COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind