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.
One Is A Lonely Number
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
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Again, you will try and fail
'Cause in the end it's all a game, my friends
In which truth may not prevail
And if life breaks your heart
You needn't fall apart
'Cause you've still got your mind
If you're true to yourself
One is a lonely number
One is a lonely number
One is a lonely number
Andi if you fail it needn't be the end
The end is a ghost in time
There's many things that we can comprehend
And yet we can't define
And if life breaks your heart
You needn't fall apart
'Cause you've still got your mind
Which will serve you in kind
If you're true to yourself
One is a lonely number
One is a lonely number
One is a lonely number
The lyrics of Edwyn Collins’ song “One Is A Lonely Number” convey the message that even though life may sometimes be difficult and we may fail, we must still hold onto and be true to ourselves. The first stanza suggests that even when we try our best, we may still fail at times, but we must not give up because life is a game and sometimes truth may not always prevail. The second stanza encourages us to persevere even when life breaks our heart and reminds us that we still have our mind to rely on, which will help us move forward. The chorus “One is a lonely number” emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, even if it means standing alone.
The song’s lyrics may be interpreted as a commentary on the importance of self-reliance and individuality, particularly during times of distress or loneliness. The phrase “One is a lonely number” suggests that even though it may be difficult to stand alone, it is important to remain true to oneself and one’s beliefs. The final verse suggests that even in times of failure or uncertainty, there is always a way forward, and that we must hold onto our inner strength to overcome obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
And you will try, and you will fail again
Even though you will attempt, you are bound to fail again
Again, you will try and fail
You will repeat the process of trying and failing
'Cause in the end it's all a game, my friends
Life is just a game, my dear friends
In which truth may not prevail
Truth may not necessarily win in this game called life
And if life breaks your heart
If life causes emotional pain
You needn't fall apart
You don't need to crumble under the weight of it
'Cause you've still got your mind
You still have your own thoughts and ideas
Which will serve you in kind
Which will benefit you in return
If you're true to yourself
If you remain true to your own values
One is a lonely number
Being alone can be tough
One is a lonely number
Being by yourself can be lonely
One is a lonely number
Being the only one can be isolating
And if you fail it needn't be the end
If you don't succeed, it's not necessarily over
The end is a ghost in time
The end is an uncertain and unidentifiable thing in the future
There's many things that we can comprehend
There are numerous things we can understand
And yet we can't define
But sometimes we can't put them into words
Contributed by Alexandra M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.