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.
Out of This World
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
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Cause whilst you bask in the warmth of the sun
We're vulnerable and defenseless
There are so many people, who've come to depend on you
There are even some impressionable fools to whom you are a guru
And return to them and you say, "Love is in this season"
But the seasons change and what will you believe in
I'll leave to find a way to break out of this world
Yes, there's got to be a way to break out of this world
You were burned, yours is a love that smolders, so hard to heal
That you're carrying the weight of the world upon you're shoulders
Not that it amounts to much but I'd help you if I could
Now, don't waste your breath refusing my help but so many understood
And return to me and you say, "Love is in this season"
But the seasons change and what will you believe in
When the winter comes that's when I'll be leavin'
I'll leave to find a way to break out of this world
Yes, there's got to be a way to break out of this world
And return to me and you say, "Love is in this season"
But the seasons change and what will you believe in
When the winter comes that's when I'll be leavin'
I'll leave to find a way to break out of this world
Yes, there's got to be a way to break out of this world
Yes, there's got to be a way to break out of this world
The lyrics to Edwyn Collins's song "Out of This World" suggest a plea for a loved one to come back to reality and understand the responsibilities that come with their position of influence. The singer is asking the person to see beyond their own happiness and consider the impact they have on others, particularly those who depend on them or look up to them as a "guru." The line "We're vulnerable and defenseless" indicates that the person's neglect of their duties or responsibilities could lead to harm or danger for those around them.
The chorus seems to reflect the uncertainty and impermanence of life: "Love is in this season, but the seasons change and what will you believe in?" The singer recognizes that feelings and beliefs are fleeting, and that eventually the person will have to face more challenging times. The line "when the winter comes that's when I'll be leaving" suggests that the singer may ultimately decide to move on from the relationship if they continue to feel neglected or unimportant.
Overall, "Out of This World" is a poignant reminder of the importance of considering others and facing reality, even when it may be easier to ignore it. The song suggests that there is no easy way out of life's challenges, but that we must keep searching for a way to break out of the constraints that hold us back.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been prayin', I'm prayin' that you come to your senses
I'm hoping that you gain some awareness
Cause whilst you bask in the warmth of the sun
While you're enjoying life
We're vulnerable and defenseless
We're at risk of harm
There are so many people, who've come to depend on you
Many rely on you
There are even some impressionable fools to whom you are a guru
Some blindly follow you
And return to them and you say, "Love is in this season"
You tell them that love is important
But the seasons change and what will you believe in
What will happen when things are different?
When the winter comes that's when I'll be leavin'
I'll go away when times get tough
I'll leave to find a way to break out of this world
I'll search for a way to escape reality
Yes, there's got to be a way to break out of this world
There must be a way to find freedom
You were burned, yours is a love that smolders, so hard to heal
You've been hurt and it's difficult to recover
That you're carrying the weight of the world upon you're shoulders
You feel overwhelmed by your problems
Not that it amounts to much but I'd help you if I could
I'm willing to assist, though it may not be significant
Now, don't waste your breath refusing my help but so many understood
Don't deny my offer, many would take it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDWYN STEPHEN COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind