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.
Over The Hill
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reckless youth, that's the truth
At twenty one I had a grand conceit
Clarity, simplicity
In my world of darkness nothing's changed
In all my confusion it's still the same
Some day, out there, when I'm older
Looking forward to a better day
There's a choice, a clearer voice
In my mind the sky is turning blue
In the haze, brighter days
In my world of darkness, nothing's changed
In all my confusion, it's still the same
Some day, out there, when I'm older
When I'm wiser, when I'm over the hill
Some day, out there, when I'm older
When I'm wiser, when I'm over the hill
Over the hill, over the hill...
The lyrics of Edwyn Collins's song Over The Hill reminisce about the recklessness of youth and the clarity that comes with experience and aging. The singer looks back on his younger self, acknowledging that he had a grand conceit when he was twenty-one. But now, he longs for a better day, hoping for a clearer voice and a blue sky in his mind. As he navigates through his world of darkness and confusion, he hopes that someday when he's older and wiser, he will be over the hill.
The theme of the song revolves around the idea of ageing and the wisdom that comes with it. It showcases the contrast between the recklessness of youth and the clarity that comes with experience. The repetition of the phrase "In my world of darkness nothing's changed, In all my confusion it's still the same" represents the idea that even as one grows older, some things never change, and some struggles become a constant part of life.
Overall, Collins's Over The Hill delivers an optimistic message about ageing and the hope for a better future despite the struggles of the present.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back where I used to be
Reflecting on my past experiences
Reckless youth, that's the truth
Realizing that my youth was characterized by impulsiveness and lack of responsibility
At twenty one I had a grand conceit
Having a false belief in my own abilities and knowledge at a young age
Clarity, simplicity
Believing that life was simple and straightforward
In my world of darkness nothing's changed
Feeling stuck in a negative mindset despite the passage of time
In all my confusion it's still the same
Feeling lost and unsure of what to do next despite growing older
Some day, out there, when I'm older
Hopeful for a better future when I'm more experienced and knowledgeable
When I'm wiser, when I'm over the hill
Feeling that wisdom comes only with age and experience
Looking forward to a better day
Optimistic about the future
There's a choice, a clearer voice
Believing that there are opportunities to make better decisions and a stronger sense of purpose
In my mind the sky is turning blue
Feeling hopeful and positive
In the haze, brighter days
Expecting clearer and more positive outcomes
Over the hill, over the hill...
Repeating the phrase to emphasize the feeling of going beyond one's prime
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDWIN COLLINS, ROMEO WILLIAM STODART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind