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.
Subsidence
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
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This place is neither safe nor sound
This house of cards will tumble down
As befits a cardboard town
You're lost in the ruins of your mind
As these four walls collide, as your whole world subsides
But you took it all in your stride
So raise your glass, let's celebrate
'Cause we can force those hands of fate
No need to heed the call for greed, for acquisition
Now I ain't puttin' you on, this is my genuine position
You're lost in the ruins of your mind
As these four walls collide, as your whole life subsides
But you took it all in your stride
As a matter of course, not a matter of pride
How can I thank you?
We're forever in your debt
We'll bite the hand of fate that feeds us
Morsels of regret
You're lost in the ruins of your mind
As these four walls collide, as your whole world subsides
But you took it all in your stride
As a matter of course, not a matter of pride
As a matter of course, not a matter of pride
The lyrics of Edwyn Collins's song "Subsidence" explore the concept of a fragile and unstable world that is ready to collapse at any moment, both literally and metaphorically. The song starts with the acknowledgment that the world we live in is neither safe nor sound and compares it to a house of cards that will inevitably tumble down, just like a cardboard town. He talks about the feeling of being lost in the ruins of one's mind as everything around us falls apart. However, the singer of the song takes everything in their stride, seeing it all as a matter of course, not a matter of pride.
Collins urges the listener to celebrate and still raise their glass, even amidst the chaos, and to resist the call for greed and materialistic gain. He emphasizes that it is possible to influence and shape fate in a positive way, and that we do not need to be controlled by it. The line "We'll bite the hand of fate that feeds us morsels of regret" emphasizes the notion of taking control of our own lives and pushing towards a better future. In the end, the singer once again acknowledges the feeling of being lost, but also acknowledges they are taking it in stride, not as something to be proud of, but rather as something that is simply a part of life.
Overall, the song's message is about facing and accepting the potential for destruction and chaos, while also finding strength in that acceptance and striving towards positive change. The lyrics are a reminder to live life fully, to appreciate every moment, and to strive for a better, more just world.
Line by Line Meaning
You may find as I have found
This place is not a safe place and does not have good conditions. The singer is expressing his thoughts.
This house of cards will tumble down
The structure is fragile and can crumble just like a house made of cards.
As befits a cardboard town
The place is not strong and durable, just like the cardboard material.
You're lost in the ruins of your mind
The person is engulfed in their own thoughts and cannot find a way out.
As these four walls collide, as your whole world subsides
The sudden onset of emotions is analogous to the crashing of walls and the destruction of one's world.
But you took it all in your stride
Despite the chaos, the person accepts the situation and moves on.
As a matter of course, not a matter of pride
The action of acceptance is not something to boast about but is rather a natural thing to do.
So raise your glass, let's celebrate
Instead of being sad, let's have a drink and enjoy the present moment.
'Cause we can force those hands of fate
Although the future is uncertain, we can make choices that might influence it.
No need to heed the call for greed, for acquisition
There is no point in being greedy and hoarding things just for the sake of it.
Now I ain't puttin' you on, this is my genuine position
The singer is emphasizing that he is sincere about his views and not just joking around.
How can I thank you?
The artist is expressing gratitude towards someone who helped him.
We're forever in your debt
The singer is acknowledging that the person helped him immensely and he can never fully repay them.
We'll bite the hand of fate that feeds us
The person will take control of their own destiny rather than leaving it up to fate.
Morsels of regret
There might be some regrets along the way, but they will not stop the person from moving forward.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDWYN STEPHEN COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind