Edwyn Collins (born 23 August 1959) is a Scottish musician from Edinburgh, … Read Full Bio ↴Edwyn Collins (born 23 August 1959) is a Scottish musician from Edinburgh, Scotland. He formed the Nu-Sonics in 1976, which became Orange Juice in 1979. The group is perhaps best known for the No. 8 hit "Rip it Up", its only UK top 40 single. In 1985, Orange Juice broke up, and he has since then pursued a solo career. Edwyn Collins is best known for his 1994 hit, "A Girl Like You", which was featured in the films Empire Records and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, and "Magic Piper of Love", a 1997 single which featured on the soundtrack of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

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.

Superficial Cat
Edwyn Collins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

At the blast that was the past
Came the superhuman brain
Set the universe aflame
Put the rest of us to shame

I looked to the skies with expectant eyes
Feeling bedazzled, humbled and small
The Answer was clearly writ large on the wall

I ain't got time for all that
I'm a superficial cat
I'm in a dwam that's where I'm at
'Cause I'm a superficial cat

At the dawning of all time
In the black hole of his mind
All his secrets will be sold
As the infinite unfolds

I don't have time for all that
I'm a superficial cat

Overall Meaning

The song "Superficial Cat" is a commentary on the human tendency to prioritize surface-level concerns over deeper contemplation. The opening lines describe an impressive feat of intellectual power that sets the singer and all other humans to shame. Despite this awe-inspiring display, the singer decides that real understanding is not worth their time and chooses instead to revel in a superficial, carefree existence as a "superficial cat."

The singer's pride in their superficiality is ironic, as it is clear that a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the universe is what truly sets the superhuman brain apart. The repeated refrain, "I ain't got time for all that," emphasizes the singer's disdain for intellectual pursuits, implying that they see them as a waste of time. The final lines are a somewhat ominous prediction of what the future may hold: all secrets will be revealed in due time, but the superficial cat simply doesn't care.

Overall, the song encourages listeners to confront their own tendency to prioritize superficial concerns and think more deeply about what truly matters in life.

Line by Line Meaning

At the blast that was the past
Reflecting on the past, which was full of explosive changes

Came the superhuman brain
A genius emerged

Set the universe aflame
Revolutionized the world and brought great change

Put the rest of us to shame
Made us all look inferior in comparison

I looked to the skies with expectant eyes
I searched for answers and guidance

Feeling bedazzled, humbled and small
I was amazed and felt small and unworthy

The Answer was clearly writ large on the wall
The solution was obvious and right in front of me

I ain't got time for all that
I don't have the patience or interest to delve deeper

I'm a superficial cat
I prefer to stay on the surface and not explore further

I'm in a dwam that's where I'm at
I'm in a trance-like state and not willing to snap out of it

'Cause I'm a superficial cat
Because that's just who I am