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.
What's The Big Idea?
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would like to know
Well you burst in here
Your entourage in tow
Well you don't fool me
With your hoodlum tat
Any fool can see
You're just a pussycat
Well you don't know me
And you can't show me
Yet you act like you own me
Well what's the big idea?
I would like to know
I would like to know
What's the big idea?
Well I stand alone
And I know no fear
So I'm quite immune
To your big idea
But I must admit
To a slight intrigue
At your awesome power
The power to deceive
But I believe that you don't know me
And you can't show me
Yet you act like you own me
Well what's the big idea?
I would like to know
I would like to know
What's the big idea?
You don't know me
And you can't show me
Yet you act like you own me
Well what's the big idea?
I would like to know
I would like to know
What's the big idea?
What's the big idea?
I would like to know
(Move over, your heart's not in it
Move over, your heart's not in it
Move over, your heart's not in it
Move over, your heart's not in it
Move over, your heart's not in it
…)
The lyrics to Edwyn Collins's song What's The Big Idea? are a commentary on the facade of power and authority that some people put on to impress others. The singer is addressing someone who has come into the room with a group of people, trying to project an image of strength and intimidation. However, the singer is not fooled by this act, and sees through it to the real character of the person. The repeated question, "What's the big idea?" is a challenge to this person to explain their behavior and motivations.
Despite the singer's defiance and confidence in their own independence, there is still a sense of intrigue about the power that the other person wields. This tension is conveyed through the imagery of the "pussycat" and the "awesome power to deceive." Ultimately, the singer asserts their own autonomy by repeating the refrain, "You don't know me and you can't show me, yet you act like you own me," and demanding an explanation for the other person's behavior.
Overall, the lyrics to What's The Big Idea? convey a sense of skepticism towards the posturing and pretense of those who seek to control others through intimidation and manipulation.
Line by Line Meaning
Well what's the big idea?
Asking the other person why they are doing what they are doing.
I would like to know
Expressing curiosity in knowing the answer to the question asked above.
Well you burst in here
The other person enters the singer's space uninvited and unexpected.
Your entourage in tow
The other person brings a group of people they are affiliated with.
Well you don't fool me
The artist sees through the other person's unconvincing facade.
With your hoodlum tat
The singer is not impressed by the other person's tattoos or tough-guy image.
Any fool can see
An observation that what the other person is trying to convey is merely for show and not substantial.
You're just a pussycat
The artist sees the other person as harmless or not as tough as they are trying to appear.
Well you don't know me
The artist feels that the other person has no real knowledge or understanding of who they are.
And you can't show me
The artist feels that the other person is not able to demonstrate that they know who they are or what they are capable of.
Yet you act like you own me
The singer feels that the other person is acting as if they have power over them, even though they obviously do not.
Well I stand alone
The artist is confident and willing to face challenges without the help of others.
And I know no fear
The singer is unafraid of any threats posed by the other person or their entourage.
So I'm quite immune
The singer is unaffected by the other person's intimidation tactics.
To your big idea
The singer is dismissive of the other person's intentions or plans.
But I must admit
The artist opens up a little, admitting that there is at least some level of interest or intrigue regarding the other person.
To a slight intrigue
The artist is only slightly interested or curious about the other person.
At your awesome power
The singer acknowledges that the other person has some sort of power or influence, which they might be able to use to their advantage.
The power to deceive
The singer is wary of the other person's ability to mislead or trick them.
But I believe that you don't know me
The artist reiterates that the other person is not really familiar with who they are.
You don't know me
Repeating the same idea from the previous line, driving home the point that the other person has a poor understanding of the artist.
Well what's the big idea?
A repetition of the opening question.
Move over, your heart's not in it
The singer is telling the other person to step aside, as they don't seem to be fully invested or committed to whatever they are doing or saying.
(…)
Refers to the repetition of the previous line multiple times, as if to further emphasize the artist's point.
Contributed by Vivian V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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This is a great version, and it's Edwyn Collins! Superb! What a voice!
Diana Hart
I loved the original and I recently learned the lyrics to the Dutch version which is even better - I have this CD 'A Song for Eurotrash', and I love what Edwyn did with the original. He definitely brought something new to it.
TheEssexSpurs
How's the Dutch going?
Lanarker
I've very much enjoyed Mr Collins' work since Postcard days and eagerly snapped up his solo stuff since "Don't Shilly Shally". Saw him live a few times (always great). I thought "Hope And Despair" was his high point... then "Gorgeous George" blew my sweet little socks off. Somehow I missed this Eurotrash thing ten years ago... Mr Edwyn Collins this is utterly, utterly wondrous. Thank you to thecatkeaton for posting this. This really has made my day. Brilliant . I have to find this CD ...
Italian1987 Italian
Edwin's voice wow!!!
AshtonArcher
Great version of this song!
Mabd
I enjoy this version very much. However, if he had done his own harmonies, that would have sent this over the top.
johnnybsteelriff
Unfortunately, this is far too GOOD!!!!
cowonthegrass x
Love the way Edwyn spread himself about (stylistically)
Stephen beardwood
this song stands up with any songs of the seventies kitch yes but so embarrassingly catchy