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.

What Is My Role
Edwyn Collins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If I think too hard then
I can feel like no one, though
I'd rather be alone
Than with people I don't know
'Cause I can't walk in character
I can't act in any way
I don't feel as close to God as you do every day

Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down
Sometimes I wonder what is my role?
What is my role? What is my role?

If I think too hard
Then nothing seems to fit
I believe that we suffer
Just for the sake of it
And I can't walk in character
I can't act in any way
I don't feel as close to God as you do every day

Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down

Sometimes I wonder what is my role?
What is my role? What is my role?

Overall Meaning

The song "What Is My Role" by Edwyn Collins is a reflection on personal identity and purpose. The lyrics explore the feeling of being disconnected from others, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The opening lines, "If I think too hard then I can feel like no one, though I'd rather be alone than with people I don't know" illustrate the artist's fear of being misunderstood or rejected by others. He would rather be alone than to be with people who don't know him well enough to understand him.

The singer expresses a sense of inadequacy in his personal identity, as he cannot walk in character or act in any way. He does not feel as close to God as others do, which may suggest that his lack of purpose stems from a spiritual void. The chorus, "Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down, sometimes I wonder what is my role?" emphasizes the confusion and uncertainty he experiences in life. He is unsure of what he is supposed to do or who he is supposed to be.

Overall, the song portrays a feeling of disconnection and confusion in the search for personal identity and purpose. The lyrics express a relatable experience of feeling lost and alone in the world, and the struggle to find meaning in life.

Line by Line Meaning

If I think too hard then
Overthinking leads me to feel isolated.

I can feel like no one, though
My thoughts distance me from others.

I'd rather be alone
Being solitary is preferable to socializing with strangers.

Than with people I don't know
I feel uncomfortable around unfamiliar faces.

'Cause I can't walk in character
I struggle with pretending to be someone I'm not.

I can't act in any way
It's difficult for me to fake emotions or intentions.

I don't feel as close to God as you do every day
I feel disconnected from spirituality.

Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down
My mood fluctuates unpredictably.

Sometimes I wonder what is my role?
I question my purpose in life.

What is my role? What is my role?
This internal conflict is a persistent struggle.

If I think too hard
Overthinking causes confusion.