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.
Witchcraft
Edwyn Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That sly come hither stare
That strips my conscience bare
It's witchcraft
And I've got no defense for it
The heat is too intense for it
What good would common sense for it do
'Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo
When you arouse the need in my
My heart says yes indeed in me
Proceed with what your leading me to
It's such an ancient pitch
But one I wouldn't switch
'Cause there's no nicer witch than you
The lyrics to Edwyn Collins & Orange Juice's song "Witchcraft" describe the hold that someone has over the singer. Their fingers in the singer's hair and sly come hither stare leave them defenseless against the heat of their desire. The singer knows that their attraction is taboo, but can't resist the need aroused in them. There's a sense of danger and vulnerability in the lyrics, as the singer feels stripped bare and powerless in the face of this witchcraft. However, despite this, the singer finds this kind of attraction enticing and irresistible, signified by the line "It's such an ancient pitch, but one I wouldn't switch, 'cause there's no nicer witch than you."
Overall, the lyrics to "Witchcraft" convey a sense of being under someone's spell and being powerless to resist them despite knowing that it's taboo. The imagery and language used in the song lend a sense of sensuality and danger to the theme, as well as a hint of uncertainty and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
Those fingers in my hair
Refers to the sensation of being touched or caressed
That sly come hither stare
Refers to the seductive and alluring gaze directed at the singer
That strips my conscience bare
Refers to the way the singer feels vulnerable and exposed
It's witchcraft
Refers to the idea that this experience is supernatural or magical
And I've got no defense for it
Refers to the fact that the artist is powerless to resist this feeling
The heat is too intense for it
Refers to the intensity and passion of this experience
What good would common sense for it do
Refers to the idea that logic and reason cannot explain this feeling
'Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft
Reiterates the magical and supernatural nature of this experience
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo
Acknowledges that this experience is socially unacceptable
When you arouse the need in me
Refers to the way the other person stimulates desire in the artist
My heart says yes indeed in me
Refers to the way the singer's emotions are overwhelming their rational thoughts
Proceed with what your leading me to
Suggests the artist is willing to follow the other person's lead
It's such an ancient pitch
Refers to the timeless nature of seduction
But one I wouldn't switch
Suggests the singer enjoys this experience
'Cause there's no nicer witch than you
Pays a compliment to the other person, who is seen as an alluring and enchanting figure
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CAROLYN LEIGH, CY COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind