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.

You're Better Than You Know
Edwyn Collins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Haven't you guessed they just couldn't care less
And don't believe them when they say they do
They've just got to sell their message to you
And I'm beginning to doubt
That there's any way out

But then again I tell you
You're better than you know

And given time and encouragement
You're confidence will grow
Then turn your back on them
You're better than you know

So bide your time and maybe you'll find
That you've nothing but your troubles to lose
Don't let these words of sound advice be misconstrued
Cause I'm beginning to see
That it's all down to me

I just dropped by to tell you
You're better than you know
And given time and encouragement
You're confidence will grow
Then turn your back on them
You're better than you know

You're so much better, you're better than they know

I just dropped by to tell you
You're better than you know
And given time and encouragement
You're confidence will grow
Then turn your back on them
You're better than they know

You're so much better, you're better than they know

You're so much better, you're better than they know
You're so much better, you're better than they know

Overall Meaning

The first verse talks about how the people who claim to care for us, be it corporations, institutions or people in power, might not actually care about us but are merely trying to sell their message. The singer is doubtful about any possibility of escaping this reality. The chorus, however, is about encouraging the listener that they are better than they think they are. The singer urges the listener to have patience, as their confidence will eventually grow with time and encouragement. The second verse also suggests that the listener should not misconstrue this advice but, rather, to realize that it is up to them to take ownership of their life's direction.

The reiteration of the chorus throughout the song emphasizes the importance of the message. The singer has dropped by to tell the listener that they have the potential to be better, that they are better than they know. The use of repetition implies that this message has not been received before, and that the listener needs to hear it multiple times to realize their worth. The use of "turn your back on them" is an indication to the listener that they need to detach themselves from negative influences in their life, and that they can start by ignoring the voices that tell them that they are not good enough.

Overall, the song is about empowering oneself and finding inner strength. The singer acknowledges that the world around us can be overwhelming, but in empowering oneself, there is hope and a way out of the feelings of inadequacy.

Line by Line Meaning

Haven't you guessed they just couldn't care less
I sense that they don't really care about you

And don't believe them when they say they do
Their words are insincere, don't believe them

They've just got to sell their message to you
Their actions are driven by their own interests, not yours

And I'm beginning to doubt
I'm starting to question

That there's any way out
If there's a way out of this situation

But then again I tell you
However, I want you to know

You're better than you know
You are more capable and valuable than you think

And given time and encouragement
With more time and support

You're confidence will grow
You will become more confident

Then turn your back on them
Ignore and leave behind those who don't support you

So bide your time and maybe you'll find
Wait patiently and you might discover