The band is named after a line in the BBC TV mini-series 'The Singing Detective', in which a character says that the word "elbow" is the most sensuous word in the English language (not due to its definition per se but due to how it feels to say it). Though the group came about in 1990, intially going by names such as 'Soft' and 'Mr. Soft', it wasn't until 'The Noisebox EP' came out on 1 January 1998 that they had a real release. Elbow started out specializing in "chilled funk", but the guys changed the direction of their music after unanimously deciding that they were "shit."
Their new songs picked up notice from both Island Records, but the band got dropped due to business shenanigans before anything actually came out post-singing. Elbow then released two critically acclaimed EP's on the independent Ugly Man Record label, starting with the aformentioned 'Noisebox EP'. Luckily, their work caught the attention of V2 Records.
V2 released Elbow's debut album: "Asleep In The Back." The album was a surprisingly moderate success, gaining substantial critical acclaim and, ultimately, a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize in 2001. The single "Newborn" received attention after being banned by Radio 1 for the lyric, "I'll be the corpse in your bathtub."
Word of mouth then began to work in Elbow's favor. Its 2003 album, "Cast Of Thousands," entered the UK Charts at #7 to critical acclaim. The lead single, "Fallen Angel," charted at #19.
In 2004, Elbow became the first British band to ever play a concert in Havana during an unofficial Cuban tour. The tour was made into a short film by British documentary maker Irshad Ashraf.
Elbow released its third album in 2005: "Leaders Of The Free World." Despite a continued lack of commercial notice, "Leaders Of The Free World" charted at #12, with its lead single, "Forget Myself" achieving #22 in the charts. That autumn, Elbow headlined the first of two sell-out tours.
March 17, 2008, saw the release of Elbow's fourth album, entitled "The Seldom Seen Kid." Released through Fiction, it entered the UK album chart at #5, and went on to win the 2008 Mercury Music Award. "The Fix," features guest vocals and lead guitar by Richard Hawley. April 2009 saw the release of The Seldom Seen Kid Live At Abbey Road, recorded with The BBC Concert Orchestra and Chantage. This album, recorded in Studio One of the world famous Abbey Road Studios on Saturday, January 17, 2008, is a complete run-through of the Mercury winning album. It features the band, a 52-piece orchestra, and a 20-member choir.
"Grounds for Divorce" was featured in VALVe Software game Left 4 Dead in 2008.
The band's fifth album Build A Rocket Boys! was released in the UK on March 14, 2011.
The First Steps Songfacts reports that Elbow was commissioned by the BBC to write a song for their coverage of the 2012 Olympics. The resulting tune is "First Steps". The full song lasts six and a half minutes, but it was written in such a way so that it could be divided into different minute or two long elements for use over both winning and losing footages.
In July 2015, Elbow released the Lost Worker Bee EP, which was soon followed by Guy Garvey's first solo album 'Courting the Squall' (Oct 2015).
Their seventh studio album, 'Little Fictions' was released on 3 February 2017, with Elbow's eighth studio album, 'Giants of All Sizes', released 2 years later on 11 October 2019.
Website: http://elbow.co.uk/
New York Morning
Elbow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Binds the world in a feeling all familiar
'Cause everybody owns the great ideas
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
Antenna up and out into New York
Somewhere in all that talk is all the answers
And oh, my giddy aunt, New York can talk
Every bone of rivet steel, each corner stone and angle
Jenga jut and rusty water tower, pillar, post and sign
Every painted line and battered ladder building in this town
Sings a life of proud endeavor and the best that man can be
Me, I see a city and I hear a million voices
Planning, drilling, welding, carrying their fingers to the nub
Reaching down into the ground, stretching up into the sky
Why? Because they can, they did and do so you and I could live together
Oh my God, New York can talk
Somewhere in all that talk is all the answers
Everybody owns the great ideas
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
Oh my God, New York can talk
Somewhere in all that talk is all the answers
Everybody owns the great ideas
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
Oh my God, New York can talk
Somewhere in all that talk is all the answers
Everybody owns the great ideas
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
The desire to part sure symphony
The desire like a distant storm
For love, be good for me
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
Oh my God, New York, you talk
Somewhere in all that talk is all the answers
Everybody owns the greats ideas
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
The way the day begins
Decides the shade of everything
But the way it ends depends on if you're home
For every soul, a pillow at a window, please
In a modern Rome where folk are nice to Yoko
The lyrics to Elbow's song "New York Morning" describe the bustling energy and creative spirit of New York City. The opening lines declare that the first person to express a simple truth in words can create a feeling that connects people across the world. The idea that "everybody owns the great ideas" suggests a sense of community and shared creativity, and the reference to a "big one round the corner" conveys a sense of hopeful anticipation for the future.
The second verse describes the experience of walking through the city and feeling overwhelmed by the constant noise and activity, but also inspired by the sense of purpose and determination that seems to infuse every aspect of daily life. The reference to Yoko Ono suggests the idea that in New York, even outsiders and nonconformists are welcomed and embraced for their unique perspectives and creativity.
The final verse repeats the theme of shared creativity and inspiration, and ends with a plea for a sense of home and belonging in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. Overall, the lyrics suggest a deep admiration and appreciation for the vitality and creative energy of New York City, and the idea that this energy is both a product of and a source of connection and community.
Line by Line Meaning
The first to pour a simple truth in words
The person who expresses a simple truth in words is the one who connects everyone emotionally, because no matter what age, gender or race, people all experience similar feelings.
Binds the world in a feeling all familiar
People are brought together by this shared experience and it creates a sense of familiarity which is comforting.
'Cause everybody owns the great ideas
Everyone is capable of having an amazing idea, and you never know when or where it might come from.
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
There is a sense of anticipation and excitement that something great might be just around the corner.
A tenner, up and out into New York
Ten dollars, heading out into the bustling city of New York.
Somewhere in all that talk is all the answers
There is vast amount of conversation in New York City, and within it lies the answers to many questions.
And oh, my giddy aunt, New York can talk
The singer is awestruck by the amount of conversation that exists in New York City.
It's the modern road where folk are nice to Yoko
New York City is a modern place where people of all backgrounds are accepted and treated kindly, even someone like Yoko Ono who was often criticized in the past.
Every bone of rivet steel, each corner stone an anchor
Every element of the city, no matter how small, is an essential building block that holds everything together.
Jenga jutts and rusty water tower, pillar-posted sign
New York is a city full of towering buildings that seem to pile up like a game of Jenga, and there are signs posted everywhere.
Every painted lining battered, like a building in this town
Even the most beautiful aspects of the city are a bit worn down from years of use and the effort required to maintain them.
Sings a life of proud endeavor and the best that man can be
Each piece of the city reflects the effort it took to build it and the pride people take in it. It represents the best that humanity has to offer.
Me, I see a city and I hear a million voices
The singer feels like the city of New York is alive with a million different people talking and sharing their experiences.
Planning, drilling, welding, carrying their fingers to the nub
The people of New York are working hard and doing whatever it takes to make the city better, even if it means working until their fingers are sore.
Reaching down into the ground, stretching up into the sky
The people of New York are constantly building, creating, and reaching for more, both deep underground and high in the sky.
Why? Because they can, they did and do so you and I could live together
The people of New York have built an amazing city so that everyone can live together in harmony and have a better life.
The desire to part sure symphony
Everyone has a desire to be a part of something amazing and beautiful.
The desire like a distant storm
This desire can feel like a storm on the horizon, something powerful and awe-inspiring in the distance.
For love, be good for me
The singer is asking New York City to be good to them so that they can enjoy everything the city has to offer, including love.
The way the day begins
How your day starts sets the tone for everything else.
Decides the shade of everything
The beginning of the day has a profound effect on how everything else will play out.
But the way it ends depends on if you're home
The artist believes it's crucial to have a comfortable, welcoming home in order to come back to at the end of the day.
For every soul, a pillow at a window, please
Everyone deserves a comfortable and safe place to call home.
In a modern room, where folk are nice to Yoko
The artist is asking for a modern, comfortable home where people will be kind and accepting of others.
Oh my God, New York can talk
The singer is struck by the sheer volume of conversation in the city and how it seems to be alive with sound.
And it feels like there's a big one round the corner
There is an anticipation of something great and exciting coming in the future.
Everybody owns the great ideas
Everyone has the potential to come up with something incredible.
New York, you talk
The artist is addressing New York City as if it were a person, acknowledging its ability to inspire and captivate.
The way it ends depends on if you're home
The artist believes it's crucial to have a comfortable, welcoming home in order to come back to at the end of the day.
For every soul, a pillow at a window, please
Everyone deserves a comfortable and safe place to call home.
In a modern room, where folk are nice to Yoko
The singer is asking for a modern, comfortable home where people will be kind and accepting of others.
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Craig Lee Potter, Guy Edward John Garvey, Mark Potter, Peter James Turner, Richard Barry Jupp
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rhydianwiggins
Why does Elbow talk to my very soul ?? It's the poetry for middle aged men who cannot capture their inner thoughts but are reminded that life is simple and complex and glorious!!!!!.....thanks Guy
@ChopperPBM
It's what makes them so great, he sings what we don't say.
@stephenwalker850
Speak fur yersel , ah capture ma inner fckn thoughts oan a regular basis
@iregretthisoopslol
Elbow will always be apart of my life. Me and dad singing their songs in his car really makes the stress and anxietys float away. Thanks Elbow for helping me through the darkest of times.
@deanmatthewclegg28
'The first to put a simple truth in words...' = most of Elbow's output. Superb.
@jbetteridge23
"That's what I do with my money; buy gas and see bands" - Sounds like a marvelous life :)
@multard
Elbow is one of the best bands in the world.
@drainme27
I remember driving over moorlands near Manchester in the early morning when this song came out. I had tears in my eyes whilst listening to it on the radio. Guy Garvey is so talented and his storytelling is beautiful.
@timotheusn.h.nakashona1001
Love the Love Manchester mug at the beginning, these guys are proper Mancs. Greetings from Namibia.
@PierreOlivierTran
I think it's a shame most of people I know waste their time asking "Will I succeed?" to finally stumble and fall on the most important question, "Have I loved ?".