Ben met Tracey when they were at Hull University and she was singing in pop girl-band Marine Girls. Ben contributed a photograph, for a forthcoming album cover, after which, the pair became partners (later getting married). They formed Everything But the Girl in 1982, the name inspired by a Turner's Furniture advertising slogan (a popular store near the university). For a period, Tracey was active in both bands and the album with Ben's photo materialised, Lazy Ways (Apr 1983), which was to be Marine Girls' last. EBTG soon achieved national success and singles from The Language of Life (1990), got VH-1 airtime - heralding USA notoriety.
Once internationally established, they successfully achieved one of the greatest stylistic changes in modern music; originally a 'folk-pop with jazz influences' band, their fortunes changed with Amplified Heart (Jul 1994) and Todd Terry's successful remix of its track "Missing" (Aug 1994). Since then, EBTG have become more widely known as an electronic act, with Walking Wounded (May 1996), being a well-received example of their metamorphosed sound.
As of 1999, EBTG as a duo are currently on hiatus, as the couple raise their children, out of the public eye. Watt is a very successful club DJ, Buzzin Fly label-manager and remixer, releasing several 'Lazy Dog' mix compilations (named after his London-based deep house night).
Thorn's 2006 collaboration with Tiefschwarz, on the underground hit song "Damage", seems to have re-awoken her artistic spirit and she released a second solo album, Out of the Woods (Mar 2007).
As of March 2023 evidence that the hiatus will end soon emerges in an interview with Alexis Petridis, in which the release date of the new album 'Fuse' is given as 21 April. This new music was first mentioned by Tracy Thorn on twitter in late 2022, and now it emerging, with 2 new singles already released
I Always Was Your Girl
Everything But the Girl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through hell and that's why we get along so well. You see, I always was your
Girl, it always will be you and me against the world.
We know the years can give romance to the street where we once lived. You
Wondered why no one called - between you and me, we scared them all. You see, I
Always was your girl, it always has been you and me against the world.
Maybe we're wrong and the world is right but don't tell me that tonight.
Always was your girl, it always will be you and me against the world.
In "I Always Was Your Girl", Everything But the Girl sings about a relationship that has been filled with ups and downs, but despite it all, the two of them have always found their way back to each other. The singer acknowledges that her partner has been struggling lately, and while he may be difficult to handle for others, she perfectly understands him. They have a history together that no one else can understand, and they have always been there for each other.
The second verse talks about how time can change things, and how the neighbourhood they had once lived in has lost its charm and romance. They had scared off anyone who might have wanted to join them, but that didn't matter because they had each other. The third verse talks about how the singer likes her partner, flaws and all, and she finds him most attractive when he is self-assured but treating guests poorly.
Overall, the song is about the comfort and familiarity of being in a long-term relationship. The ups and downs they've been through together have only strengthened their bond, and they know that they can always count on each other.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you're down again and you see nothing but rain.
I understand that you are feeling low and all you've been experiencing is negative things.
You put your friends through hell and that's why we get along so well.
You have been difficult to deal with and it has affected your relationships with others, but I can handle it so we connect well.
You see, I always was your girl, it always will be you and me against the world.
I have always been and will always be there for you, even when it feels like it's just us against everything.
We know the years can give romance to the street where we once lived.
As time passes, we can romanticize our memories of the place we used to live.
You wondered why no one called - between you and me, we scared them all.
You questioned why we haven't heard from anyone, but we know it's because we have a unique and sometimes intimidating dynamic.
Maybe we're wrong and the world is right but don't tell me that tonight.
It's possible that we're not doing things the right way, but at this moment I don't want to hear it.
Self-assured and abusing guests, that's the way I like you best.
You have a confident and assertive personality that can sometimes come across as harsh to others, but I appreciate that about you the most.
You see, I always was your girl, it always will be you and me against the world.
Just as before, I want you to know that I will always support and stand by you, no matter what we face together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: THORN, WATT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben Chan
I've loved this song for twenty years and it still kills me.
Stacey Bow
I was fortunate enough to see them perform live. Awesome!
Ted Bussi
Stacey Bow envy you
jamieconway
Loved this in 1988 and still loving it in 2020. Just gorgeous.
Phil Hay
Always one of their most exquisite, ragged love songs
Authentic Gay Blog
so many great songs from them and this is one of them!
Michael Mike 1965
What a beautiful song and such a beautiful voice!!!
David Maholchic
Not as much echo on her voice as you may think. She really is that good!
imperialdude
I fell in love to this song. All of their music was so special.
Alex Viana
I still have the Idlewild Album (MC version actually) which I bought in Notting Hill´second hand record stores back in the early 90´s. This is my favorite track. Tracey´s voice and the saxophone solo. Perfect match. Thanks for posting.