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
Understanding
Everything but the Girl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What would have happened to me
That candle, unburnt, is history
One thing I guess this place would be a mess
For my standards at best are undemanding
And that takes some understanding
Still here, but what if we weren't
For love I have learned depends on geography
Fortune found us when all around us
Half the couples we knew were disbanding
And that needs your understanding
And do you know even when we disagree
And freedom holds out a hand to me
You know I would nver want to be without your company
And I mean that totally
We have reached an understanding...
Understanding, understanding...
The lyrics of "Understanding" by Everything But the Girl conveys the importance of companionship and the need to be understanding in a relationship. In the first verse, the singer expresses their dependence on their partner's presence and how their absence would make their world fall apart. The metaphor of an unburnt candle that symbolizes the past also implies that the relationship would not be the same without their partner. However, the singer admits that they do not hold high standards, which is a requirement for their partner to understand them.
In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that their love and success depend on their shared location. The reference to the failing couples around them suggests that their relationship is unique, and they are fortunate to have found each other. The singer also admits that although they may have disagreements, they never wish to lose their partner's company, implying that they are willing to make compromises for the relationship to work.
The repetition of the word "understanding" emphasizes the importance of this trait in a relationship. It takes both partners to have understanding and empathy to make the relationship work. The song's tone is mellow and reflective, complementing its introspective lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
You're here, but what if you weren't
If you never existed/made it here, I wouldn't know what I'm missing
What would have happened to me
Without you, my life would have panned out differently
That candle, unburnt, is history
The opportunities/people missed/incomplete needs/failures are already gone
One thing I guess this place would be a mess
Without you and your support, my life would fall apart
For my standards at best are undemanding
I don't require much to feel satisfied in life, especially if I have you
And that takes some understanding
You need to appreciate that and understand how deeply I rely on you
Still here, but what if we weren't
If our relationship/friendship didn't work out, where would I be?
Where'd you think I would be (where would I be)
I don't know where I would be, but it wouldn't be a good place
For love I have learned depends on geography
Having a partner/friend who I can love is partially dependent on being in the right place at the right time
Fortune found us
We got lucky to be where we are right now
When all around us half the couples we knew were disbanding
During a time when relationships were failing, we found each other and made it work
And that needs your understanding
Please understand how lucky we were to find each other and appreciate what we have
And do you know even when we disagree
Even when we have differences of opinion,
And freedom holds out a hand to me
When I have the option of being independent,
You know I would never want to be without your company
I still choose you and our relationship over being 'free'
And I mean that totally
I absolutely, 100% mean that
We have reached an understanding...
We finally, truly understand each other and the relationship we have
Understanding, understanding...
All we need in this relationship is understanding
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID ANTHONY WILLIS, CHANELLE STEPHANIE NADINE GSTETTENBAUER, BRADY WATT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rodney Younger
This joint is smooth!! Baaa guitar is bumping
Jim Copper
For Sho but this Vanilla Chick got soul too.
This Duo flew under the radar for many years.
Many tight songs that never got the props they deserved.
Peace.
Rodney Younger
My man on bass is flat out killin it!! #ALLINTHECUT
ROSE
Love it !
Jack Burton
Just before they went all Hip Hop and House. This was great.
Mattteus
you mean when Ben almost died?
Patrizia Puggioni
Tracey And Ben,i migliori!
eyeearit75 Johnson
To me, this song sums up friendship and what happens after a breakup.
Dice Lord
This was my song love it
Wally Wingert
Why is this song not on any of the Best Of CDs?