"Indiscriminate Act of Kindness", one of Foy’s most popular tracks "live" was featured in the a TV commercial for Great Ormond Street Hospital which was aired in the UK up until Christmas of 2006. Foy often uses alternative tunings for his guitar, for example the song 'Indiscriminate Act of Kindness' he uses the tuning CGDGCe.
Foy has previously released two limited edition EPs on Wurdamouth records; "Live Sessions and the birth of the Toilet tour" and "Watermelon Oranges". His regular piano player is London based composer Jules Maxwell.
I Was Born
Foy Vance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By the sea in the year 1974
In before of time for Christmas
To my father Hugh and my mother Anna Jean
For a while I walked in the ways of Jesus
Served me well enough it seems
Come to find Jesus doesn′t need us
I've heard talk like they knew about heaven
I can′t help but seed the seams
And we could pull that thread and make two cloths to clean us
So all that I know is all I'll tell to thee
I was born in the Vale of Angels
By the sea in the year 1974
In before of time for Christmas
To my father Hugh and my mother Anna Jean
I was at war with that wild religion
And it revealed itself to me
And it slapped me sore enough to make some good decisions
Give me ears to hear and eyes by which to see
Oh, and I heard talk about a hell beneath us
Fires burn for eternity
But we're all just dust for those around to see us
So all that I know is all I tell to be
I was born in the Vale of Angels
By the sea in the year 1974
In before of time for Christmas
To my father Hugh and my mother Anna Jean
To my father Hugh and my mother Anna Jean
The lyrics of Foy Vance's song "I Was Born" speak to the artist's personal journey of self-discovery, particularly in relation to his experiences with religion. The song begins with Vance reflecting on his birth in "the Vale of Angels" in 1974, just before Christmas. This setting in a place of beauty with a spiritual name sets the tone for the song and perhaps suggests that Vance has always been looking for something greater than himself.
Vance then describes his religious upbringing, stating that he "walked in the ways of Jesus" for a time, implying that he was raised in a Christian household. However, Vance also acknowledges that Jesus doesn't necessarily need humans to exist, suggesting a sense of skepticism or disillusionment with organized religion. Vance then mentions hearing talk about heaven and hell, but ultimately concludes that all he knows is what he will tell to others.
The second verse of the song delves deeper into Vance's personal struggles with religion. He describes waging a "war with that wild religion" and ultimately having religious beliefs revealed to him in a way that allowed him to make positive changes in his life. Vance then references the idea of eternal damnation in hell, but ultimately concludes that we are all just "dust for those around to see us," suggesting that whatever happens in the afterlife is less important than how we live our lives in the present.
Overall, "I Was Born" is a deeply personal and introspective song. Vance's lyrics grapple with his own experiences and beliefs while also exploring larger existential questions about the nature of spirituality and the afterlife.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in the Vale of Angels
I entered this world in the place of divine messengers
By the sea in the year 1974
In the year 1974, I took my first breath near the shore
In before of time for Christmas
Just before Christmas, I opened my eyes to the world
To my father Hugh and my mother Anna Jean
My parents, Hugh and Anna Jean, brought me to this world
For a while I walked in the ways of Jesus
I followed the teachings of Jesus for some time
Served me well enough it seems
It seemed to have a positive impact on me
Come to find Jesus doesn′t need us
Eventually, I realized that Jesus does not depend on us
To be any more than we need him to be
He is as much as we need him to be
I've heard talk like they knew about heaven
I have heard people talk as if they know about the afterlife
I can′t help but seed the seams
I can't help but see the gaps in their arguments
And we could pull that thread and make two cloths to clean us
If we kept probing, we could find more truth to cleanse ourselves
So all that I know is all I'll tell to thee
I only share what I know to be true
I was at war with that wild religion
I had a battle within myself against religious extremism
And it revealed itself to me
It manifested itself clearly to me
And it slapped me sore enough to make some good decisions
It made me suffer enough to make some positive changes
Give me ears to hear and eyes by which to see
I ask for the ability to perceive the world better
Oh, and I heard talk about a hell beneath us
I heard of a place of eternal suffering beneath us
Fires burn for eternity
Where fires burn continuously and forever
But we're all just dust for those around to see us
In the end, we are all mortal dust to those around us
So all that I know is all I tell to be
I only share information that I believe to be true
To my father Hugh and my mother Anna Jean
I was born to my parents, Hugh and Anna Jean
Writer(s): Foy Vance
Contributed by Maria F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@hagskyline
For us who wanna sing along 😊
I was born in The Vale of Angels
By the sea in the year 1974
In time for Christmas
To my father Hugh and my mother Anna Jean
For a while I walked in the ways of Jesus
Served me well enough it seems
Come to find Jesus doesn’t need us
To be any more than we need him to be
I've heard talk like they knew about heaven
I can't help but seed the seams
And we could pull that thread and make two cloths to clean us
So all that I know is all I’ll tell to thee
I was born in The Vale of Angels
By the sea in the year 1974
In time for Christmas
To my father Hugh and mother Anna Jean
I was at war with that wild religion
And it revealed itself to me
And it slapped me sore enough to make some good decisions
Give me ears to hear and eyes by which to see
Oh, and I had heard talk
'Bout a hell beneath us
Fires burn
For eternity
But we’re all just dust for those around to see us
So all that I know is all I tell to be
I was born in The Vale of Angels
By the sea in the year 1974
In time for Christmas
To my father Hugh and mother Anna Jean
To my father Hugh and mother Anna Jean
@HavendaleBlvd80
How the f*** has this not hit 10M views yet? Ray Charles is up there listening closely. What a player Foy is. Jaysus.
@asungt2773
I just wonder how seasoned singers like him don't get known internationally. I hope and pray his music is enjoyed by the populace as he has a soothing power.
@chadromanowski2408
I was hooked with "burden".. the more I listened the more I have become drawn in .. Foys voice is really amazing.. resonates in my soul..
@travschula
Happy birthday...Foy...
Born and re_born...In layman terms...Hue_man...You seem to shine, and you like your mother. plain to sea... Mercy and Grace... wear them well...best parts of them to shine through...in the light of life. through and threw,,,Peace of mind heart and soul...Rest in hold...Life and Love made maid whole. Happy birthday my friend.
@nachocash
This is an exquisitely written song, Foy.
@maryboylan3093
Just found this amazing singer can't wait to hear more. 🍀🍀🍀
@majatylczynska4990
Foy make masterpieces ❤️🎶🎵
@joshuaslawncare5672
M as n you have a great voice. I have no idea how you got on my recommendations but I am glad you did.
@josalynhughes1181
This is a fucking masterpiece!
@StarBaby207
Thank u for sharing your gift with the world Foy 🎤🎼🎶