Aplin developed a fanbase by posting performance videos to YouTube in 2008. Her most popular videos include her original composition "Home", and covers of "The Liar and the Lighter" by You Me At Six, "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry and "Forget You" by Cee Lo Green. She has described her music as "very family orientated, very personal". In July 2010, Aplin performed on her local radio station BBC Wiltshire. Her first release was the 5-track Acoustic EP which was released on the iTunes Store on 13 September 2010. It reached the top 25 in the UK iTunes album chart, and features the song "Reverse" which was used on E4 TV show Made in Chelsea.
Her debut album English Rain was released in May 2013, to positive reviews it debuted and peaked at number 2 in the UK album charts, along with new single "Panic Cord", which peaked at number 19 in the UK.
Ghosts
Gabrielle Aplin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hanging out my window
I've learnt from past experience,
Rain can't make flowers grow
Friends don't stick around,
They go which way the wind blows
You're never safe and sound,
Doors are closed...
Doors are closed...
When you're awake on your own
Shadows turn into ghosts
When you're awake on your own
Shadows turn into ghosts
Oh, oh, oh
Soon it will all fall apart,
And their roads will have no way
And you'll be the one laughing as,
Their fences fade away
And instead of being left there,
Feeling all alone
Break down the house you made of match sticks,
And set, fire to their throne...
To their throne...
To their throne...
When you're awake on your own
Shadows turn into ghosts
When you're awake on your own
Shadows turn into ghosts
Home becomes what you're scared of the most
Home becomes what you're scared of the most
When shadows turn into ghosts
Just what you're scared of the most...
I'm pulling pictures off the wall
Watching smiles as they fall...
I'm pulling pictures off the wall
Watching smiles as they fall
Pulling pictures off the wall...
I'm pulling pictures of the wall
Watching smiles as they fall...
When you're awake on your own
Shadows turn into ghosts
When you're awake on your own
Shadows turn into ghosts
Home becomes what you're scared of the most
Home becomes what you're scared of the most
When shadows turn into ghosts
Just what you're scared of the most...
The song "Ghosts" by Gabrielle Aplin is a melancholic and poignant piece about feeling alone and isolated. The first verse of the song talks about the futility of hope and putting in effort when the outcome is not guaranteed. The singer talks about how rain cannot make flowers grow, suggesting that even when we try our best, it doesn't always lead to success. The second verse deals with themes of betrayal and abandonment, and how one cannot trust anyone completely. The idea that "friends don't stick around" implies that people are fickle and can change their loyalties at a whim. The line "When you're awake on your own, Shadows turn into ghosts" is particularly powerful, as it describes how loneliness can magnify one's fears and make one believe in things that aren't real.
The chorus of the song is the most impactful part, as it repeats the phrase "When you're awake on your own, Shadows turn into ghosts," emphasizing the fear and isolation that come with being alone. The following verse is more uplifting, as it suggests that even when things seem bleak, they will eventually get better. The singer talks about being the one who laughs when others fall, suggesting that even if the singer is alone, they are still strong enough to overcome adversity. The final verse is the most emotional, as it talks about despair and loss. The line "Home becomes what you're scared of the most" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even the comforts of home can become terrifying when one is alone.
Overall, "Ghosts" is a beautiful and haunting song about the fear and isolation that come with being alone. It is a poignant reminder that even when things seem bleak, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sick and tired of, Hanging out my window
I am exhausted from my monotonous routine of looking outside my window
I've learnt from past experience, Rain can't make flowers grow
My experiences have taught me that sometimes things can't be fixed or changed with just a little effort
Friends don't stick around, They go which way the wind blows
My friends often abandon me and change their opinions based on who or what is popular at the time
You're never safe and sound, Until all your doors are closed... Doors are closed... Doors are closed...
You are not really secure until you have all your defenses up and have closed off all possible loopholes or opportunities for betrayal
When you're awake on your own Shadows turn into ghosts
Being alone and left to your thoughts can make even small problems appear much larger and more ominous
Soon it will all fall apart, And their roads will have no way
I know this situation will soon collapse, and they will have no navigational guidance
And you'll be the one laughing as, Their fences fade away
I will be the one to laugh as their barriers disintegrate and the power dynamic is shifted
And instead of being left there, Feeling all alone
Rather than being stranded and feeling abandoned
Break down the house you made of match sticks, And set, fire to their throne... To their throne... To their throne...
Dismantle the flimsy mirage of success they've built and take away their artificial power
Home becomes what you're scared of the most Home becomes what you're scared of the most When shadows turn into ghosts
Being alone in your home, surrounded by your thoughts, can make you feel unsafe and uncomfortable
I'm pulling pictures off the wall Watching smiles as they fall...
I am watching as my memories disintegrate and fade away
When you're awake on your own Shadows turn into ghosts
Being alone and left to your thoughts can make even small problems appear much larger and more ominous
Home becomes what you're scared of the most Home becomes what you're scared of the most When shadows turn into ghosts Just what you're scared of the most...
Being alone in your home, surrounded by your thoughts, can make you feel unsafe and uncomfortable and intensify your fears even more
Contributed by Max C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Breaking Limited
I talked to Gabrielle Aplin right before she became famous and got a contract. She is a very sweet and innocent soul to the core. She never puts anyone down in a bad way and never fails to explain herself in her music. She is a prize when it comes to the spiritual world.
Cliche puff
Agreed
Ella G
I'm sorry but how is this girl not the only thing played on the radio. She is fantastic.
john
why is the radio that important?
Julie Kubica
john because if songs play on the radio, a lot of people will be interested and be "Apliners" or something like that
Rokeya Yazmin
You are really talented Gabrielle! You're voice is amazing and so is your music, its so unique and you are one of my favorite artists! Congratulations on getting No.1 on the charts with The Power of Love, I just think your version is best and good luck! Please keep making music! :D
Algo-Rythmus
This extraordinary talented musician named Gabrielle Aplin shows how music is meant: pure, clear, sweet & lovely...a dream for everyone who can remember how a true heart sings <3
lolmealor
Music is another way of expressing your feelings. All of her songs are very heartfelt
Chris Doffer
Her voice is impossible to get out of your head. Might as well listen to her 24/7
Leigh1903
This song is so nice Gabrielle aplin is a amazing artist and she deserves more recognition