Gareth Paul Gates (born July 12, 1984, Bradford, United Kingdom) is a Briti… Read Full Bio ↴Gareth Paul Gates (born July 12, 1984, Bradford, United Kingdom) is a British pop singer who shot to fame in 2002 when he came second in the television talent show Pop Idol. A year earlier, he also appeared in the televised talent show Steps to the Stars presented by Claire Richards and Ian Watkins (known as H) from the pop group Steps.

Despite not winning the competition, he was soon signed up with Simon Cowell's record label BMG, alongside the Pop Idol winner, Will Young. (Cowell had been one of the Pop Idol judges, and had been notorious for his harsh criticisms of many of the contestants.) His first single, a cover of Unchained Melody, entered the UK Top 40 at number one, knocking Will Young's first single - the double A-sided "Evergreen"/"Anything is Possible" - off the top of the chart (as Young's single was intended for the winner of Pop Idol Gates also recorded versions of both songs, which were used as B-sides for Unchained Melody). These were possibly the fastest covers, having been released only three weeks after Will Young's record breaking versions. The single was voted 2002's Record of the Year by ITV viewers.

With The Kumars, Gates sang the 2003 Comic Relief charity single, "Spirit In The Sky", another cover of an old song. This was also a new entry at number one, and stayed there for two weeks. He also appeared in the charity's Celebrity Driving School.

Gareth also suffers from a stammer, but with the help of the McGuire program he has almost overcome it. He now works with the McGuire program passing on the things he has learnt to others suffering from stammers.

In 2002, Smash Hits magazine dedicated the 7th of November as International Gareth Day for his fans. On this day, fans around the world light candles and pay homage to the singer.

Gareth infamously lost his virginity in a London hotel to glamour model Jordan who was pregnant at the time. Despite initially denying the incident, he later admitted the affair.

The first single from Gates' third album was "Changes" which was released on 9 April 2007. The single peaked at Number 14. A second single, "Angel on My Shoulder", was released on 18 June 2007, peaking at Number 22. Both singles remained in the UK Top 40 for only one week. Gates' third album, Pictures of the Other Side, was released on 25 June 2007. It proved to be Gates' lowest selling album to date and spent only two weeks on the UK album chart, entering at Number 23 before falling to Number 66 the following week, then dropping out of the chart altogether.

Angel on My Shoulder
Gareth Gates Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

My life was flashing before my eyes
A second later, I walked and realized
My heart had crashed and burned in shame
You pulled me from the flames
I took your hand and you helped me upon my feet
I confessed but you had forgiven me
There's courage in the truth you said
Our love will never end

You shield me from danger, you're my shelter
You are my hiding place

There's and Angel on my shoulder, here tonight
Making sure that I'm alright
When I'm falling fast, you rescue me, you love unconditionally
And when I'm clod and so alone
Back in your arms I feel at home
I pray that you will always be, a guardian Angel
Sent for me

My dream comes between us every now and then
I make mistakes, get in trouble, time and again
I ain't proud of who I am
When I'm down you understand
Blinded you can always seem to show the way
You're the light You're the reason I'm here today
If you cry, I cry, So dry your eyes

There's an Angle on my shoulder, here tonight
Making sure that I'm alright
When I'm falling fast, you rescue me, you love unconditionally
And when I'm cold and so alone
Back in your arms I feel at home

I pray that you will always be, a guardian Angel
Sent for me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Angel On My Shoulder" by Gareth Gates tell a story of a person who had a near-death experience followed by the realization of his mistakes and the need to confess. The person confesses to his loved one who is a source of strength, support, and guidance. The loved one forgives and assures him of their unconditional love and support, being the person's "Angel on my shoulder". The song reflects the importance of having someone who can be trusted and relied upon during tough times.

The lyrics are emotionally charged and use vivid imagery to convey the message. The mention of the heart crashing and burning in shame, being pulled from the flames, and being a hiding place showcases the depth of the relationship between the two people. The song contains themes of love, forgiveness, gratitude, and faith.

The chorus of the song states that there's an "Angel on my shoulder, here tonight, making sure that I'm alright", emphasizing the role of the loved one in the person's life. The person acknowledges their mistakes and the consequences they face but finds solace in the assurance of their loved one's constant support and presence.

Line by Line Meaning

My life was flashing before my eyes
I thought I would die and everything I've ever done appeared before me in a split second

A second later, I walked and realized
I survived and was amazed that I was able to continue living

My heart had crashed and burned in shame
I felt terrible and ashamed of myself

You pulled me from the flames
You saved me from certain death

I took your hand and you helped me upon my feet
I accepted your help and you supported me to stand up again

I confessed but you had forgiven me
I told you my mistakes and you forgave me

There's courage in the truth you said
You advised me that honesty is important and takes courage

Our love will never end
Our love for each other is eternal

You shield me from danger, you're my shelter
You protect me from harm and provide refuge for me

You are my hiding place
You are where I feel safe and can be myself

There's an Angel on my shoulder, here tonight
I feel that you are like an angel watching over me

Making sure that I'm alright
You care about my well-being and help me stay okay

When I'm falling fast, you rescue me, you love unconditionally
When I am struggling, you help me and love me without any conditions

And when I'm cold and so alone
When I am sad and isolated

Back in your arms I feel at home
Being with you feels like being back in a place where I belong

I pray that you will always be, a guardian Angel
I hope and wish that you will continue to protect me and care for me like an angel

Sent for me
Made for me, meant to be with me

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARETH N GATES, PETE N MARTIN, THOMAS MARK HARMER NICHOLS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS