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.
Changes
Gareth Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm allowed to change my mind,
But if I find a way to erase,
Turn the page on what we've left behind,
'Cause I can't breath, when your round with my sight,
I, I don't believe in shame,
But it's alright to feel the pain,
And I know, I've seen it in your eyes,
Every time I see you cry, I realize,
I've seen your tears to many times,
We're going through changes,
I know I'm wrong I realize,
It's not my place to try and justify, what is right,
I'm not that knife in your side,
'Cause I'm shedding that skin that I'm in,
It's not my fate to live a life without you in,
I, I don't believe in shame,
But it's alright to feel the pain,
Everybody feels some pain,
And I know, I've seen it in your eyes,
Every time I see you cry, I realize,
I've seen your tears to many times,
We're going through changes,
We're going through changes
The lyrics to Gareth Gates's song "Changes" express the idea of evolving and moving on from past mistakes and hurtful experiences. The opening line, "I can't run, if you can't hide," implies a sense of entanglement or codependency in a relationship. The singer acknowledges that they have the ability to change their mind and let go of the past, but they need the other person to do the same in order for them to truly move on.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing pain, both individually and as a shared experience in a relationship. The line "I don't believe in shame, but it's alright to feel the pain" suggests that there is no shame in feeling pain, but it is important to confront and work through those feelings rather than trying to suppress them.
The second verse highlights the singer's recognition of their own mistakes and desire to improve, while also acknowledging that they cannot force or convince the other person to stay in their life. The line "It's not my fate to live a life without you in" suggests a sense of uncertainty and fear about what the future holds without the other person, but also a willingness to accept that possibility.
Overall, "Changes" is a song about accepting and embracing change, both within oneself and in one's relationships with others. It acknowledges the difficulty and pain that can come with change, but ultimately presents it as a necessary and inevitable part of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't run, if you can't hide
If you're not ready to face the situation, I can't avoid it either.
And I'm allowed to change my mind,
I have the right to reconsider my decisions.
But if I find a way to erase,
If there is a way to forget what happened, I would prefer it.
Turn the page on what we've left behind,
Let's move on from our past and focus on the present/future.
'Cause I can't breathe, when you're around within my sight,
Being near you makes me feel suffocated and uneasy.
I, I don't believe in shame,
I'm not ashamed of my actions/feelings.
But it's alright to feel the pain,
It's normal to feel hurt in difficult situations.
Everybody feels some pain,
No one is immune to painful experiences.
And I know, I've seen it in your eyes,
I can tell that you're hurting too, just by looking at you.
Every time I see you cry, I realize,
Your tears make me understand how much we're both struggling.
I've seen your tears too many times,
I've witnessed your pain and tears repeatedly.
We're going through changes,
We're experiencing a significant shift or transformation in our lives/relationship.
I know I'm wrong I realize,
I understand that I may have made mistakes.
It's not my place to try and justify, what is right,
I don't have the authority to determine what's right/wrong.
I'm not that knife in your side,
I'm not intentionally causing harm or distress to you.
'Cause I'm shedding that skin that I'm in,
I'm changing my old self and moving on from my past mistakes/behavior.
It's not my fate to live a life without you in,
I don't want to live without you in my life.
We're going through changes,
We're still experiencing significant changes in our lives/relationship.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SACHA SKARBEK, NICK WHITECROSS, GARETH PAUL GATES, JON HALL, MARTIN TEREFE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
caz4gaz
I have always loved Gareth, and his music is superb! Changes is a beautiful song, delivered with such emotion
Inge Travers
I love this song too. Gareth voice is great, and I love his piano playing.
Inge Travers
I love this song more each time I hear it, so pleased Gareth is back.
alicia297
This song - and Gareth comeback - helped me realise I had to change some issues in my life that had been there for years and encouraged me to do it. And it's not only me, Gareth inspires his fans - and other people - in many ways every day. And no matter if his music is not as successful as fans like me expect. Nothing will change the way he makes us feel. A loyal Spanish fan x
Inge Travers
This is a brilliant song, I love it.
Inge Travers
I am so pleased Gareth is back, love the song, love the video, love him.:)
Scarlet G
This song was so good, I wish it got further in the chart, Hes really talented, And put so much effort in to change.
elaine rollins
Lovely song, lovely video, its great to have Gareth back. Thanks for loading the video up Sharon.
elaine rollins
Lovely song, lovely video and Gareth is gorgeous, its great to have him back.
Inge Travers
I love this song, its great.