Over the duration of Squeeze's first hiatus, from approximately 1983 to 1985, Tilbrook wrote, recorded, and toured with Difford as an act called Difford & Tilbrook.
Since Squeeze's second breakup in 1999 (they reformed in 2007 for a series of shows, possibly not permanently), Glenn has pursued a solo career, often touring around the UK and U.S. in an unreliable RV, playing small venues to audiences of faithful and highly supportive fans. He currently has two solo albums, The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook and Transatlantic Ping-Pong. Tilbrook co-wrote some of the songs for his solo recordings with artists such as Ron Sexsmith, Chris Braide and Aimee Mann. In 2006, the documentary "Glenn Tilbrook: One for the Road" was released. The film follows Glenn on his November 2001 tour across America.
Best Of Times
Glenn Tilbrook Lyrics
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It was early in the morning you were laying on the floor
The person that I love most dearly
Our baby wasn't meant to come for six weeks more
But the best laid plans can go wrong clearly
I called the ambulance and offered you some tea, you laughed
I'm trying to pack your bag and proving that I'm not the better half
You supported me when my heart was broken
Our differences resolved but something may be wrong
But the fear that haunts us is unspoken
Between the two of us we can appraise the facts and decide
Was I a tower of strength or tagging along for the ride?
Once upon a time some people
Thought that we would soon be done
Well I wish them and I hope they're having fun
The next generation's waiting they are banging on the door
Growing up is such a mountain to climb
We've got two boys and my earlier two make four
And they'll all get a go in their own time
When I disappear
And old memories chime
My love will be clear
And our dreams aligned
With everything we've been through we've had the best of times
We've had the best of times
In Glenn Tilbrook's song "Best Of Times," the lyrics describe a moment where the singer's partner goes into labor six weeks before their baby was supposed to arrive. The singer calls for an ambulance and tries to pack their partner's bag, showing that they are doing their best to support their partner in a chaotic situation. The lyrics also touch on the fear that comes with starting a family and raising children, but the singer remains optimistic that they will get through everything as a team. The song ends with a reflection on their journey together and the realization that they have had the best of times.
The lines "What you wanted was what I'd withheld for so long / You supported me when my heart was broken / Our differences resolved but something may be wrong / But the fear that haunts us is unspoken" suggest that the couple has gone through some rough patches and had to work out their differences. However, there may still be underlying issues that they haven't addressed. The line "Was I a tower of strength or tagging along for the ride?" reveals that the singer wonders if they were truly supporting their partner or just going through the motions.
Overall, "Best Of Times" is a poignant and introspective song that reflects on the highs and lows of building a life with someone you love. The uncertainties and challenges that come with starting a family are balanced out by the joy and love that the couple shares.
Line by Line Meaning
It was early in the morning you were laying on the floor
The singer found his partner lying on the floor in the morning.
The person that I love most dearly
The singer's partner is the most beloved person in their life.
Our baby wasn't meant to come for six weeks more
The singer and their partner were expecting a baby, but it arrived earlier than expected.
But the best laid plans can go wrong clearly
Despite their preparations, things can still go wrong unexpectedly.
I called the ambulance and offered you some tea, you laughed
The artist called for medical assistance and tried to offer some comfort to their partner, who was still able to laugh.
I'm trying to pack your bag and proving that I'm not the better half
The singer is trying to help their partner pack, but feels inadequate in comparison.
What you wanted was what I'd withheld for so long
The partner had a desire that the singer had not fulfilled until now.
You supported me when my heart was broken
The partner had been there for the artist during an emotionally difficult time.
Our differences resolved but something may be wrong
Although they've resolved their differences, the artist senses that something might still be amiss.
But the fear that haunts us is unspoken
The fear that something is wrong is not being openly discussed between them.
Between the two of us we can appraise the facts and decide
The singer and partner are capable of analyzing the situation and making a decision together.
Was I a tower of strength or tagging along for the ride?
The artist questions whether they were really helpful in their partner's time of need or just going along for the sake of it.
Once upon a time some people thought that we would soon be done
There were people who didn't believe their relationship would last.
Well I wish them and I hope they're having fun
The singer wishes those people well and hopes they're happy.
The next generation's waiting they are banging on the door
Their children are growing up and preparing to take on the world.
Growing up is such a mountain to climb
The journey toward adulthood can be challenging.
We've got two boys and my earlier two make four
The couple has two children together, and the artist has two children from a previous relationship.
And they'll all get a go in their own time
Each of their children will have their own time to grow and explore their own paths.
When I disappear
At some point in the future, the singer will no longer be present.
And old memories chime
Memories of their past experiences will resurface and be remembered.
My love will be clear
The love the artist had for their partner will be obvious and apparent in hindsight.
And our dreams aligned
Their shared dreams and aspirations were in harmony.
With everything we've been through we've had the best of times
Through all their trials and tribulations, the singer feels that they have still had the best of times together.
We've had the best of times
The artist reiterates that they have truly enjoyed their life together.
Contributed by Gabriella Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.