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.
Black Sheep
Glenn Tilbrook Lyrics
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Out into the pasture I wander
But I won't, I won't get any sleep
I I I I just stand around and ponder
My life, my life as the baa baa ba baa baa
Black sheep, baa baa ba baa baa
Black sheep, baa baa ba baa baa
And I cut myself but not too deep
I watch my blood & I give myself full attention
And my life recedes as the baa baa ba baa baa
Black sheep, baa baa ba baa baa
Black sheep, baa baa ba baa baa
I loved the sunshine yesterday
I love the sun and how my troubles seem ok
(I love the sun) but here I stand on feet of clay
I love the sun, now it's my choice to be that way
It seems the sunshine's gone today
The lyrics to Glenn Tilbrook's song Black Sheep speak to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as self-doubt and self-harm. The singer of the song, feeling like a black sheep, wanders out into the pasture but cannot fall asleep. Instead, they "stand around and ponder" their life, feeling like an outcast. The repetition of "baa baa ba baa baa" evokes the sound of sheep, further underscoring the feeling of being an outsider.
The second verse hints at a darker side to the singer's thoughts and actions. They reveal a fear of rejection and a tendency to cut themselves, stating that they "watch [their] blood" and give themselves "full attention." The repetition of "baa baa ba baa baa" again emphasizes the animalistic nature of the singer's emotions, as they struggle to find their place in the world.
The chorus, repeating "black sheep," serves to reinforce the feeling of isolation and alienation. The final lines, which express a love of sunshine but also acknowledge the hardships of life, leave the song on a somewhat ambiguous note. It is unclear if the singer has found any hope or consolation in their struggles, or if they will continue to feel like a black sheep.
Line by Line Meaning
Out into the pasture I wander
I venture into the unknown or unfamiliar.
But I won't, I won't get any sleep
I can't rest or relax due to my inner turmoil.
I I I I just stand around and ponder
I feel stuck and uncertain about my life and decisions.
My life, my life as the baa baa ba baa baa
I feel like an outcast or misfit, always different from others.
Black sheep, baa baa ba baa baa
I identify with being the black sheep, or the one who doesn't fit in.
Sometimes I get frightened of rejection
I fear being rejected or ostracized by others.
And I cut myself but not too deep
I harm myself physically as a way to cope with emotional pain, but try not to cause serious injury.
I watch my blood & I give myself full attention
I focus intently on causing and observing the physical harm I inflict on myself.
And my life recedes as the baa baa ba baa baa
My pain and self-destructive behavior consumes and overshadows my life.
I loved the sunshine yesterday
I felt happy and content in the past.
I love the sun and how my troubles seem ok
I appreciate the feeling of warmth and well-being the sunshine brings me.
(I love the sun) but here I stand on feet of clay
Despite my love for the sun and its positivity, I feel vulnerable and flawed.
I love the sun, now it's my choice to be that way
I recognize that happiness and positivity are a personal choice, and strive to choose that path.
It seems the sunshine's gone today
I am currently struggling and feeling unhappy or alone.
Contributed by Camden L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.