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.
Other World
Glenn Tilbrook Lyrics
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If only I'd been there when you needed me
If I'd been a better friend, I wouldn't be alone again
Sometimes I feel, somewhere I went wrong
I don't know where, I know I've been there.
I remember when you held me in your arms
You've been dancing in my mind like an angel
In my other world, in my other world
In my other world, in my other world.
When I'm with you, I see what I don't see
I go where I've never been, out there and back again
I'm out of my head to say what I said
To treat you like I do as if I don't need you.
I remember when I held you in my arms
I can feel you near me tonight
You've been dancing in my mind like an angel
In my other world, in my other world
In my other world, in my other world.
I remember when you held me in your arms
I can feel you near me tonight
You've been dancing in my mind like an angel
In my other world, in my other world
In my other world, in my other world.
(In my other world) in my other world
(In my other world) in my other world
(In my other world) in my other world
…
The lyrics of Glenn Tilbrook's song Other World suggest that the singer is reflecting on a past relationship or friendship that has since ended. The singer expresses regret for not being there for the other person when they needed them and recognizes that they may have made mistakes in their treatment of them. The repeated refrain of "in my other world" suggests that the singer may be experiencing a sort of escapism or idealization of this past relationship, perhaps creating a fantasy of what could have been if things had gone differently.
The verse "When I'm with you, I see what I don't see" suggests that the singer found some sort of clarity or perspective when they were with this person, and that they may have lost that sense of direction without them. The use of "out there and back again" is a nod to the classic adventure story The Hobbit, suggesting that the singer may have gone through some sort of personal journey or transformation through this relationship.
Overall, the lyrics of Other World convey a sense of wistfulness and longing for a connection that has since been lost, and the melancholic tone of the song adds to this sense of nostalgia.
Line by Line Meaning
If only I'd been there when you needed me
I regret not being present for you when you needed me.
If I'd been a better friend, I wouldn't be alone again
I believe my loneliness is a result of me not being a good friend to you.
Sometimes I feel, somewhere I went wrong
I have a sense that I made a mistake somewhere along the way.
I don't know where, I know I've been there.
I'm not exactly sure where I went wrong, but I know I did.
I remember when you held me in your arms
I have fond memories of being held by you.
I can feel you near me tonight
I have a strong emotional connection with you, despite our distance.
You've been dancing in my mind like an angel
You are a beautiful and heavenly presence in my thoughts.
In my other world, in my other world
In my imagination or fantasy, we are together in a different reality.
When I'm with you, I see what I don't see
Your presence illuminates things that I was not aware of before.
I go where I've never been, out there and back again
Being with you takes me on an adventure to a new experience and back.
I'm out of my head to say what I said
I regret what I said and recognize that I was not thinking clearly.
To treat you like I do as if I don't need you
I realize that I have been taking you for granted and treating you poorly.
(In my other world) in my other world
I can't help but daydream about us being together in a different reality.
(In my other world) in my other world
My imagination creates an alternate reality where we are together.
(In my other world) in my other world
I wish we were together in a different reality where things are different.
Contributed by Nora L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.