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.
PARALLEL WORLD
Glenn Tilbrook Lyrics
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Stop for a minute, stop for a minute
Stop for a minute, stop.
There's a shadow on my heart
And I don't enjoy the time we spend apart
I'm not sure where you are.
Dishes pile up in the sink
I'm not giving myself time or space to think
I wish I was living in.
A parallel world where time is gently rolling by
Everyone sees eye to eye
We're not leading separate lives.
We're not even getting near
There are hills to climb but no one's changing gear
Can we move on from here?
With a lack of blinding prose
I chew on my words but I think that you know
It's time, we just let it go...
To a parallel world where time is gently rolling by
Everyone sees eye to eye
We're not leading separate lives.
So stop for a minute
I'm about to reach my limit
This is real and we're stuck with it
I'd take the chance if you'd give it
To reach a solution
A happier conclusion
How long can we go on
When none of this makes any sense at all?
Thoughts like that whiz around my head
So I read card myself straight into bed
Sleep is a chance to dream...
Of a parallel world where things always go just as planned
Happiness is gift wrapped and
Everyone knows where they stand.
Of a parallel world where time is gently rolling by
Everyone sees eye to eye
We're not leading separate lives.
So stop for a minute, stop for a minute
Stop for a minute, stop for a minute
Stop for a minute, stop for a minute.
The song "Parallel World" by Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Braide is a poignant reflection on the challenges of a relationship in crisis. The opening lines of the song invite the listener to pause for a moment, to take stock of the emotions that are weighing heavily on the singer's heart. The lyrics describe the growing distance between the two partners, as the singer struggles to reconcile their differences and find a way back to the intimacy they once shared. The image of the dishes piling up in the sink serves as a metaphor for the mounting pressures of everyday life, and the lack of time and space to think clearly about what is really important in the relationship.
As the song progresses, the singer imagines a "parallel world" where time moves more slowly, where people are more understanding and forgiving, and where everyone is able to see eye to eye. In this alternative reality, the two partners are able to leave their separate lives behind and fully commit to each other. However, the singer also acknowledges that this parallel world is just a dream, and that the only real solution is to face the challenges of the present and work towards a happier and more fulfilling future.
Overall, the lyrics of "Parallel World" are a powerful reminder of the fragile nature of relationships, and the importance of taking time to reflect on our own emotions and needs. Through its vivid imagery and heartfelt words, the song offers hope and inspiration to anyone who has ever struggled to navigate the complexities of love and intimacy.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop for a minute, stop for a minute
Pause and take a moment to reflect on our current situation.
There's a shadow on my heart
I feel a sense of sadness and unease in my emotions.
And I don't enjoy the time we spend apart
Being separated from you is a source of discomfort and pain.
I'm not sure where you are
I am unsure about your whereabouts and our current status.
Dishes pile up in the sink
My mundane tasks distract me from my emotional turmoil.
I'm not giving myself time or space to think
I am not dedicating enough time to work through my thoughts and feelings.
I wish I was living in.
I long for a different reality than the one I am currently experiencing.
A parallel world where time is gently rolling by
Imagining a world where things move at a slower, more manageable pace.
Everyone sees eye to eye
A world where everyone understands each other and there is no conflict.
We're not leading separate lives.
People are unified and connected in this alternate reality.
We're not even getting near
Despite being close physically, we are emotionally distant.
There are hills to climb but no one's changing gear
We face obstacles and challenges, but no one is taking action to overcome them.
Can we move on from here?
Questioning whether it is possible to progress beyond our current struggles.
With a lack of blinding prose
I struggle to articulate my feelings in a profound or poetic way.
I chew on my words but I think that you know
Despite my difficulty in verbalizing my emotions, I believe that you understand how I feel.
It's time, we just let it go...
I think that it is time for us to move past our current difficulties and find a way to reconcile.
So stop for a minute
Once again urging us to take a moment to pause and think.
I'm about to reach my limit
I am close to reaching my emotional breaking point.
This is real and we're stuck with it
Acknowledging that our problems are genuine and need to be addressed.
I'd take the chance if you'd give it
I am willing to try to resolve our difficulties if you are willing to work with me.
To reach a solution
Expressing a desire to find a way to overcome our current problems.
A happier conclusion
We both want to find a way to move past our pain and reach a better emotional state.
How long can we go on
Asking how much longer we can continue to live with our current emotional turmoil.
When none of this makes any sense at all?
Questioning why we are putting up with this situation when it is causing so much grief and confusion.
Thoughts like that whiz around my head
Feeling overwhelmed and plagued by negative thoughts.
So I read card myself straight into bed
I distract myself from my problems by focusing on something else, such as reading, and go to bed.
Sleep is a chance to dream...
Hopeful that my subconscious mind will come up with a solution or provide me with a way to escape my current reality.
Of a parallel world where things always go just as planned
Dreaming of a perfect world where things turn out exactly as expected.
Happiness is gift wrapped and
Imagine a world where happiness comes easily and is readily available.
Everyone knows where they stand.
A world where everyone is clear about their feelings, intentions, and place in society.
Stop for a minute, stop for a minute
Once again urging us to take a moment to stop and reflect.
Contributed by Elena E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.