The four band members met at a music college in London in 1997. Frontman Walter-Hansen and lead guitarist Bærentzen started to write songs together and with the addition og Stebbing and Thygesen Grand Avenue was formed. The band released a single in 2003 called "What's On Your Mind", which became "Ugens Uundgåelige" (the most played number on the radio station for a week) on National Danish Radio P3, which caught the attention of EMI. The band signed with the record company, and released their debut album Grand Avenue in 2003.
In 2005, the band moved to New York to record their follow-up album She and work with producer Bryce Goggin. The album was released in 2005.
During 2006, the band started working on their third album, The Outside which was released in 2007. Again, the band had a "Ugens Uundgåelige" with the single "The Outside".
Frontman Walter-Hansen dated supermodel Helena Christensen for two years from 2004 to 2006.
London
Grand Avenue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
close to something real
I'm down here on my knees
what's gonna happen to me
waiting for the summer sun
I need for you to come on strong
kiss me when I'm on my back
and tell me i'm the best you've ever had
and all her twisted pain
She gave me wisdom
and a reason to stay sane
Bruised and in your room
my mind is clear when in front of you
I love the smell of your skin
It's crawling all over me again
She gave me london
and all her twisted pain
She gave me wisdom
and a reason to stay sane
we're almost the same
you and me
we're almost the same
you and me
She gave me london
and all her twisted pain
She gave me wisdom
and a reason to stay sane
She gave me something
But i threw it all away
She gave me London
I tought i heard her say
we're almost the same
you and me
we're almost the same
you and me
The song "London" by Grand Avenue is a melancholic yet beautiful reflection on a relationship that has come to an end. The first stanza talks about how the singer is feeling close to something real, but is unsure of what will happen to them in the future. They are waiting for the warmth of summer and the arrival of the person they love to give them hope. The second stanza reveals that the person who gave them this love is from London and brought both pain and wisdom to their life. The singer is now in a dark place, both mentally and physically, but everything becomes clear when they are with the person they love.
As the song progresses, the chorus repeats the phrase "we're almost the same, you and me" which highlights the deep connection between the two lovers. However, the final line "she gave me something, but I threw it all away" indicates that the relationship has ultimately failed. Despite being given so much by this person from London, the singer has lost it all.
The overall message of the song is bittersweet, one of love lost and the struggles that come with moving on. The use of London as a metaphor for the person who the singer loved adds an element of geography and culture to the song, as well as emphasizing the changes that come with being in a long-distance relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
oh you're making me feel
You are making me feel a genuine connection and emotion.
close to something real
Near to something that can be truly felt and experienced.
I'm down here on my knees
I am humble and vulnerable in front of you.
what's gonna happen to me
I am unsure of the future and what it holds for me.
waiting for the summer sun
Anticipating for the good times and better days when things will improve.
I need for you to come on strong
I desire for you to show me your strength and confidence.
kiss me when I'm on my back
Show me love and affection when I'm vulnerable and weak.
and tell me i'm the best you've ever had
Assure me that I am your greatest and most treasured love.
She gave me london
A metaphor for a wild and exciting experience and lifestyle.
and all her twisted pain
Despite the difficulties and complexities of London's lifestyle, it is still an attractive and unique experience.
She gave me wisdom
Through her experience, London has taught the singer a valuable lesson or knowledge.
and a reason to stay sane
London has given the artist a hope and motivation to remain mentally stable and composed even in difficult situations.
Bruised and in your room
Hurt emotionally and physically, but seeking solace and comfort in the presence of their lover.
my mind is clear when in front of you
The singer feels calm and at peace when they are with their lover, despite the chaos and confusion around them.
I love the smell of your skin
The singer finds pleasure and comfort in the presence of their lover, even in small details such as their scent.
It's crawling all over me again
The sensations and feelings of being with their lover are overwhelming and intense for the artist, yet they desire it more and more.
She gave me something
London has given the artist a significant and valuable experience or memory.
But i threw it all away
The singer regrets not cherishing and appreciating the experience and letting it go to waste.
I thought i heard her say
The singer is uncertain if they truly heard London or their lover bid farewell or if it is just their imagination.
we're almost the same
The artist and their lover share similarities and are a perfect match for each other.
you and me
The connection between the artist and their lover is beautiful and perfect.
She gave me London
Reiteration that London symbolizes all the pleasures and pains of a wild, exciting lifestyle.
Contributed by Arianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.