Cornwell was born in London, England in 1949 - growing up in Tufnell Park and Kentish Town - and attended William Ellis School in Highgate, where he was friends with Richard Thompson, later a member of Fairport Convention. In the late 1960s, having obtained a degree in biochemistry from Bristol University, he embarked on postgraduate research post in Lund University, southern Sweden. Not long after his arrival he formed a band, Johnny Sox.
Cornwell did not complete his doctorate and returned to the UK, in 1974. Soon after, he formed The Stranglers with Jet Black, Hans Warmling and Jean Jacques Burnel. By 1977 they had secured a deal with United Artists records and become the highest selling band on the UK punk scene and had several hit singles and albums.
By the time Cornwell reached his thirties, the British punk scene had died down and he was prompted to start a solo career in case the Stranglers broke up. He recorded his first album away from the group, Nosferatu, in collaboration with the Captain Beefheart's Magic Band's drummer, Robert Williams, in 1979.
Shortly before his 41st birthday Cornwell decided that the band could go no further artistically. He recorded the albums 10 and Saturday Night/Sunday Morning before leaving after sixteen years in the band. He described life with the Stranglers as brilliant, but he felt he had a dark coat over him. His biographical writing attest to many conflicts within the band, particularly between Cornwell and Burnel.
Since leaving the Stranglers his solo career has continued. He has released 11 solo albums, Wolf (1988), Wired (1993), Guilty (1997), Black Hair Black Eyes Black Suit (1999), First Bus To Babylon (1999), Hifi (2001), Footprints In The Desert (2002), Mayday (2002), In The Dock (2003), Beyond Elysian Fields (2004), Dirty Dozen (2006) and three collaborations, Nosferatu (1979) featuring Robert Williams, CCW (1992) featuring Roger Cook and Andy West and Sons Of Shiva (2002) featuring Sex W Johnston.
Cornwell's book, The Stranglers: Song by Song, was published in November 2001 by Sanctuary Publishing. In it he explains for the first time the real stories behind the Stranglers extensive catalogue of songs. In October 2004 Cornwell's autobiography A Multitude of Sins was published by Harper Collins.
The Stranglers' most successful song, Golden Brown, featured on the soundtrack to Guy Ritchie's Hollywood blockbuster Snatch; whilst Peaches was used as the opening sequence of the hit film Sexy Beast as well as in a Nike TV ad for 2002's Football World Cup.
A triple live album, People Places Pieces containing 45 tracks spanning the whole of Cornwell's career has been released in 2006. It spans his time with the Stranglers from 1974 to 1990, plus his critically acclaimed solo career to date and features remarkable performances of old and new standards.
Hugh Cornwell has completed his new album Hooverdam and first film Blueprint in Toerag Studios with producer Liam Watson (White Stripes 'Elephant'). The whole “Hoover Dam” album is available to download completely FREE as high quality DRM-free MP3s from www.hughcornwell.com – and Hugh’s site is now in twelve languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin and Japanese).
This initiative has brought Hugh’s music to a massive new audience – a fact borne out by his barnstorming show at the Glastonbury Festival which was overflowing with people wanting to catch the performance. The CD version of “Hoover Dam” includes a DVD containing feature-length documentary “Blueprint”, and vinyl LP sales have also been very strong. “Hoover Dam” has been also making a splash abroad, with fantastic US concert dates throughout September, and shows in Germany, Holland, Lithuania, France and England.
24/7
Hugh Cornwell Lyrics
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He's always been there controlling the scene but in his new suit he looks like a waiter
He's of the retiring kind but with a schedule that's fuller than Kissinger
He's grown a moustache since his wife went away but I have to say I don't think he's missing her
24/7 it's got to be the greatest job
24/7 just being Bob
He started out when I was at school when the teachers weren't cruel they were vicious
I couldn't wait to discover an E and then follow it with an A minor
Even the Beatles took note at the words that he wrote like a spider
24/7 it's got to be the greatest job
24/7 just being Bob
Meanwhile I got stuck in verse three when the black blood flowed down the metal
I left it around for about a thousand hours and then sure enough I started to meddle
So if you're listening please I'm down on my knees in the candles
I'm not stuck in Memphis at all but I sure heard the call and the scandal
24/7 it's got to be the greatest job
24/7 just being Bob
So Bob don't get me wrong I'm a fan but I can stay cool
I know what it's like to be put on the spot when your collar gets hot that's the rule
I understand why you constantly play because playing is work and it's fun
I hope you continue to grow because it's sure hard to stop once begun
24/7 it's got to be the greatest job
24/7 just being Bob
The lyrics of Hugh Cornwell's "24/7" reference a musician named Bob, likely Bob Dylan, who Cornwell admires and reveres. The first verse seems to paint Bob as a mysterious, omnipresent figure - like the wandering jew - who exerts control over the music scene. Cornwell also notes that Bob has changed his appearance, growing a mustache since his wife left, but implies that he doesn't seem too upset by the separation. The chorus declares that Bob has the greatest job, being able to play music all day and all night.
The second verse is more revealing of Cornwell's feelings towards Bob. He describes his own attempts to learn the guitar and write songs, but getting stuck in the third verse and feeling frustrated by his own limitations. Meanwhile, he imagines Bob continuing to write and perform effortlessly, constantly growing and improving as a musician. The bridge of the song takes an even more reverential tone, as Cornwell acknowledges the pressure Bob must feel to constantly play and create, but also revels in the joy and fun of making music.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd like to meet the wandering jew who keeps his hands in his pockets for later
I desire to meet the elusive person who is always prepared and ready for anything.
He's always been there controlling the scene but in his new suit he looks like a waiter
This person has always been a dominant force in the setting, but his new attire makes him appear more like a servant.
He's of the retiring kind but with a schedule that's fuller than Kissinger
Despite his introverted nature, this individual has a busier program than even the former U.S. Secretary of State.
He's grown a moustache since his wife went away but I have to say I don't think he's missing her
Ever since his spouse departed, he has adorned himself with a mustache, though it seems that he is not sentimental about her exit.
24/7 it's got to be the greatest job
Working all day and night must be the most rewarding career.
24/7 just being Bob
Spending all of one's time as only themselves must be the most pleasurable way to exist.
He started out when I was at school when the teachers weren't cruel they were vicious
This individual began his career during a period of time when teachers were not only strict, but harsh and cruel.
He strummed that guitar like he meant it and the women he knew were capricious
This person played his guitar passionately, which resulted in him attracting fickle and unpredictable women.
I couldn't wait to discover an E and then follow it with an A minor
The artist was thrilled to learn certain chords on the guitar and use them creatively.
Even the Beatles took note at the words that he wrote like a spider
The legendary band The Beatles took heed of the clever songwriting of this individual.
Meanwhile I got stuck in verse three when the black blood flowed down the metal
The singer became hung up on a particular song verse when he became lost in the music and lyrics.
I left it around for about a thousand hours and then sure enough I started to meddle
After taking an extended break from the song, the artist resumed working on it and began to tinker with it.
So if you're listening please I'm down on my knees in the candles
The singer is imploring someone to pay attention to his creative endeavors and dedication, symbolized by candles.
I'm not stuck in Memphis at all but I sure heard the call and the scandal
While not literally stranded in Memphis, the singer was still influenced and embroiled in the culture and drama of the city.
So Bob don't get me wrong I'm a fan but I can stay cool
The singer is attempting to convey admiration for Bob, but is also maintaining a level head and perspective.
I know what it's like to be put on the spot when your collar gets hot that's the rule
The artist understands what it feels like to be under pressure and stressed, as it is a common occurrence.
I understand why you constantly play because playing is work and it's fun
The artist comprehends why Bob continuously performs music, as it is simultaneously a job and a joyful activity.
I hope you continue to grow because it's sure hard to stop once begun
The singer hopes that Bob will continue to develop and evolve musically, as it is challenging to cease once having started.
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