Allegedly nicknamed "King Monkey" by Dodgy's drummer Mathew Priest. Brown is well known to standout from the crowd and had his own unique style, whilst in The Roses he used to often wear big baggy flares and his landmark t-shirt with banknotes on. He now has a more casual look: Adidas Jackets, tracksuit bottoms, army trousers and a pair of shades. He is also recognisable for his varying hairstyles including: Blonde mohawk (early Stone Roses days) short (also early Stone roses days) undercut (similar to John Squire's) Big Hair (1989) bob cut (early 90's) Skinhead and his most well known hairdo long and shaggy with a fringe.
He has had two top 5 singles in the UK, My Star and Dolphins Were Monkeys. In 2005 he collaborated with Noel Gallagher from Oasis for the track Keep What Ya Got. He has also collaborated with U.N.K.L.E. on two tracks, 1999's Be There and Reign in 2004.
Recently Brown has started playing Stone Roses songs during gigs, fuelling speculation that a reunion may be on the cards. But In September 2005 Ian appeared to rule out a Stone Roses reunion saying "there's more chance of me reforming the Happy Mondays than the Roses". Happy Mondays in fact have reformed, but yet Brown appears pessimistic about a likelihood of any reunion. A reunion would also hinge on the co-operation of Roses guitarist John Squire who recently stated his desire to turn his back on music and focus on painting.
His latest album, My Way, was released September 2009.
Can't See Me
Ian Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take you back in time
You're in suspension, hey I caught you
You cannot hide, it's all inside, easy
She knows you can't see me
Yes Mr Miser, Mr, Mr Mystery she's saying to me
Saying he can't see you, he can't free you, he can't be you
He needs a dealer as a healer
I've seen that expression on your face
I could have sent you to that place
Expression can't see me
Yes, I'm reminded of those days
Take you back in time, it's all unite
Here comes a reason to my rhyme
The man used to fly, he used to fly easy
But know you can't see me
I know mine, mine know me
I can sail upon your sea
I can sail upon your sea so easy she knows you can't see me
I've seen that expression on your face
I could have sent you to that place
I know you can't see me
I know you can't see me
The lyrics of Ian Brown's song Can't See Me revolves around the theme of disillusionment and the feeling of being invisible or unnoticed. The song starts with the singer waiting by the river and wanting to take someone back in time. The phrase "You're in suspension, hey I caught you" suggests that the person is stuck or lost, and the singer has found them. The line "She knows you can't see me" implies that there is someone else in the picture who understands and acknowledges the singer's presence.
The second verse introduces a character named Mr. Miser or Mr. Mystery who is probably the one that the person is fixated on. The repeated use of "he can't see you, he can't free you, he can't be you" underscores the sense of invisibility that the singer feels. They want to be acknowledged and recognized, and the object of their affection is someone who cannot provide that. The line "He needs a dealer as a healer" alludes to the idea of using drugs to escape reality.
In the rest of the song, the singer reminisces about the past and how things used to be different. They assert their knowledge of themselves and their ability to navigate the situation. In the end, the singer concludes that they know that the person cannot see them. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of yearning, disillusionment and the desire to be seen and recognized by someone.
Line by Line Meaning
Down by the river side I waited there for you
I waited for you by the river side.
Take you back in time
I want to bring you back to a previous time.
You're in suspension, hey I caught you
You're stuck in a state of uncertainty or delay, and I caught you.
You cannot hide, it's all inside, easy
You can't hide your true feelings or thoughts, it's all inside and easy for me to see.
She knows you can't see me
Someone else knows that you can't see me.
Yes Mr Miser, Mr, Mr Mystery she's saying to me
Someone is addressing me as 'Mr Miser' and 'Mr Mystery'.
Saying he can't see you, he can't free you, he can't be you
That someone is saying that you can't see me, free me, or be me.
He just want to be you
That someone wants to be you.
He needs a dealer as a healer
That someone needs a drug dealer as a way to heal.
Expression can't see me
Your expression shows that you can't see me.
Yes, I'm reminded of those days
I am reminded of past times.
Take you back in time, it's all unite
I want to take you back in time, and everything will feel unified.
Here comes a reason to my rhyme
I have a reason for what I'm saying.
The man used to fly, he used to fly easy
There was a man who used to fly effortlessly.
But know you can't see me
But now you can't see me anymore.
I know mine, mine know me
I know myself and my possessions, and they know me back.
I can sail upon your sea
I can travel through your emotions and thoughts.
I can sail upon your sea so easy she knows you can't see me
It's easy for me to explore your inner world, but that someone knows you can't see me.
I've seen that expression on your face
I've noticed that expression on your face.
I could have sent you to that place
I could have caused you to feel or experience something specific.
I know you can't see me
I know that you can't see me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GARY MOUNFIELD, IAN BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
IV7
Thank you Ian for having the spuds to stand for what you believe in... you have more support than you'll ever know
William Main
One of his finest... Lyrics are bang on..Mani on bass... What's not to like ? 10/10
Joshua Kodrat
And also Reni in drumming, but unfortunately Ian Brown later claimed that the drummer on this song isn’t Reni, just only a drum sampler
z00ts00t77
It's almost like a Fools Gold pt 2 isn't it.
kyna matthewson
Cool, effortless, edgy brilliance. Hypnotic. Genius talent. I've got this one on loop.
Dougie208
Yeah!! Ian Brown = Music God
Evelyn
El mejor cantante, un GENIO. Love ya Ian xx
Patrick McCormack
Ian Browns music is queued/lends itself for political goings-on. My fellow mavericks, that's awesometacular.
fartemis
Absolutely amazing album, one of my favourites of all time, but always annoys me that this video version is different to Can't see me on the album. Gotta say I prefer the album version, way more bass
Dave Carpenter
Awesome Roses sound. Always loved Browny. Super cool geeza