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.
Stardust
Ian Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Imagining a sword
Did you think I'd never float onto the heights at which you soared
Pickin' up a pen
Is like pickin' up a spade
To plant and sow a seed
Or diggin' your own grave
Like a planetary sun
Same DNA as stardust
Like an elephant's trunk
Is a snorkel full of water
If you're pickin' up a pen
Imagining a sword
Did you think I'd never float onto the heights at which you soared
Pickin' up a pen
Is like pickin' up a spade
To plant and sow a seed
Or diggin' your own grave
I'm made from stardust
Like a planetary sun
Same DNA as stardust
Like an elephants trunk is a snorkel full of water
Is a snorkel full of water
Who feeds the young 'cause they're starvin'
In a world that you're marveling in
Who feeds the young 'cause they're hungry
In this beautiful world that you live in for free
Same DNA as stardust
Carbon dated to last
Same DNA as stardust
From a time that has past
I'm made from Stardust
Same DNA as Stardust
The song Stardust by Ian Brown is a powerful commentary on the fundamental nature of the universe and human existence. The lyrics explore the idea that all living things are made from stardust and share the same basic DNA as the universe itself. The song begins with a reference to the act of writing, comparing it to the act of wielding a sword. The implication is that writing, like sword fighting, can be both creative and destructive, depending on how it is used. Brown is urging the listener to use their creative powers wisely, to plant seeds and build up rather than tear down.
Brown then goes on to make explicit the connection between humans and the universe by stating that we are all made from stardust. This is a nod to the scientific fact that the elements in our bodies were forged in the hearts of stars, literally making us all products of the universe. The line "like a planetary sun" refers to the idea that every living thing is a miniature version of a sun, radiating energy and light. The comparison to an elephant's trunk is interesting because it suggests that even something as basic as a sensory organ is connected to the universe.
In the final verse, Brown shifts focus to the harsh realities of the world we live in. He asks who is responsible for feeding the young and hungry, drawing attention to the fact that while we may seek inspiration and awe from the universe, there are real problems happening in our own backyard. The final lines again drive home the idea that all life is connected through the same DNA, even as we attempt to grapple with the complexities of our world.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're pickin' up a pen
If you're starting to write something
Imagining a sword
Or imagining that you're going to fight or confront something
Did you think I'd never float onto the heights at which you soared
Did you think that I would never be able to excel as high as you have?
Pickin' up a pen
Writing is like picking up a shovel to plant a seed or dig a grave
Is like pickin' up a spade
To plant and sow a seed
It's an opportunity to create something new and positive
Or diggin' your own grave
But could also lead to self-inflicted negativity
I'm made from stardust
I am made from the same basic building blocks as the universe
Like a planetary sun
I am a shining light, born from the same cosmic energy that creates life itself
Same DNA as stardust
My very genetic code is the same as the stars above
Like an elephant's trunk
Almost beyond comprehension, like something unexpected and fascinating such as an elephant using its trunk to snorkel underwater
Is a snorkel full of water
Something incredible that opens up the imagination to limitless possibilities
Who feeds the young 'cause they're starvin'
In a world that you're marveling in, there are still people that are struggling to survive
In this beautiful world that you live in for free
We're all gifted life on this beautiful earth, and yet we take it for granted
Carbon dated to last
My existence has been dated to last for eternity, much like the stars above
From a time that has past
But I am also a product of a time long gone, and perhaps forgotten
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IAN BROWN, DAVE MCCRACKEN, TIM WILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind