The band originated with vocalist Stephen Holt (vocals) and guitarist Graham Lambert. Another uncredited founding member, was basist Glenn Chesworth. His partnership with the band lasted only a couple of years. The band emerged alongside The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays from the indie scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bassist, Martyn Walsh, and drummer, Craig Gill, joined in 1984. Playing garage rock, they were joined by keyboardist, Clint Boon, who changed their sound based around harmonic (and often psychedelic) keyboards and jangly guitars.
After a couple of singles on a local indie label, Holt left the group and was replaced by Tom Hingley. The band were propelled to fame after being 'discovered' by the Radio 1 DJ John Peel and had their greatest chart success in the UK with a single entitled This is How it Feels, which is a song about loneliness and unemployment.
At the time of their initial success, the band earned some notoriety for their squiggly-eyed cow 'Cool as Fuck' T-shirts; a student at Oxford Polytechnic was prosecuted on obscenity charges for wearing one. One of their roadies, Noel Gallagher, went on to great success with the band Oasis. The band is named after an Inspiral Carpets tour poster which included the venue Swindon Oasis.
They reworked their single Find Out Why as the theme tune to early 90's kids TV show 'The 8:15 From Manchester'. Another release I Want You was used by Sony to advertise their in-car entertainment systems on this advert ; an early example of advertising agencies co-opting and promoting non-mainstream music to add kudos to mainstream brands (a trend that has increased significantly).
After the release of their 4th studio album, Devil Hopping, they started to record new, more darker-sounding demos in 1995 which their label, Mute Records rejected. An amicable split followed but they re-formed in 2003 for a tour and new compilation. For the next several years, they played gigs on and off, until Hingley could no longer give his 100% commitment so original vocalist, Stephen Holt, rejoined in March 2011.
Besides Me
Inspiral Carpets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I see you tomorrow, I will have the sense to say
Too much
You always say too much (X3)
I AM MOVING ON, I AM PASSING BY
I AM MOVING ON, YOU ARE RIGHT BESIDES
All the time adds up to nothing, everything you do or say
Too much
It always costs too much (X3)
I AM MOVING ON, I AM PASSING BY
I AM MOVING ON, YOU ARE RIGHT BESIDES
I won't ask you questions, time will pass you by
Let alone in this world, you are the strangest one
Too much
You always say too much (X3)
I AM MOVING ON, I AM PASSING BY
I AM MOVING ON, YOU ARE RIGHT BESIDES ME
The song "Besides Me" by Inspiral Carpets is a poignant reflection on the end of a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of weariness and disillusionment with the other person who is seen as constantly talking too much and costing too much emotionally. The singer speaks of being too tired to listen to anything the other person says and wanting to move on with their life. They feel that all the silly things the other person says and does add up to nothing and they are ready to let go.
The repeated refrain "I am moving on, you are right besides me" is particularly powerful as it reinforces the idea that the other person will always be a part of their life, even as they try to move away from them. In essence, the song is a bittersweet tribute to the end of a relationship, a recognition that the other person has become a part of who they are, for better or for worse.
Overall, "Besides Me" is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged song that speaks to anyone who has struggled with the end of a relationship. It captures the sense of heartbreak and loss, while also conveying a sense of hope and potential for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm too tired to listen to anything you say
I am exhausted and no longer interested in hearing what you have to say.
When I see you tomorrow, I will have the sense to say
Next time I see you, I will have the courage to speak my mind.
Too much
You go too far and you exceed reasonable limits.
You always say too much (X3)
You have a history of talking too much and not thinking before you speak.
I AM MOVING ON, I AM PASSING BY
I am leaving and moving on from this situation.
YOU ARE RIGHT BESIDES ME
Despite my efforts to move on, you are still present in my life.
I don't want to watch you, all the stupid things you say
I find your words and actions foolish and I do not want to witness them.
All the time adds up to nothing, everything you do or say
Your efforts and words have no real impact or value.
It always costs too much (X3)
Your actions and words generally result in negative consequences.
I won't ask you questions, time will pass you by
I will not bother engaging with you and instead let time run its course.
Let alone in this world, you are the strangest one
You are an outcast and strange in this world.
Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.