He returned in April 2010 with a critically acclaimed debut solo album recorded with Midlake. 'Queen of Denmark' was Mojo magazine's Album of the Year for 2010; it was also named as one of the best ten albums of 2010 by the Guardian's music critics and writers.
'Pale Green Ghosts', his second solo effort, was released on 11th March 2013 and it features Sinéad O'Connor as guest vocalist.
It's Easier
John Grant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guess I tried to love you, because I thought I could afford
To take the risk and take a chance
I do not know who I thought I was fooling
I must have felt invincible in your arms, like I could take
The whole world on
But it's easier for me, to believe that you are lying to me,
Yes it's easier for me to walk away and get on with my life
If I believe that you're deceiving me,
If I believe that you'd be leaving me one day, be leaving me one day,
Be leaving me one day
I wish that I could make you see, but clearly that is not to be,
'Cause you will not be swayed by me, you've made it clear, you must be free,
I would have sacrificed for you, I would have been so loyal and so true,
But gifts this precious can't be offered up by fools
And it's easier for me, to believe that you are lying to me,
When you say you love me and when you say you need me,
Yes it's easier for me to walk away and get on with my life
If I believe that you're deceiving me,
If I believe that you'd be leaving me one day, be leaving me one day,
Be leaving me one day
What's done is done, I cannot change the way I feel,
And what's more I am certain that I don't regret a single thing,
But sometimes I really miss your sweet sweet love
And wish that I'd wake up and this would all be just a dream
Yes, it's easier for me, to believe that you are lying to me,
When you say you love me and when you say you need me,
Yes it's easier for me to walk away and get on with my life
If I believe that you're deceiving me,
If I believe that you'd be leaving me one day, be leaving me one day,
Be leaving me one day
The song "It's Easier" by John Grant is a contemplative look back on a past relationship. It starts with the singer admitting that he doesn't know who he thought he was when he tried to love the person. He believed he was invincible and could take on the world, but it turns out that he was fooling himself. The chorus focuses on the idea that it's easier for him to believe that the other person is lying and will eventually leave him rather than facing the reality that they truly love him. He wishes that he could make the person see his perspective but knows that they must be free.
The second verse continues to explore the singer's feelings of sacrifice and loyalty. However, he realizes that these gifts cannot be offered up by fools. The chorus is repeated, highlighting the easier path of believing that the person is lying and will eventually leave, instead of facing the possibility that the love is genuine. The song ends on a wistful note, with the singer accepting that what's done is done and that he cannot change his feelings. He misses the other person's love, but also knows that sometimes it's easier to walk away.
Overall, the song is about the struggle to face the truth and the temptation to take the easier path of denial. It's an introspective look at the highs and lows of a past relationship and the singer's journey towards acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know who I thought I was
I am unsure of my true self and cannot explain my actions.
I guess I tried to love you, because I thought I could afford,
To take the risk and take a chance
I attempted to love you despite the risks because I believed I was capable of handling any outcome.
I do not know who I thought I was fooling,
I must have felt invincible in your arms, like I could take
The whole world on
I was trying to deceive myself and others by believing that your love made me strong enough to face any obstacle.
But it's easier for me, to believe that you are lying to me,
When you say you love me and when you say you need me,
Yes it's easier for me to walk away and get on with my life
If I believe that you're deceiving me,
If I believe that you'd be leaving me one day, be leaving me one day,
Be leaving me one day
It's simpler for me to assume that you are dishonest and planning to leave me, rather than dealing with the pain of a potential breakup.
I wish that I could make you see, but clearly that is not to be,
'Cause you will not be swayed by me, you've made it clear, you must be free,
I would have sacrificed for you, I would have been so loyal and so true,
But gifts this precious can't be offered up by fools
I desire to show you my commitment, but you are set in your ways and determined to be independent. I would have given everything to you, but I understand that true love cannot be given or received foolishly.
What's done is done, I cannot change the way I feel,
And what's more I am certain that I don't regret a single thing,
But sometimes I really miss your sweet sweet love,
And wish that I'd wake up and this would all be just a dream
I cannot change my emotions, and I have no guilt about our past. At times, however, I yearn for your affection and hope the current situation is only temporary.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN GRANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerard O'Neill
I could listen to John Grant for a billion years.
Log Cabin Man
Two billion for me
Steve Haugh
absolutely fucking devastating. just got turned on to JG yesterday and haven't stopped playing both albums. I have sobbed from this stuff!
Redman
sissy. (just kidding)
Ggirl Ggirl
Be sure to check out the Czars (Goodbye) as well. He fronted the band before going solo.
Dan Hare
I think that this is my favourite song from Queen of Denmark, one of my favourite albums. Loses nothing in this setting. Marvellous.
Nerida Liddiard
So sorry mate! You have been let down.
But thank you so much for your exceptional honesty and of course the music 🎶💋
Sam Mclean
Absolutely brilliant. Love this guy. Punches you in the stomach and kicks you in the head like most great music.
Suzalda Yung
O ano é 2023 que estou a descobrir essa obra de arte😊😊😊 i AM really in love
Global Village
Impossibly touching. Grant is on top of his game .Queen of Denmark is remarkable but whoa, what a ride!