Born in Buxton, Derbyshire, Cole grew up in nearby Chapel en le Frith and went to New Mills Grammar School. After failing in law at University College London, he later attended (but did not graduate from) the University of Glasgow where he studied philosophy and English and met the other members of band that would become The Commotions. Their 1984 debut, Rattlesnakes, contained numerous literary and pop culture references to figures like Norman Mailer, Grace Kelly, Eva Marie Saint, Truman Capote and Joan Didion. The group produced two more albums, Easy Pieces and Mainstream, before disbanding in 1989, when Cole re-located to New York to record with legendary musicians like Fred Maher and Robert Quine (as well as a then largely unknown Matthew Sweet).
This solo setting produced two acclaimed albums, Lloyd Cole in 1990 and 1991's Don't Get Weird on Me Babe. The latter was recorded in two parts: one side continued the New York rock mastered on his first solo album, while the other side featured a session orchestra, much in the style of Burt Bacharach or Scott Walker. Although some reviewers have claimed Don't Get Weird on Me Babe (the title being a quote from the American neo-realism poet Raymond Carver) to be a creative peak, it produced significantly lesser record sales, and the contract with Capitol Records ended.
Subsequently signed by Rykodisc, Cole continued redefining his sound with Bad Vibes (1993), a collaboration with producer/remixer Adam Peters using a harder, grunge and psychedelica inspired sound. Love Story (1995) established stripped-down, largely acoustic sound landscapes with the help of Stephen Street (famous for his work with Blur and The Smiths) and former Commotions Neil Clark and Blair Cowan; the album produced a minor hit with the song "Like Lovers Do".
In 2000, after years without a contract, Cole recorded a disc with the New York band The Negatives, featuring Jill Sobule and Dave Derby of the Dambuilders. He has since released solo albums on smaller independent labels. Sanctuary Records, the company responsible for the revival of Morrissey, released Music in a Foreign Language (2003) in the U.K. Recorded largely by Cole himself (including tracks recorded directly into a Mac), the songs had a stark, folk-inspired singer-songwriter style. One Little Indian, home of Björk, released Music in a Foreign Language in the U.S.; they also collected a number of outtakes (recorded from 1996 to 2000) on 2004's Etc. and released an instrumental ambient electronica album, Plastic Wood, the same year.
Cole continued to tour, playing intimate club venues in a one-man acoustic setting. In 2004, to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of Rattlesnakes, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions reformed to perform a one-off, sell-out tour in the U.K. and Ireland. An avid golfer, he is also known for playing concerts in towns suspiciously close to famous golf courses. He also shares a passion for this sport with Alice Cooper who is said to introduce the song "Only Women Bleed" claiming "not even Lloyd Cole has written a song about menstruation" when playing live.
Cole's album "Antidepressant" was released in 2006 featuring the former Commotions guitarist Neil Clark on some tracks.
The follow-up Broken Record, released in September 2010, marked a departure from his solo recordings, as it was performed by a band of longstanding friends and working partners, including Fred Maher, Joan Wasser, Rainy Orteca, Dave Derby and Blair Cowan – as well as two musicians, Matt Cullen (guitar; banjo) and Mark Schwaber (guitar; mandolin).
An album co-funded by fans, Standards, was released in June 2013.
A studio album – Guesswork – was released on July 26, 2019 by earMUSIC.
A Long Way Down
Lloyd Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
no one's gonna get so close, no one's gonna know how you feel
now you're a punch drunk sycophant, a little s.o.b.
you say your mind is made up, isn't that the way that it's supposed to be
and it's a long way down
and it's a long, long way down
walking that tall your head is gonna trip your feet
walking with the devil's fine, just don't call it looking for sympathy
'cause your blood's still rushing at cocaine speed
and you know all that you need's a little baby to say
ah mister cool down won't you let me fade those blues away
and it's a long way down
and it's a long, long way down
and when you hit the ground you're gonna know about it
mister let's you and me see if we can't make a deal
i'll give you the world and all you've gotta do is cry for me
the reason it's a clich
Ž is because it's true
the harder you climb, the harder you fall, and that means you
so mister hard head, hard nose, hard as steel
you're just a punch drunk sycophant, a little s.o.b.
and it's a long, it's a long way down
and it's a long, long way down
and when you hit the ground you're gonna know about it
The lyrics to Lloyd Cole's "A Long Way Down" describe a man who presents himself as an impenetrable fortress, claiming that his heart is made of steel and that no one can get close to him. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that this is merely a façade, and that this man is struggling with addiction and looking for someone to help ease his pain. He is described as a "punch drunk sycophant," suggesting that he has been brought low by his own choices, and as someone who is in need of comfort and understanding.
The song's title provides a metaphor for the man's emotional journey, as he continually falls deeper into his own despair. The repetition of the phrase "and it's a long way down" reinforces the idea that the man is spiraling out of control and may not be able to stop himself from hitting rock bottom. The lyrics also suggest that the man's addiction has led him to make decisions that are not in his best interest, such as walking with the devil and seeking out cocaine to ease his pain.
Overall, "A Long Way Down" is a poignant and powerful exploration of addiction, emotional vulnerability, and the difficulties of opening up to others. By using vivid imagery and evocative lyrics, Lloyd Cole is able to capture the desperation and fear that come with these struggles, while also acknowledging the hope and possibility of redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
didn't i hear you say your heart's made out of steel
You once claimed that your heart is tough and impenetrable.
no one's gonna get so close, no one's gonna know how you feel
You keep your emotions guarded and will not allow anyone to see your vulnerable side.
now you're a punch drunk sycophant, a little s.o.b.
You have become a pathetic follower, lacking any originality or independence.
you say your mind is made up, isn't that the way that it's supposed to be
You believe that once you have made a decision, you should not change your mind.
and it's a long way down
The consequences of your actions will lead to a difficult and unpleasant situation.
walking that tall your head is gonna trip your feet
Your arrogance and pride will eventually lead to your downfall.
walking with the devil's fine, just don't call it looking for sympathy
Engaging in risky or immoral behavior is acceptable, but do not expect sympathy or support from others.
when it's four a.m. and mister you can't sleep
You experience insomnia, likely caused by your drug use and internal struggles.
'cause your blood's still rushing at cocaine speed
Your drug addiction is causing physical and mental turmoil at all hours of the day.
and you know all that you need's a little baby to say
You are seeking comfort and affection from another person.
ah mister cool down won't you let me fade those blues away
You are looking for someone to help you cope with your emotional pain and stress.
and when you hit the ground you're gonna know about it
When you inevitably face the consequences of your actions, it will be a harsh reality check.
mister let's you and me see if we can't make a deal
Someone is offering to make an arrangement with you.
i'll give you the world and all you've gotta do is cry for me
The person is offering to provide you with everything you want if you show emotional vulnerability and dependence towards them.
the reason it's a cliché is because it's true
The saying that the bigger they are, the harder they fall is overused but still holds truth.
the harder you climb, the harder you fall, and that means you
Your current attitude and behavior will only cause a greater fall.
so mister hard head, hard nose, hard as steel
You are stubborn and have a tough exterior.
and when you hit the ground you're gonna know about it
When your downfall comes, you will feel the full impact of it.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LLOYD COLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind