After starting his own label Prolific Recordings, Cole produced a song called "Sincere" in 1998 with a sampler and an Amiga. One of the twenty test pressings of "Sincere" was received by Pete Tong, who started playing the tune on his national BBC radio 1 show. Cole then signed on Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud label, where he recorded "Sincere", the album. The Mercury Music Prize nominated (2000) debut won him the accolade of Best Producer from the prestigious Muzik and Mobo magazine awards, sold over 60,000 copies in the UK alone and spawned two outstanding Top 15 singles.
He released a second long player "Cut to the chase" (2003) and he has collaborated on and remixed works by Jill Scott, Tom Jones and Mariah Carey.
Shelter
MJ Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Floating down a neon road
Your head screwed on the wrong way round
Peering down the end of your nose
I put it on a plate for you
Said I would wait for you
I bared my soul for all to see
You were never looking at me
Though, you will never be my shelter
From wind, from rain, from ice and snow
From all the things that life can throw
I'll be your sanctuary
When you're not there for me
I'll be your sanctuary
'Cause no one else will be
I'll roll my eyes into my head
So the sallow whites will show
I think I'll live in here instead
A dream where I can be in control
I can be alone with you
And share a home with you
How it was always meant to be
Oh, we're growing older
Two raindrops lost to the sea
Though, you will never be my shelter
From wind, from rain, from ice and snow
From all the things that life can throw
I'll be your sanctuary
When you're not there for me
I'll be your sanctuary
'Cause no one else will be
(I'll be your sanctuary)
I'll be your sanctuary
When you're not there for me
I'll be your sanctuary
'Cause no one else will be
(Mmm, mmm)
The lyrics to "Shelter" by MJ Cole reflect a complex and emotional relationship between two people. The opening lines illustrate a vivid memory that is etched into the singer's mind, of a person who is depicted as walking down a neon road. However, the person is described as having a fatal flaw, with their "head screwed on the wrong way round" and "peering down the end of your nose." These descriptions suggest a sense of arrogance or self-importance, which presents an obstacle between these two people.
The singer admits to laying themselves bare for this person, but they are met with disappointment when the other party doesn't reciprocate. The chorus emphasizes the fact that the other person will never be their shelter, as they are unable to provide the emotional support that the singer needs. Instead, the singer offers themselves as a sanctuary, a place of emotional support and safety.
The second verse further illustrates how the singer retreats into their own mind, using their imagination as a space of control and protection. The final lines of the song repeat the chorus, emphasizing the power dynamic between these two people and the singer's willingness to offer support even in the midst of rejection and indifference.
Overall, the lyrics to "Shelter" capture the complex dynamics of a relationship where one person is unable to provide the emotional support that the other needs. The song's lyrics convey a sense of sadness, disappointment, and resilience as the singer navigates these difficult emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
You're burned into my memory
You have left a lasting impression on me
Floating down a neon road
You seem to be effortlessly moving through life
Your head screwed on the wrong way round
You have a skewed perspective on things
Peering down the end of your nose
You hold yourself in high regard and look down on others
I put it on a plate for you
I made it easy for you to see and understand
Said I would wait for you
I promised to be patient and understanding
I bared my soul for all to see
I exposed my vulnerable thoughts and feelings to you
But you flew straight over my shoulder
You disregarded and ignored me
You were never looking at me
You were never truly invested in me or our relationship
Though, you will never be my shelter
You do not provide protection or comfort from life's challenges
From wind, from rain, from ice and snow
From all the difficult situations that life can bring
I'll be your sanctuary
I will provide comfort, safety, and refuge for you
When you're not there for me
Even when you are not reciprocating my support
I'll roll my eyes into my head
I will express my annoyance and frustration
So the sallow whites will show
To show the extent of my irritation
I think I'll live in here instead
I will retreat into my own thoughts and fantasies
A dream where I can be in control
A place where I can have agency and power
I can be alone with you
I can share intimate moments with you, even if you are absent
And share a home with you
We can create a life together, even if it only exists in my mind
How it was always meant to be
As if it was our destiny to be together
Oh, we're growing older
Our time together is fleeting
Two raindrops lost to the sea
We will eventually dissolve and drift apart
I'll be your sanctuary
I will provide comfort, safety, and refuge for you
When you're not there for me
Even when you are not reciprocating my support
I'll be your sanctuary
I will provide comfort, safety, and refuge for you, even if no one else will
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRUNO MAJOR, MATTHEW JAMES FIRTH COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@subsoul
MJ Cole providing pure bliss on this deeper melodic garage cut alongside some stunning vocals from Bruno major. Perfect for those Sunday recovery sessions...
@joshleon9226
It's so great that MJ Cole is modernising, but still retaining his original vibe
@lolulol4
This is such a song that only gets better each time you listen to it.
@keesauto
Best damn track of 2017.. MJ the only true melodic garage master for over 17 years now!!
@Eddie-oy6hv
Whenever I hear this song I imagine me and my soulmate waking up to a bluish morning 🥴
@WhiteEagleMusicNetwork
This song is so wonderful Love it !!! Amazing Vocals <3
@silestanix
Yes yes MJ Cole!!! Thus is wicked! Sounds like old school MJ Cole, that rhythm...
@rohan973
What a chill and amazing song!
@Maphai1
Amazing song. Love it.
@mikeywalls9731
I just can't stop listening to this 💜💜