Reilly was born in Glasgow. Her early career included singing with the Scottish Jazz Funk band Cado Belle. In 1992, she issued her debut solo album "Echoes", from which the singles "Everytime We Touch", "Tears in the Rain" and "Wait" were the most successful ones, followed by "Midnight Sun" in 1993, "Elena" in 1996, "Starcrossed" in 2000, "Save it for a Rainy Day" in 2003 and "Rowan" in 2006.
In 2006, a Eurodance-styled cover of Maggie's "Every time We Touch" by the German trio Cascada became a world-wide hit.
She has also worked with many others including Mike Batt (on his "The Hunting of the Snark" album), Jack Bruce, Dave Greenfield & Jan-Jacques Burnel, LesiΓ«m, Ralph McTell, Simon Nicol (of Fairport Convention), Runrig, The Sisters of Mercy and Smokie.
Real World
Maggie Reilly Lyrics
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Or did I hear you right
Now you say you want me back again
You play with my emotions
A game I know so well
From now on, I'm changing the rules
We're living in the real world
Can't you see, it isn't worth the pain
You know I'm not the same girl
The one who used to hang around with you
Change your mind and it will set you free
Try living in the same world
You've taken me for granted
And hurt me with your lies
Don't you know I'm nobody's fool
Emotions have their uses
And broken hearts can mend
Used to cry, but not anymore
We're living in the real world
Forget about your land of fantasy
Can't you see, it isn't worth the pain
You know I'm not the same girl
The one who used to hang around with you
Change your mind and it will set you free
Try living in the same world
We're living in the real world
Forget about your land of fantasy
Can't you see, it isn't worth the pain
You know I'm not the same girl
The one who used to hang around with you
Change your mind and it will set you free
Try living in the same world
We're living in the real world
Forget about your land of fantasy
Can't you see, it isn't worth the pain
You know I'm not the same girl
The one who used to hang around with you
Change your mind and it will set you free
Try living in the same world
The song Real World by Maggie Reilly is a powerful ballad about a woman who has been hurt by a former lover and is claiming back her power. The song is driven by the singer's voice and a strong melody, which combine to create a sense of determination and strength that is palpable from the opening lines. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been taken for granted, hurt by her partner's lies and manipulation, and now wants to clear the air and move on to a stronger, more honest relationship. The chorus is particularly powerful, as it urges the listener to forget about the fantasy world in which love is always perfect and instead focus on the real world, where love can be messy and complicated but ultimately worth the effort.
One of the interesting things about this song is that it was actually written by Mike Oldfield, a British musician known for his hit album Tubular Bells. Oldfield produced the track as well, which was released in 1992 as part of Reilly's album Echoes. Another interesting aspect of the song is its timeless quality, which has made it a popular choice for TV and film soundtracks since its release. For example, it was used in the BBC drama Silent Witness and the movie Billy Elliot.
Real World also showcases Reilly's strong vocal abilities, which have made her a mainstay on the Scottish music scene for decades. She began her career singing lead vocals for the band Cado Belle in the early 80s before branching out into solo work, and has since released over a dozen albums. Her unique voice and style have earned her critical acclaim, particularly in Europe, where she has sold millions of records.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me I've been dreaming
Asking if what has happened is only in her dream.
Or did I hear you right
Trying to confirm if what she heard is true.
Now you say you want me back again
Her past lover suddenly wants to reconcile with her.
You play with my emotions
Her ex is toying with her feelings.
A game I know so well
She is experienced with this kind of emotional game.
From now on, I'm changing the rules
Deciding to take control and change the relationship dynamic.
We're living in the real world
Facing the fact that they are no longer in a fantasy land and should deal with their issues in reality.
Forget about your land of fantasy
Advising her lover to move on from their idealized past and confront their current situation.
Can't you see, it isn't worth the pain
Pointing out that holding on to their previous relationship is causing them both pain.
You know I'm not the same girl
Informing her ex that she has changed and moved on from who she was in their past relationship.
The one who used to hang around with you
Referencing their past when she was more attached to him.
Change your mind and it will set you free
Encouraging her ex to change his mindset regarding their past relationship to be free from the pain it brings them now.
Try living in the same world
Suggesting that they face their current reality and communicate to build a better relationship in the present.
You've taken me for granted
Complaining about being undervalued in their past relationship.
And hurt me with your lies
Accusing her ex of being dishonest in the past.
Don't you know I'm nobody's fool
Asserting that she won't let him make a fool out of her again.
Emotions have their uses
Stating that emotions are a vital part of life.
And broken hearts can mend
Having hope that they can both heal from their past relationship.
Used to cry, but not anymore
Reflecting on how she's more resilient now than she was in their past relationship.
Contributed by Joseph L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.