Middleton began in the 1990s playing both bass and guitar, and sometimes singing, in several bands including Purple Bass Plectrum, Rabid Lettuce, Pigtube and The Laughing Stock. In 1995, Middleton and Aidan Moffat, after sharing their love of musical artists such as Smog and Will Oldham, began making music under the name "Arab Strap". The band released six studio albums.
In 2002, while in between Arab Strap albums, both he and bandmate Moffat pursued different solo projects, Moffat's being the ambient Lucky Pierre; Middleton, writing lyrics and singing for the first time, recorded the cathartic 5:14 Fluoxytine Seagull Alcohol John Nicotine for Chemikal Underground.
Middleton released the slightly more optimistic album Into The Woods in the summer of 2005, again between Arab Strap records.
In late 2006, Arab Strap split after ten years together, leading Malcolm to focus on his solo work full-time. He swiftly signed to Full Time Hobby and the appropriately-titled third album, A Brighter Beat, was released in February 2007.
December 2007 witnessed an unlikely turn in Middleton's career as he put himself forward as a contender for Christmas no 1 alongside Sean The Sheep, Mariah Carey and the Xfactor. Needless to say, the coveted top spot went to fellow Scot Leon Jackon of Xfactor but Middleton made a sizeable dent in the festive 40, being the only independent entry at no 31 with We're All Going To Die.
Performing under the pseudonym, Human Don't Be Angry, Middleton released a self-titled album (Human Don't Be Angry) in 2012, despite previous claims that he would retire his solo work, Middleton has resumed performing under his own name, alongside his work as Human Don't Be Angry. His most recent album under his own name is, Waxing Gibbous, released on 8 June 2009
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The Best In Me
Malcolm Middleton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tonight I'm staying alive.
Seagulls clatter on the cinema roof, it's not too bad,
And tonight that star doesn't seem so far.
You bring out the best in me,
Nothing like the rest of the time.
You bring out the best in me, so there.
Black and white movies make me happy.
So would climbing a hill with you this Tuesday.
Tonight the colours seem to disobey my eyes.
The rules of shape and boundaries forgotten one more time.
You bring out the best in me,
Nothing like the rest of the time.
You bring out the best in me, so there.
If I could, I'd bottle up the night and give it to you;
You could tip it out tomorrow in the day.
You know how sometimes the daylight hurts my eyes?
We could sell Night to all the day people.
You bring out the best in me,
Nothing like the rest of the time.
You bring out the best in me, so there.
Malcolm Middleton's song, The Best in Me, is a reflection on the power of love to change a person's perspective and bring joy in seemingly mundane moments. The opening lines, "You know tonight they say it's not even going to get dark. Tonight I'm staying alive," suggest a feeling of optimism and rebirth that comes with being in love. The seagulls clattering on the cinema roof and the star not seeming so far are both examples of how love can bring beauty to even ordinary scenes.
Middleton continues to express this theme of newfound happiness and appreciation throughout the song, particularly in the chorus, "You bring out the best in me, Nothing like the rest of the time. You bring out the best in me, so there." This repetition emphasizes the transformative power of love and the significant impact it can have on a person's life.
The bridge, "If I could, I'd bottle up the night and give it to you; You could tip it out tomorrow in the day," is a metaphor for the desire to hold onto the happy moments and share them with the people we care about. The song concludes on a positive note with the suggestion of sharing this joy with others, "We could sell Night to all the day people." Overall, The Best in Me is a sweet and sentimental celebration of the transformative power of love and the impact it can have on one's outlook on life.
Line by Line Meaning
You know tonight they say it's not even going to get dark.
The night is expected to be long, and I plan on making the most of it.
Tonight I'm staying alive.
I intend to enjoy the night and stay awake.
Seagulls clatter on the cinema roof, it's not too bad,
The sounds are not unpleasant and add to the experience of the night.
And tonight that star doesn't seem so far.
The beauty of the night makes everything seem closer and more attainable.
You bring out the best in me,
When I'm with you, I am my best self.
Nothing like the rest of the time.
Being with you is different from all other times.
So there.
It's just the way it is.
Black and white movies make me happy.
I find joy in simple pleasures like watching classic films.
So would climbing a hill with you this Tuesday.
I would enjoy doing any activity as long as it's with you.
Tonight the colours seem to disobey my eyes.
The night is so vivid and colorful that it feels dream-like.
The rules of shape and boundaries forgotten one more time.
Reality seems to blur and creativity takes over.
If I could, I'd bottle up the night and give it to you;
The night is so special that I would want you to experience it too.
You could tip it out tomorrow in the day.
You could enjoy and remember the night even in the daytime.
You know how sometimes the daylight hurts my eyes?
The day can be harsh and unpleasant at times.
We could sell Night to all the day people.
The beauty and magic of the night is something everyone deserves to experience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Malcolm Middleton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
EnosEverything
What a beautiful song by this criminally underrated singer/songwriter.
Todd Michael Johnson
EnosEverything I know right!?
Pihla Aaltonen
When I got married this was our first dance <3
Todd Michael Johnson
Pihla Aaltonen Excellent wedding song choice and congratulations! 🍾 🎈 🎉
Beth Graham
a few years ago my aunt and uncle's first dance was to this song, it was such a cute moment.
Nicolas Tesla
amazing Waltz. So deep feeling and bright
Nicolas Tesla
I cry with this song!
Donkho de Helio
nothing like the rest of the time