In 2002, Halstead released his debut solo album, Sleeping on Roads. A second solo album, Oh! Mighty Engine was released on July 29, 2008. Halstead's third solo album, 'Palindrome Hunches', was released on September 11, 2012.
High Hopes
Neil Halstead Lyrics
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And you want to have someone to hold you close
You've got high hopes for someone good and strong
Someone good to hold you close
I wish that I could be the one you want, girl
I wish that I could be the one who's strong
But your high hopes are better saved
I see you standing there in the pouring rain
Hoping that the taxi comes real soon
Cause you're beautiful enough to make mistakes
You're beautiful enough to make me stay
Did I hear you say you want someone to talk to
And you want to feel some loving in your heart
You've got high hopes for someone good and strong
Someone good who will stay
The lyrics to Neil Halstead's song "High Hopes" are a poignant tale of unrequited love, with the singer expressing a desire to be everything that the person they love is looking for, but unable to live up to their high expectations. The opening lines capture the desire for companionship and affection, with the singer acknowledging the other person's need for someone to talk to and hold them close. They long to be that person, but are aware that their shortcomings prevent them from being the desired figure.
The chorus captures the frustration and sadness that comes from not being able to be that person - the one who is strong enough to fulfill their high hopes. The singer sees their love standing in the pouring rain, waiting for a taxi, and they recognize the beauty of this person even in their mistakes. The second verse echoes the first, with the singer once again offering themselves up to the other person, expressing a desire to fill their heart with love.
Line by Line Meaning
Did I hear you say you want someone to talk to
The singer is asking whether the listener needs someone to talk to
And you want to have someone to hold you close
The singer understands that the listener desires physical comforting
You've got high hopes for someone good and strong
The listener is looking for a partner who is dependable and reliable
Someone good to hold you close
The ideal partner should be able to provide physical comfort and support
I wish that I could be the one you want, girl
The artist expresses a desire to be the listener's partner
I wish that I could be the one who's strong
The singer desires to be dependable and reliable for the listener
But your high hopes are better saved
The singer understands that he may not be the ideal partner the listener needs
For someone else who might stay
The artist suggests that the listener should continue her search for a long-term partner
I see you standing there in the pouring rain
The artist describes seeing the listener in a moment of vulnerability
Hoping that the taxi comes real soon
The listener is seeking a way to escape from her current situation
Cause you're beautiful enough to make mistakes
The singer recognizes that despite her flaws and mistakes, the listener is still valuable
You're beautiful enough to make me stay
The listener's value is enough to keep the artist interested and present
Did I hear you say you want someone to talk to
The singer confirms his initial question, reiterating that the listener needs someone to confide in
And you want to feel some loving in your heart
The singer acknowledges that the listener also desires emotional support and affection
You've got high hopes for someone good and strong
The listener's ideal partner remains the same
Someone good who will stay
The listener seeks a dependable partner who will stay for the long haul
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL HALSTEAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind