Born on born 9th January 1987 in Paisley, Scotland, his father is of Italian descent and his mother Glaswegian, although his father's family have been in Scotland for four generations. Nutini had no formal music training, and was expecting to follow his father into the family fish and chip shop business. He was first encouraged to sing by his music-loving grandfather and a teacher at his school who recognised his talent. He left school to work as a roadie and to sell T-shirts for Speedway and spent three years learning the music business, performing live, alone and with a band, and working as a studio hand at Glasgow's Park Lane Studio.
His big chance came when he attended a concert for David Sneddon's return to his home town of Paisley at the beginning of 2003. Sneddon was delayed, and as the winner of an impromptu pop quiz, Nutini was given the chance to perform a couple of songs on stage during the wait. The favourable reaction of the crowd impressed another member of the audience, who offered to become his manager.
A Daily Record journalist, John Dingwall, saw him performing at the Queen Margaret Union, and invited him to appear live on Radio Scotland. Still only seventeen, he moved to London, and performed regularly at the Bedford pub in Balham whilst still legally too young to drink alcohol himself. Other radio and live appearances followed, including two live acoustic spots on Radio London, The Hard Rock Cafe, and support slots for Amy Winehouse and KT Tunstall.
His debut album, These Streets, produced by Ken Nelson (Coldplay/Gomez), was released on 17th July 2006, and immediately entered the U.K. album charts at number three. Many of the songs on the album, including "Last Request" and "Rewind", were inspired by a turbulent relationship with a girlfriend, and "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" is a true story about encounters with an older woman.
On 29th May 2009 Nutini released his second studio album, Sunny Side Up, after the first single from that album, "Candy", was released on 18th May. In July, he appeared on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, performing "Coming Up Easy". This was released as the second single from the album on 10th August.
Shine A Light
Paolo Nutini Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Someone other from the lost and found
You're dancing with the devil with your long dark hair
"How are you? Let's dance like there's no-one here"
You say you want a lover and you need them now
Under the cover of a lost, you're found
You're dancing with the devil with your perfect smile
How are you?
Oh, let's dance baby
oh, let's dance baby
On your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
On your own
Are you dreaming so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
You say you want somebody who can hear you scream
Heal your heart and baby, dream, dream, dream
You're dancing with the devil with your heart like stone
Together, you're not gone, you're not gone
No, you're not gon
you're not on your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
On your own
Are you dreaming so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
Shine
Tonight, as I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
As I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
Tonight, as I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
As I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
On your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
On your own
Are you dreaming so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
Tonight, as I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
As I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
Ohh-ohh, oh-ohh
Woah, oh-oh
Shine a light
Shine a light
Shine, shine, shine a light
"Shine A Light" by Paolo Nutini is a song that delves into themes of longing for love and craving connection. The lyrics explore the desire to find a lover who can bring solace and understanding. The singer acknowledges the feeling of being lost and seeks companionship to fill the void. The repeated line "You say you want a lover and you need them now" emphasizes the urgency and desperation for a meaningful connection.
The song introduces the metaphor of dancing with the devil, symbolizing the risks associated with searching for love. Despite the potential dangers, the singer is willing to take the chance, acknowledging that they are not alone in their yearning for emotional intimacy. The line "How are you? Let's dance like there's no-one here" suggests a desire to let go of inhibitions, as if indulging in the passion of the moment.
The chorus of the song, with the repeated line "On your own, are you feeling so alone? Shine a light," serves as a plea for illumination and hope. It suggests that even in times of loneliness, there is always the possibility of finding solace and light through connection with others.
Overall, "Shine A Light" is a heartfelt exploration of the human need for love, companionship, and the vulnerability that comes with pursuing such desires.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you want a lover and you need them now
You express your desire for a romantic partner and the urgency of needing them in your life.
Someone other from the lost and found
You seek someone who is different, unique, and perhaps overlooked by others.
You're dancing with the devil with your long dark hair
You engage with dangerous or risky situations, representing temptation, while your appearance adds to the allure.
"How are you? Let's dance like there's no-one here"
You start a conversation, asking about the other person's well-being, and suggest dancing without caring about anyone else's presence.
Under the cover of a lost, you're found
In the midst of feeling lost or uncertain, you find solace or belonging.
You're dancing with the devil with your perfect smile
You engage in risky situations, represented by the devil, while your seemingly flawless smile hides any inner struggles.
How are you?
Let's dance baby
Oh, let's dance baby
oh, let's dance baby
You continue the conversation, expressing a desire to dance and connect intimately.
On your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
You acknowledge the possibility of feeling lonely or isolated, and encourage yourself to find solace or guidance by illuminating your path.
You say you want somebody who can hear you scream
Heal your heart and baby, dream, dream, dream
You express a desire for a person who can truly listen to your deepest emotions, heal your emotional wounds, and encourage you to pursue your dreams.
You're dancing with the devil with your heart like stone
Together, you're not gone, you're not gone
No, you're not gone
Despite having a hardened heart, symbolized by your heart like stone, you acknowledge that despite the risks, you are not lost or absent when you are together with someone.
you're not on your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
Again, you remind yourself that you are not alone, questioning any feelings of isolation, and encouraging yourself to seek guidance or support.
Tonight, as I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
As I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
You express a sense of confusion and uncertainty when being close to someone, unsure how to act or what to say.
Ohh-ohh, oh-ohh
Woah, oh-oh
These are melodic expressions without a clear narrative meaning.
Shine a light
Shine a light
Shine, shine, shine a light
You emphasize the need to find enlightenment or guidance, repeating the phrase to further emphasize that importance.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paolo Giovanni Nutini, Thomas Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@glorias0993
LYRICS:
You say you want a lover and you need them now
Someone other from the lost and found
You're dancing with devil with your long dark hair
How are you?
Let's dance like there's no-one here
You say you want a lover and you need them now
Under the cover of a lost, you're found
You're dancing with the devil with your perfect smile
How are you?
Let's dance baby
Oh, let's dance baby, oh, let's dance baby
On your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
On your own
Are you dreaming so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
You say you want somebody who can hear you scream
Heal your heart and baby, dream, dream, dream
You're dancing with the devil with your heart like stone
Together, you're not gone, you're not gone
No you're not gone, you're not
On your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
On your own
Are you dreaming so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
Shine
Tonight, as I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
As I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
Tonight, as I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
As I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
On your own
Are you feeling so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
On your own
Are you dreaming so alone?
Shine a light
Shine a light
Tonight, as I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
As I lay in your arms
I don't know what to do or say anymore
Woah-oh-oh
Shine a light
Shine a light
Shine
Shine
Shine a light
@thamptondmd
Finally!! After 8 years. I discovered Paulo during my honeymoon night in Mexico. Iron Sky came on and I had my finger on the change channel button but as he kept building the song I couldn’t change the channel. By the end of that song I asked my wife “Who the hell IS this guy?” Such a young kid singing about such deep topics with a brass section to boot. I started following him and realized that he had just quit playing and disappeared. I’ve checked through the years, bought all of his albums, and I have seen every video he has made. So glad he finally decided to come back to us.
@paolamartello8461
💗
@thijsbouwman4848
Same 😇
@Rubylove48
Great comment but shouldn’t you have been doing other things on your honeymoon night…? ;)
@trustwithin7188
Apparently he got abit messed up on drugs for a while which is a shame but I saw him play the other day and he was looking and sounding good 👍
@ladybirdmclean0987
IRON SKY was a WOW factor for me too... I have yet to make a purchase! but I promised myself, I WILL grace my life with his new album
@loveygreenfrog
SOOO happy to see you making music again.
The world has missed you. ❤️
I'm diggin' this groove. 🤘🏼💡⚡
@DarthSiGi
I think it might be my fave song of 2022!
@sharonmcinnes9522
Its defo mine😍
@grahambarlow9881
This song is so cool. It's not a slap in the face type but just washes over you and takes you on a little journey. His voice has always been great. I bloody love this.👍