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.
Stranded Words
Paolo Nutini Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For I cannot complain
And the riot at the sunset
Paints the color of the rain
I built my days on consequence
And now nothing's ringing true
But tonight, I need you
The air, it feels like spring again
It always clears my thoughts
Like the saints become the sinners
The haves become the nots
Have I shown you enough of me?
You know yourself can be so hard to be
And tonight, I need you
I need you
I need you
I need you
Ooh
In Paolo Nutini's song "Stranded Words," the lyrics allude to a sense of uncertainty and longing. The opening lines, "Maybe these are stranded words, for I cannot complain" suggest that the singer may be at a loss for adequate expression or unable to fully articulate their emotions. The mention of a riot at sunset painting the color of the rain adds to the atmosphere of chaos and turmoil.
The following lines reveal a sense of disillusionment and a lack of authenticity in the singer's life. They feel that their actions and choices have lost their meaning and truthfulness, leaving them feeling empty. The line "But tonight, I need you" signifies a desperate need for connection and understanding, perhaps seeking solace or validation from someone else.
The second verse continues this theme of introspection and the struggle to understand oneself. The comparison between saints becoming sinners and haves becoming nots suggests a shifting of identity and the idea that things are not always as they seem. The question "Have I shown you enough of me?" reflects a vulnerability and insecurity, wondering if they have revealed their true self to another person. The repetition of "I need you" reinforces the longing and yearning for closeness and support.
Overall, "Stranded Words" explores themes of emotional disconnect, uncertainty, and the desire for connection and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe these are stranded words
Perhaps these words are left without purpose or connection
For I cannot complain
Because I have no reason to express dissatisfaction
And the riot at the sunset
The chaos and beauty of the evening sky
Paints the color of the rain
Creates an atmosphere of melancholy and longing
I built my days on consequence
I structured my life based on the effects of my actions
And now nothing's ringing true
But now nothing seems genuine or authentic
But tonight, I need you
Despite this, I yearn for your presence tonight
The air, it feels like spring again
The atmosphere brings a sense of renewal and hope
It always clears my thoughts
It helps me find clarity and peace of mind
Like the saints become the sinners
In this context, even the righteous can make mistakes
The haves become the nots
Those who have everything can suddenly find themselves with nothing
Have I shown you enough of me?
Have I revealed my true self to you adequately?
You know yourself can be so hard to be
Understanding and accepting oneself can be challenging
And tonight, I need you
And tonight, I deeply crave your presence
I need you
I truly need you
I need you
I desperately need you
I need you
I cannot live without you
Ooh
Expressing a longing or desire
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paolo Giovanni Nutini, Tom Herbert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind