Singing in the local church choirs as a boy, studying jazz and classical piano performance, composition, and arrangement, and singing and playing keyboards in the ska band Gangster Politics in high school. Watson left the band after graduating and began to explore other types of music, including electronica and ambient. In 2002, after returning from a trip to Vietnam, he decided to start a four-piece chamber pop group, bringing in bassist Mishka Stein, drummer Robbie Kuster (both of whom he had met at university), and former Gangster Politics guitarist Simon Angell. The group (which was technically a solo project with a backing band) released Just Another Ordinary Day (2003) independently.
In 2001 Watson released his first own solo debut, Waterproof9 and in 2006 his second, Close to Paradise. Early in 2007, Watson was nominated for a Juno Canada's music award in the New Artist of the Year category.
His band's song "The Great Escape" was featured on a third-season episode of Grey's Anatomy.
He co-wrote and performed on several songs on The Cinematic Orchestra's 2007 album Ma Fleur including the opening track "To Build a Home". His "Missing You" remix of Champion's "Guy Doune", from Champion's 2006 album The Remix Album, reached #1 on CBC Radio 3's R3-30 chart in early 2007.
Patrick Watson (the band) also won the prestigeous Polaris Music Prize (Canada) in 2007.
Website: www.patrickwatson.net
Giver
Patrick Watson Lyrics
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Is it just me or do you feel the change?
And now, is it me?
How about you?
Isn't it strange that time's a little fast?
Isn't it strange that nothing ever last?
And now, is it me?
Well, now, is it me?
How about you?
Don't be a fool
Well, don't be afraid
Nothing's really ever supposed to last
Now, don't be a fool
Well, don't be afraid
Everybody needs to meet the end
Isn't it fun at the very edge of the world?
Where talking's like walking on broken glass
No need to fret, I'm in the same hands as you
One of these days, I'm gonna meet my matchmaker too
Well, don't be a fool
Well, don't be afraid
Nothing's really ever supposed to last
Oh, don't be afraid
Everybody needs to meet the end
Oh, that is why
Oh, that is why I feel, I feel so alive
At the edge of the world
Well, now, is it me?
How about you?
Well, now, is it me?
How about you?
The lyrics of Patrick Watson’s “Giver” seems to be talking about accepting the inevitability of change and the end of things. The song starts with a question about the feeling of change that the singer is feeling, and he wonders if the same is being felt by the listener. He then moves on to reflect on the fact that time seems to be moving fast and nothing lasts forever. The chorus emphasizes the idea that nothing is ever supposed to last, and we should not be afraid of meeting the end. The line “Isn't it fun at the very edge of the world?” seems to suggest that the singer finds the prospect of the end exciting.
The second verse continues with the idea of acceptance of the end of things. The metaphor of talking being like walking on broken glass might refer to the idea that the end of things can be uncomfortable or painful, but it is a necessary part of life. The singer finds consolation in the fact that everyone needs to meet the end eventually. The final lines, “that is why I feel so alive / At the edge of the world,” might suggest a kind of liberation that comes with accepting change and the end of things, living life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it just me or do you feel a little strange?
Do you also feel that something is different or unusual?
Is it just me or do you feel the change?
Do you notice that there's been a shift or transformation?
And now, is it me?
Am I the only one feeling this?
How about you?
Do you feel the same way?
Isn't it strange that time's a little fast?
Have you noticed that time seems to be moving more quickly?
Isn't it strange that nothing ever last?
Have you observed that things are always changing and don't last forever?
Well, now, is it me?
So, am I alone in this observation?
How about you?
Do you also make the same observation?
Don't be a fool
Don't act recklessly or without considering the consequences
Well, don't be afraid
Don't let your fears hold you back
Nothing's really ever supposed to last
Everything has a beginning and an end, and that's just the natural cycle of life
Now, don't be a fool
I'm strongly urging you to be cautious
Well, don't be afraid
Don't let your fears take over your actions
Everybody needs to meet the end
Death is something everyone will experience eventually
Isn't it fun at the very edge of the world?
Isn't it exhilarating to live on the edge with the unknown?
Where talking's like walking on broken glass
Communicating in such an unknown environment is uncomfortable and treacherous
No need to fret, I'm in the same hands as you
I understand that we're all in this together, and I trust you
One of these days, I'm gonna meet my matchmaker too
Death is inevitable for everyone, and I'm no exception
Oh, that is why
This is why
Oh, that is why I feel, I feel so alive
The realization of the impermanence of life is what makes me feel truly alive
Well, now, is it me?
I'm still curious if I'm alone in this revelation
How about you?
I'm still wondering if you feel the same way
Well, now, is it me?
I'm still wondering if I'm the only one who feels this way
How about you?
Do you share my perspective?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Mikhail Stein, Patrick Watson, Robert Kuster, Simon T Angell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind