Growing up with an older brother Mark and a younger sister Joanne, Young first went to work at the Vauxhall Motors factory and in his spare time played in several bands as bass guitarist. The first group for which he became lead singer was Kat Kool & The Kool Kats. In the late 1970s he joined the Streetband, who had one Top 20 hit in the UK, with the humorous, novelty track "Toast", reaching No. 18 in November 1978.
In December 1979 the Streetband broke up and Young formed the Q-Tips, who established their name by playing live and supporting The Who on their 1982 tour but had no chart hits in the UK, although their single "Letter Song" did enjoy minor success in mainland Europe.
The Q-Tips went their separate ways in 1982, and Young was signed by CBS Records as a solo performer, uniting the fields of New Wave and Soul. His first two singles, "Iron Out the Rough Spots" and a cover of Nicky Thomas’ "Love of the Common People" had no success, but the third, a cover of the Marvin Gaye B-side "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)" was No. 1 in the UK singles chart for three weeks in the summer of 1983, the first of fourteen British Top 40 singles.
Similar success followed all over Europe. In the UK, follow-up single "Come Back and Stay" reached No. 4, and a re-release of "Love of the Common People" made it to No. 2, while his début album No Parlez was certified platinum in various countries.
Young's style at the time was a warm, approachable white soul, though he sometimes received playful criticism for his fashion decisions. However, his choice of an Antony Price leather suit for the cover of No Parlez was impractical for stage, where an energetic show dictated more robust clothing.
1984 was a difficult year for Young, as his first heavy promotional and live concert tour of America affected his vocal cords to the extent that he couldn't sing at all for most of the year. He recovered, however, to famously perform the opening line to the Band Aid single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and his second album, The Secret of Association, secured his future success in the U.S., Japan and Australia. Young's biggest worldwide hit came from this album in 1985 with a version of Daryl Hall & John Oates's album track "Everytime You Go Away". The song reached #1 on the U.S. pop charts.
His third and fourth albums, Between Two Fires, in 1986, and Other Voices, in 1990, were commercial failures (though the latter was a success in the US) but a popular duet, "Senza una donna-Without a Woman", with Italian blues singer Zucchero in 1991 and a corresponding greatest hits album (which also featured duets with Clannad and Joni Mitchell) returned him to success. It also included a new track, 'I’m Only Foolin Myself'. He sung "Radio Ga Ga" with Queen in 1992, at the tribute concert to the recently deceased Freddie Mercury.
In 1992, Paul Young formed Los Pacaminos, a Tex-Max style live band including other top-class musicians such as Jamie Moses and the late Matt Irving. The group have released two albums, with a third scheduled for released in 2024.
In 1993, Young released The Crossing, which produced his first solo Top 20 hit since 'Everytime You Go Away', 'Now I Know What Made Otis Blue'. After this, Young was freed from his contract with CBS. In 1994, he released the covers album Reflections, which was a commercial failure.
He reformed the Q-Tips for a short series of concerts that year in 1993. A year later he suffered significant vocal damage, which has followed him ever since. He contributed to the Vangelis album Voices in 1995. Young sang the British national anthem "God Save the Queen", on the eve of England's Euro '96 semifinal match against Germany.
In 1997, he released his final album to feature original material on EastWest Records. The album featured his final UK Top 40 hit, 'I Wish You Well' and abandoned soul in favour of a more country style somewhat similar to that of Garth Brooks. In 2006 and 2016, he released covers albums, Rock Swings On The Wild Side of Swing and Good Thing, with the former being only released in Germany.
Paul still actively tours solo and with Los Pacaminos and is releasing a new albums both solo and with his group in 2023. He spends his time with his family and following his past time of cooking.
www.paul-young.com/
Don't Dream It's Over
Paul Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
In the paper today tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the T.V. page
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)
Hey now, hey now
Don't let them win (they come, they come)
Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)
The lyrics of Paul Young's song "Don't Dream It's Over" can be interpreted in different ways, but the message of the song has a clear theme of hope despite the challenges and adversities that one may face. The opening line, "There is freedom within, there is freedom without" suggests that there is a degree of control in one's life, despite external circumstances. However, the line "try to catch the deluge in a paper cup" reminds us that this control is limited, like trying to contain the vast and overwhelming forces of nature with something as flimsy as a paper cup.
The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over" is a call to perseverance and resilience. It acknowledges that there are forces in the world that seek to separate and divide us, but the line "we know they won't win" is a declaration of defiance and faith in the power of connection and unity, even in the face of division.
The second verse includes references to personal struggles and anxieties, as the singer describes suspicions about their possessions and the distractions of media. But the image of walking to the beat of a drum, with only shadows that are "barely clearing the roof" suggests a journey towards something better, a path towards a brighter future.
Overall, the message of "Don't Dream It's Over" is one of hope, tenacity, and the importance of connection and community in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
There is freedom within, there is freedom without
There is both internal and external freedom that exists, allowing for choice and autonomy
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
Attempting to contain or control something that cannot be contained or controlled
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
The future is uncertain and there will be obstacles along the way
But you'll never see the end of the road
There will always be challenges, but life is a journey with no ultimate destination
While you're traveling with me
I'm here for support and companionship
Hey now, hey now
Wake up, pay attention
Don't dream it's over
Don't give up hope or lose sight of aspiration
When the world comes in
When the reality and stress of daily life sets in
They come, they come
External pressures can create division and detract from internal strengths
To build a wall between us
Attempting to drive a wedge and divide people
We know they won't win
Despite these external pressures, they will not ultimately prevail
Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
The journey can be difficult and imperfect
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
Obsessing over material possessions can be unfulfilling and misguided
In the paper today tales of war and of waste
News media often focuses on negative, depressing stories
But you turn right over to the T.V. page
Turning to other forms of escapism to avoid facing reality
Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
Finding motivation and purpose to keep moving forward
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Working to build a strong emotional connection with someone
Only shadows ahead barely clearing the roof
The future is uncertain and unclear
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release
Experience the freedom that comes from letting go and moving forward
Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)
Don't give up the battle against external pressures
Don't let them win (they come, they come)
Stand strong against adversity and division
Don't let them win (hey now, hey now, hey now, hey now)
Remain vigilant and resilient
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Neil Finn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jorgegarciagarcia7220
There is freedom within
there is freedom without
Try to catch a deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead
many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
Now I'm towing my car
there's a hole in the roof
my possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
in the paper today
tales of war and of waste
but you turn right over to the T.V. page
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
Now I'm walking again
to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead
barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and relief
Hey now, Hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, Hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
You know they won't win
Don't let them win
Hey now, Hey now
Hey now, Hey now
Hey now, Hey now
Don't let them win
They come, They come
Don't let them win
@michelelomartire_634
one of the best things about 50 years old,is the fact that i lived my teenage years in the 80's that is priceless and I am grateful!!!
@paulyoungchannel3886
It has been a perfect playing for me having a lovely and awesome Fan like you, thanks for your love, I have you mostly to be thankful for 🎻🌹🎻
@shadowkieran12xxxxxx35
Jammy Bastet
@traciverhulst9163
One of my absolute favourite songs. Reminds me of my happy days and my youth. Still on my playlist and listened to regularly Ali g with Senzo una Donna (spelling oops) 🎶
@lilianaporras7829
Una bonita
VerSion
@lilianaporras7829
Una bonita versión
@Hesselz1
I cry when I hear this in 2021. Why are there no more great singers and songs like this anymore. Paul Young is still no. 1
@chrisstrijbosch9318
he always will be a music legend
@MCATOSr
Well i like the original from crowded house.
@joudawal2973
Same I swear I cried my heart out