Philip James Selway (born 23 May 1967) is an English musician and songwrite… Read Full Bio ↴Philip James Selway (born 23 May 1967) is an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of English alternative rock group Radiohead. He also plays drums and provides backing vocals, along with occasional guitar and lead vocals for 7 Worlds Collide. Selway is known for his precision and proficiency in various styles and unusual time signatures. He has worked with Samaritans since 1991. Selway released his debut solo album, Familial, on 30 August 2010.

A Simple Life
Philip Selway Lyrics

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Above the traffic noise and fights
Can you hear me
I'm standing right next to you
As the crowds pour out on a cold cold night
There's a place we can go
There's a place where we both can hide

And we'll stay quite still

We won't make a sound
We'll turn out the lights
We'll turn out the lights

Then we'll leave and disappear
Into the night
We'll turn out the lights
We just want a simple life
We'll turn out the lights
Please turn out the lights

On down the road we walk along
Can you see me
I'm scared that I'm losing you
As the crowds press on through the cold cold night
There's a place we can go
There's a place where we both can hide

And we'll stay quite still
We won't make a sound
We'll turn out the lights
We'll turn out the lights

Then we'll leave and disappear
Into the night
We'll turn out the lights
We just want a simple life
We'll turn out the lights
Please turn out the lights

And all the vows we made
I'd make them all again
I gave my promise and the life we have is sacred
I wouldn't lie to you
I could not lie to you
Tonight we'll leave the noise behind

So turn out the lights
Please turn out the lights

Overall Meaning

Philip Selway's song "A Simple Life" is a reflection on the desire to escape the chaos and noise of everyday life and find solace and refuge in a quiet place. The song begins with the singer asking if the listener can hear them amidst the traffic noise and fights. They are standing right next to the listener but are still struggling to make themselves heard. The crowds pour out onto the cold night, but there is a place the singer knows where they can both hide, a place where they can turn out the lights and be still.

As they walk down the road, the singer becomes afraid they are losing the listener. The crowds press on through the cold, but the singer knows of a safe haven where they can both hide. They just want a simple life, a life where they can turn out the lights and silence the noise of the world.

The vow of faithfulness and commitment is also a central theme in the song. The singer promises to make all the vows again and assures the listener that the life they have is sacred. They wouldn't lie to them and couldn't lie to them. In the end, the singer tells the listener to turn out the lights and leave the noise behind, seeking the peace of a simple life.

Overall, "A Simple Life" is a poignant song that speaks to the desire for a quieter, more contemplative existence in the midst of the chaos of modern life.

Line by Line Meaning

Above the traffic noise and fights
Despite the chaos around us

Can you hear me
I hope you're listening

I'm standing right next to you
I'm here for you

As the crowds pour out on a cold cold night
Amidst the rush of people in the cold darkness

There's a place we can go
A sanctuary waits for us

There's a place where we both can hide
A place where we can be alone

And we'll stay quite still
We'll keep quiet

We won't make a sound
We won't speak or move

We'll turn out the lights
We'll make everything dark

Then we'll leave and disappear
We'll go away without a trace

Into the night
In the darkness