Born in Oxford, England, Lewis grew up in a family of teachers with two brothers, an older brother named Tom and a twin brother named George. His passion for music began at the age of 13 when he started playing the guitar. However, it was only later, after joining his brothers' band, that he began singing. Lewis attended Bartholomew School in Eynsham and also worked as a 'dinner lady' at Cokethorpe School. At the age of 19, he moved to London to study at the London Centre of Contemporary Music.
Lewis initially started writing songs and performing under the moniker Rhys Lewis & the Relics. His talent caught the attention of Decca Records, which led to the release of his debut solo single, "Waking Up Without You," in late 2016. Over the next year, he released several successful singles, including "Be Your Man" and "Reason to Hate You," gaining millions of streams. Lewis embarked on tours with James TW and JP Cooper during this time.
In 2018, Lewis released his major-label debut, the Bad Timing EP, which further solidified his growing fan base. The EP showcased his soul and blues influences, with his distinctive singing style and guitar skills shining through. Lewis continued to release a string of successful singles in 2019, setting the stage for his debut album, Things I Chose to Remember, which was released in July 2020. The album stands out as it was recorded on analogue tape, a deliberate choice by Lewis to ensure meticulous attention to detail and clarity in the music.
Lewis draws inspiration from artists such as Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, whose lyrics resonated with him as a songwriter. He also cites influences from Led Zeppelin and Bill Withers, particularly the latter's song "Lean On Me."
His songwriting covers various aspects of his life, addressing topics such as the portrayal of men in the media, mental health, and personal relationships. Many of his songs revolve around themes of heartbreak, including "When Was The Last Time," "Be Your Man," and "Hurting." Lewis finds performing his song "No Right To Love You" particularly challenging due to its connection to a personal heartbreak, as it evokes intense emotions and memories associated with the breakup.
This Time Of Year
Rhys Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Presents on the floor
Mistletoe above the kitchen door
And the kids are playing games
And the turkey's going gold
Mariah Carey's on the radio
I'm pouring everybody a drink
How Grandad liked the whiskey
And Grandma liked the gin
And Uncle Johnny wasn't fussed
He'd drink anything
So let's raise a glass to all those
We wish were sitting here
The ones we miss the most this time of year
Well, I still hear their voices laughing
At the Christmas-cracker jokes
See their footsteps sinking in the snow
'Cause all the magic in December
Seems to bring them back to life
For a moment they're all with me, by my side
I'm pouring everybody a drink
But I'm holding back the tears as I think about
How Grandad liked the whiskey
And Grandma liked the gin
And Uncle Johnny wasn't fussed
He'd drink anything
So let's raise a glass to all those
We wish were sitting here
The ones we miss the most this time of year
And let's make sure we're making memories good enough to last
Let's make this year the best we've ever had
'Cause one day I'll be laughing with you somewhere from the past
So will you raise a glass for me
You know I like a whiskey
And mum, she likes a gin
Our little cousin's still too young
But maybe just a sip
And let's all enjoy the moment
Before it disappears
With the ones we love the most this time of year
Let's raise a glass to all those
We wish were sitting here
The ones we miss the most this time of year
The lyrics to Rhys Lewis's song "This Time Of Year" evoke the bittersweet nostalgia and longing that often accompany the holiday season. The opening lines set the scene of a traditional Christmas setting, with an angel on the tree, presents on the floor, mistletoe, and children playing games. Mariah Carey's music on the radio adds to the festive ambiance. However, beneath the surface cheer, there is a palpable sense of loss and remembrance.
The singer of the song is pouring drinks for everyone, but is simultaneously holding back tears as memories of loved ones who are no longer present flood their mind. The mention of Grandad enjoying whiskey, Grandma preferring gin, and Uncle Johnny being adaptable in his choices of drinks suggests the familiarity and warmth of past family gatherings. The lyrics urge listeners to raise a glass in honor of those missed and to cherish the precious memories shared with them during this time of year.
The second verse further emphasizes the connection between the holidays and the memories of departed loved ones. The singer still hears their laughter at Christmas-cracker jokes and imagines their footsteps in the snow. The magic of December seems to momentarily bring them back to life, offering solace and a sense of reunion, if only for a fleeting moment.
The chorus is a call to embrace the present and make lasting memories with those who are still here. It encourages listeners to make every effort to ensure that this year's holiday season is the best they've ever had. The lyrics hint at the passage of time and the inevitability that one day the roles will be reversed, and the singer will become a cherished memory for someone else.
In summary, "This Time Of Year" by Rhys Lewis captures the contrasting emotions of joy and longing that often accompany the holiday season. It reminds us to appreciate the loved ones we have and honor the memories of those we've lost.
Line by Line Meaning
There's an angel on the tree
A decorative angel figurine placed on top of the Christmas tree.
Presents on the floor
Gifts laid out on the floor, ready to be opened.
Mistletoe above the kitchen door
A traditional Christmas decoration hung above the kitchen door, symbolizing the opportunity for kisses.
And the kids are playing games
Children are engaging in playful activities.
And the turkey's going gold
The turkey being roasted to a beautiful golden brown color.
Mariah Carey's on the radio
The song by Mariah Carey, a popular Christmas tune, is playing on the radio.
I'm pouring everybody a drink
I am serving drinks to everyone.
But I'm holding back the tears as I think about
Despite my efforts to hide it, I am feeling emotional as I reflect on
How Grandad liked the whiskey
My Grandad had a preference for whiskey.
And Grandma liked the gin
My Grandma enjoyed drinking gin.
And Uncle Johnny wasn't fussed
Uncle Johnny wasn't particular about his choice of drink.
He'd drink anything
He would consume any type of alcoholic beverage.
So let's raise a glass to all those
Let's offer a toast in honor of all those
We wish were sitting here
The people we dearly wish were present with us.
The ones we miss the most this time of year
The individuals we long for the most during the holiday season.
Well, I still hear their voices laughing
I can still hear their laughter and voices in my mind.
At the Christmas-cracker jokes
They were amused by the jokes found in Christmas crackers.
See their footsteps sinking in the snow
I can imagine their footprints being left in the snow as they walked.
'Cause all the magic in December
Due to the enchantment of the holiday season in December
Seems to bring them back to life
It feels as though they come back to life, if only for a moment.
For a moment they're all with me, by my side
During that moment, I feel their presence and support, as if they are right here with me.
And let's make sure we're making memories good enough to last
Let's ensure that we are creating lasting and meaningful memories.
Let's make this year the best we've ever had
Let's make an effort to make this year the most memorable and enjoyable one we've experienced.
'Cause one day I'll be laughing with you somewhere from the past
Because there will come a day when I will reminisce and share laughter with you, as if going back in time.
So will you raise a glass for me
Can you also raise a glass in my honor?
You know I like a whiskey
You are aware that I have a preference for whiskey.
And mum, she likes a gin
And my mother enjoys drinking gin.
Our little cousin's still too young
Our young cousin is still too underage to drink.
But maybe just a sip
But perhaps they can have a small taste.
And let's all enjoy the moment
And let's all fully embrace and cherish the present moment.
Before it disappears
Before it vanishes or fades away.
With the ones we love the most this time of year
Together with the individuals we hold dearest during this special time of year.
Let's raise a glass to all those
Let's propose a toast to all the people
We wish were sitting here
We deeply desire were present with us.
The ones we miss the most this time of year
The individuals we yearn for the most during the holiday season.
Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Charlie Russell, Rhys Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garethlewis7541
Proud to be part of the reason this was written and glad to be the cameraman for most of it! ๐
@beardedsailor5890
Fantastic work as always !!
@BrandonHuntOfficial
Gareth Lewis Thankyou for your part you played because this song is beautiful
@lizaedwatds6159
HI CAMERAMAN WITH NO NAME THOUGH DEFINITELEY REMEMBERED THOUGHTS SHARED WITH ALL WHO HONEST & SHARE HOW SE DIFFICILE BAH HUMBUG HABEN ALTERED ADORA THIS EQUISITE SONG BELLISIMO SI SI SI GRAZIE AMORE LIZA XXX
@yourremarkablyaveragepal781
Good job, dad!
@busybees.r.c.1836
I'm the person behind the camera in most of my family trips and things, It's great to keep memories but sometimes people don't think I was there. We appreciate you!
@fromthemtothel4897
Such a beautiful song. Most Christmas songs are about how joyful and festive Christmas is, but the holidays can also be very sad when you remember all the ones passed you would normally celebrate with.
@ulrichschwarz110
The most beautiful Christmas song!! It moves me so much. I like to play it on guitar but unable to sing...always moved to tears. Happy Christmas to all!
@spence6021
I think I heard this the first year it came out and I cried. Then my dad passed in December 2021 and I can't hear this without bawling my eyes out. You've touched my heart, and I truly appreciate that you've chosen to share this with the world. I love this song. Thank you
@Penny-cf9hf
Time sure goes, three years later and just listening to this every year around this time... it just hits hard.