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.
Under the Sun
Rhys Lewis Lyrics
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Like it was yesterday
You said you couldn't see a future
I wish I felt the same
'Cause I've tried leavin' you behind
And I've tried gettin' on with my life
I've been to New York City, seen the Brooklyn BridgeFelt the waves in Rio crash on my skin
I got busy livin' to forget your love
But you're still my favorite thing under the sun
You're still my favorite thing under the sun
I sometimes wonder what you're thinkin'
If there's a part of you
That's hopin' we'll get back together
That you still miss me too
'Cause I've tried leavin' us behind
And I've tried gettin' on with my life
I've been to New York City, seen the Brooklyn Bridge
Felt the waves in Rio crash on my skin
I got busy livin' to forget your love
But you're still my favorite thing under the sun
You're still my favorite thing under the sun
I've been to New York City, seen the Brooklyn Bridge
Felt the waves in Rio crash on my skin
Yeah, I got busy livin' to forget your love
But you're still my favorite thing under the sun
You're still my favorite thing under the sun
You're still my favorite thing under the sun
The lyrics of Rhys Lewis's song "Under The Sun" speak to the lingering emotions and memories of a past relationship. The singer recalls every second of their time together, as if it were yesterday, highlighting the impact and significance of those moments. The line "You said you couldn't see a future, I wish I felt the same" suggests that while one person in the relationship believed it had no future, the singer still holds onto hope and a lingering attachment.
The chorus reflects the singer's attempts to move on and find solace in other experiences. They mention traveling to iconic places like New York City and Rio de Janeiro, using vivid imagery to describe the sensations they felt. However, despite their endeavors to forget the love they shared, the person they once loved remains their favorite thing under the sun. This line reveals the enduring nature of their feelings, even amidst their efforts to move on.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's curiosity about the other person's thoughts and emotions. They wonder if there is a part of the other person that hopes for a reconciliation and if they still miss them as well. This demonstrates the lingering connection and the question of whether they truly moved on.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember every second
I have a vivid recollection of every moment we spent together
Like it was yesterday
The memories feel fresh in my mind, as if they just happened
You said you couldn't see a future
You expressed that you didn't believe our relationship had a long-lasting potential
I wish I felt the same
I wish I shared your lack of confidence in our future
'Cause I've tried leavin' you behind
I've attempted to move on from you
And I've tried gettin' on with my life
I made efforts to continue living without you
I've been to New York City, seen the Brooklyn Bridge
I have traveled to New York City and witnessed the grandeur of the Brooklyn Bridge
Felt the waves in Rio crash on my skin
I have experienced the powerful waves of Rio de Janeiro against my body
I got busy livin' to forget your love
I engaged in various activities and kept myself occupied to escape the memories of our love
But you're still my favorite thing under the sun
Despite my efforts, you remain the most cherished and loved person in my life
I sometimes wonder what you're thinkin'
Occasionally, I ponder about your thoughts and emotions
If there's a part of you
If you still hold a portion of feelings for me
That's hopin' we'll get back together
That desires a reunion between us
That you still miss me too
That you also feel a sense of longing for me
Yeah, I got busy livin' to forget your love
Indeed, I kept myself occupied in order to suppress the memories of our past love
You're still my favorite thing under the sun
Despite my attempts to move on, you remain the most beloved and important person in my life
You're still my favorite thing under the sun
You are still the most cherished and loved entity in my life
You're still my favorite thing under the sun
You hold the highest place of significance and affection in my life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jeff Franzel, Rhys Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind