Richard Ashcroft (born Richard Paul Ashcroft, on September 11, 1971, in Bil… Read Full Bio ↴Richard Ashcroft (born Richard Paul Ashcroft, on September 11, 1971, in Billinge, Wigan, England) is best known as the front man of The Verve, which he helped form in 1989.

After that band's demise in 1999, Ashcroft began his solo career, releasing Alone with Everybody in 2000, Human Conditions in 2002 and Keys to the World in 2006. He performed vocals for the track Lonely Soul on UNKLE's 1998 release Psyence Fiction and his voice can also be heard on the The Chemical Brothers' album Come With Us track The Test.

He is good friends with Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and Coldplay's Chris Martin (whom Ashcroft thanks for 'letting me be myself again'), and occasionally plays as support at Oasis and Coldplay concerts, including the European and second UK legs of Coldplay's 'Twisted Logic Tour'. He recently described himself as 'the best support act you'll ever see'. The Oasis track "Cast No Shadow" is dedicated to him. Chris Martin introduced him as "the best singer in the world" when he performed "Bitter Sweet Symphony" (which Martin called "the best song in the world") with Coldplay at the London Live 8 concert in 2005. On his second album Human Conditions The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson guest stars on the song Nature is the Law.

Ashcroft is married to Kate Radley, ex-Spiritualized keyboard player.

Brave New World
Richard Ashcroft Lyrics

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Into the brave new world
I hope I see you on the other side
Of this changing world

Baby, when my ship pulls in
I try to believe in anyone
Look at the state I'm in

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side

Brother, don't try to find
Don't try to believe in anyone
For I would change your mind

Baby when my ship pulls in
I try to believe in anyone
Look at the state I'm in, I'm fine

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side

I hope I see you on the other side
I hope I see you on the other side
I hope I see you on the other side
I hope I see you on the other side

But for now I'm just sitting at the table Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
Brave new world
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
I hope I see you on the other side
Don't keep me waiting, don't keep me waiting

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah
Brave new world

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Richard Ashcroft's "Brave New World" evoke themes of change, uncertainty, and hopeful anticipation. The first stanza expresses Ashcroft's hope to see someone on the other side of the changing world, as he ventures into a new frontier. The second stanza shifts focus to someone else, as Ashcroft advises his brother not to try to find or believe in anyone, in order to spare himself the inevitable disappointment. Despite this, there is still a note of optimism, with Ashcroft hoping to see the other person on the other side. The chorus repeats this phrase, along with a string of "nah nah nahs" that add to the song's dreamy and wistful quality. In the final lines of the song, Ashcroft pleads with the other person not to keep him waiting, as they move into the brave new world together.

Ashcroft's song is full of hope and yearning, with a tone that is both uncertain and determined. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability but also of strength, as the singer faces change and uncertain times. At its core, "Brave New World" is a song about connection, about the people who help us make sense of a rapidly changing world, and about the power of hope in the face of uncertainty.

Line by Line Meaning

Into the brave new world
Heading towards the unknown, uncertain future ahead

I hope I see you on the other side
Expressing a desire to reunite with someone in the future

Of this changing world
Acknowledging the rapid changes happening in the world

Baby, when my ship pulls in
When I finally succeed or achieve something significant

I try to believe in anyone
Feeling doubtful and unsure of other people, but still wanting to trust them

Look at the state I'm in
Reflecting on one's current situation, which may not be favorable

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Stuck or unable to take action, feeling lost and apprehensive

Hearing songs
A form of escapism, trying to distract oneself from reality

Wishing I was able, stable
Desiring stability, confidence, and capability

Brother, don't try to find
Warning someone not to seek or trust someone that may deceive them

For I would change your mind
Someone else would try to influence or persuade the person to act differently