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.
Everybody
Richard Ashcroft Lyrics
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I was looking out it was a cold day
songbird was drinking from a table
but songbird you just flew away
everybody's gotta feel the weight of death sometimes
and find out what it's like to be left behind
so let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind
and let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind
it's not a sign of weakness
when your searching for the places where the memories flow
there may come a time
when you rearrange and may leave those memories
you've gotta let them go
everybody's gotta feel the weight of death sometimes
and find out what it's like to be left behind
sometimes you don't get a chance to ask where or why
let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind
let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind
everybody's gotta feel the weight of death sometimes
and find out what it's like to be left behind
sometimes you don't get a chance to ask where or why
let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind
let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind
stay strong
move on
keep on
The lyrics of Richard Ashcroft's song Everybody revolves around the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. The song paints a cold and bleak picture of the morning, with the singer looking out and observing a songbird drinking from a table before it flies away. The lyrics suggest that every individual has to experience the weight of death at least once in their lifetime, and the pain of being left behind by someone who has passed away.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind," indicating that death can shatter an individual's world and force them to reconsider the value of existence. The lyrics also suggest that searching for memories and revisiting past experiences is not a sign of weakness, and it is crucial to learn to let go of them sometimes. Finally, the song concludes with the message to stay strong, move on, and keep on living.
Overall, the song Everybody is a poignant reminder that death is an integral part of life, and each individual has to confront its reality sooner or later. The lyrics suggest that experiencing the weight of death and its aftermath can be challenging, but it does not diminish the beauty and value of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold morning
The scene starts with a cold morning as the singer narrates his story.
I was looking out it was a cold day
The singer was observing the cold day from a distance.
songbird was drinking from a table
A songbird was drinking water from a table nearby.
but songbird you just flew away
The songbird flew away, leaving the singer alone to contemplate his thoughts.
everybody's gotta feel the weight of death sometimes
The singer acknowledges that everyone will experience the weight of loss and death at some point in their lives.
and find out what it's like to be left behind
Experiencing loss helps you understand what it's like to be left behind and deal with the aftermath.
sometimes you don't get a chance to ask where or why
Death can be sudden and unexpected, leaving you with unanswered questions.
so let it break the magic beauty of your fragile mind
It's okay to let yourself grieve and process your emotions, even if it breaks the illusion of beauty and happiness in your mind.
it's not a sign of weakness
The singer emphasizes that seeking closure and healing after loss is not a weakness, but a necessary step in moving on.
when your searching for the places where the memories flow
The search for closure sometimes involves revisiting memories and emotions associated with the loss.
there may come a time
There's a possibility that you may eventually need to let go of those memories in order to heal and move forward.
when you rearrange and may leave those memories
You may need to rearrange your thoughts and emotions and let go of certain memories in order to find closure.
you've gotta let them go
In order to move forward and find peace, you have to let go of the memories and emotions that hold you back.
stay strong
The singer encourages the listener to stay strong through the process of grieving and healing.
move on
The singer reminds the listener that while it's important to grieve, it's also important to eventually move on.
keep on
The final line serves as a message of hope and encouragement to keep moving forward in life, even after experiencing loss.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind