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.
God In The Numbers
Richard Ashcroft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes the world it baffles you with plans
Some days you drift oh so easy and free
Some nights you sleep in blissful harmony
How do we leave the wreckage of our lives?
How do you leave the past out in the night?
Don't throw away the pictures that give you a smile
I saw God in the numbers (4x)
I know that I could learn a little harder
There's so much that I want to read and know
But maybe I'm a little lazy
Maybe I don't really want to know
I saw God in the numbers
I saw God in the numbers (I saw God in the numbers)
I saw God in the numbers
I saw God in the numbers (I saw God in the numbers)
I saw God in the numbers
I saw God in the numbers (I saw God in the numbers)
I saw God in the numbers
I saw God in the numbers (I saw God in the numbers)
The more I learn of history the more I hate it
'cause we're repeating things we did a thousand years ago
We're building palaces of fortune in the sky
There's an underclass dying whilst we smile
I saw God in the numbers (I saw God in the numbers) (6x)
God in the numbers (I saw God in the numbers)
I saw God in the numbers (I saw God in the numbers)
(I don't want to
I don't want to
I don't wanna)
The lyrics to Richard Ashcroft's song "God In The Numbers" can be interpreted as a reflection on the contradictory and often bewildering experiences of life. The song starts by highlighting the dichotomy of holding the world in one's hands at times, while other times feeling baffled by its plans. The verses also describe the ebb and flow of life, where one day can feel easy and free, while another night is filled with melancholic memories. The chorus, "I saw God in the numbers," could be interpreted as finding meaning and purpose in life's patterns, divisions, and structures. It could also represent a belief in a higher power, one that is manifested in the order and beauty of the universe.
The bridge of the song provides a contrast to the optimism of the chorus, as it contemplates how to escape the wreckage of one's life or leave the past behind. The song then takes a more political turn, expressing the frustration of learning about history and realizing that humanity continues to repeat its mistakes. The final stanza juxtaposes the opulence of modern society against the suffering of the underprivileged.
Overall, "God In The Numbers" is a contemplative and thought-provoking song that encourages the listener to find meaning and beauty in the world, despite its flaws and contradictions.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes you hold the world in your hands
Occasionally, you feel like you are in control and can conquer anything.
Sometimes the world it baffles you with plans
Sometimes, the universe throws you curveballs that you cannot understand.
Some days you drift oh so easy and free
You have days where things seem to go your way effortlessly.
Some nights you sleep in blissful harmony
There are times when you can sleep soundly and without concern.
How do we leave the wreckage of our lives?
How do we move on from the damage we have suffered in our lives?
How do you leave the past out in the night?
How do you leave behind the past and move forward?
Don't throw away the pictures that give you a smile
Do not discard the memories that bring you joy.
Don't throw away the memories that make you cry
Do not discard the memories that make you emotional.
I saw God in the numbers (4x)
The idea of a higher power, or God, can be found even in mathematical concepts or patterns.
I know that I could learn a little harder
I am aware that I could put more effort into gaining knowledge.
There's so much that I want to read and know
There is a vast amount of information that I desire to learn about.
But maybe I'm a little lazy
Perhaps I am somewhat unmotivated.
Maybe I don't really want to know
Maybe I am not actually interested in gaining new knowledge.
The more I learn of history the more I hate it
The more I learn about history, the more frustrated and upset I become about repeated mistakes and patterns.
'cause we're repeating things we did a thousand years ago
Humanity seems to be falling back into the same destructive patterns that have plagued us for centuries.
We're building palaces of fortune in the sky
We are too focused on attaining wealth and luxury, rather than addressing real issues and problems.
There's an underclass dying whilst we smile
Many people are struggling and do not have the basic necessities of life, while others are unconcerned and uninvolved.
(I don't want to
I don't want to
I don't wanna)
This line is repeated and signals a reluctance to engage with or accept certain realities of the world.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind