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.
Lord I've Been Trying
Richard Ashcroft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trying to keep myself from crying
And it gets hard, there's no use denying
There's been some nights when I did a little lying
Sure feels like I've been here before
Yes it sure feels like I've been here before
Are there waves left there for me?
Is there something left to see?
Is there something left to be?
Oh I know that I'm holding on but I've got time to grow
Alright, alright, alright
Said it's alright, now
Days that I've been spending
And all these blues - they're never ending
And it gets hard, and life will go on again
Gonna shake off these blues, I'm leaving them now
Sure feels like I've been here before
Yes it sure feels like I've been here before
Captain tell me where I've been,
Are there waves left there for me?
Can you see the warning sign
Flashing there in my mind?
My mind is free and I'm talking up to you - I say
"Alright, alright, alright"
(I've been trying)
It feels good, it feels good, it feels good, it feels good, it feels good
(To keep my soul from crying)
My love is alright now,
(I've been trying)
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it feels right
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it feels right
In Richard Ashcroft's song "Lord, I've Been Trying," the lyrics describe the struggle of trying to keep oneself from crying and lying, while facing never-ending blues. The singer has been here before, everything seems familiar and it's hard to deny that. However, there's still time to grow, and he's determined to leave these blues behind.
The mention of a captain raises the point that this song may be about a journey, both literal and figurative. The captain may represent someone who has knowledge and experience, possibly a guide or mentor, who can point the way forward. The question "where I've been?" could indicate that the singer has been lost or unsure of their path, seeking clarity and direction.
Throughout the song, there's a recurring theme of resilience and determination. Despite the emotional weight of the blues, the singer affirms that everything is going to be alright, that it feels good to overcome, to move on and that it's alright to feel good. The singer acknowledges the hardships that he's faced but is willing to learn from them and move forward.
Overall, "Lord, I've Been Trying" talks about the struggle to overcome emotional difficulties and finding one's way in life. The song encourages perseverance and resilience in the face of hardships.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, I've been trying
I have been attempting and working hard towards something.
Trying to keep myself from crying
I am doing my best to not show my emotions and cry.
And it gets hard, there's no use denying
Even though it is difficult, I cannot deny the struggle I am facing.
There's been some nights when I did a little lying
I have told a few lies on some nights.
Sure feels like I've been here before
I have a sense that I have experienced this situation previously.
Captain tell me where I've been,
I am asking the captain to inform me of my location.
Are there waves left there for me?
I want to know if there are any obstacles or challenges that I will encounter.
Is there something left to see?
I am curious if there is anything left to discover or experience.
Is there something left to be?
I am wondering if there is anything left for me to accomplish or become.
Oh I know that I'm holding on but I've got time to grow
I understand that I am persevering, but I also have room for personal development.
Days that I've been spending
I have been using my time productively.
And all these blues - they're never ending
I have been feeling down and this feeling continues to persist.
And it gets hard, and life will go on again
Life can be difficult, but it will continue to move forward.
Gonna shake off these blues, I'm leaving them now
I am determined to overcome these negative feelings.
Can you see the warning sign
I am asking the captain if they can notice any potential issues or dangers.
Flashing there in my mind?
I am concerned about my own mental state and contemplating if there are any red flags.
My mind is free and I'm talking up to you - I say
I feel unburdened and am discussing with the captain.
"Alright, alright, alright"
I am reassuring myself and the captain that everything will be alright.
(I've been trying)
I have been making an effort to improve.
It feels good, it feels good, it feels good, it feels good, it feels good
I am experiencing a positive emotional response.
(To keep my soul from crying)
I am working to keep my mental and emotional state stable.
My love is alright now,
I am feeling content and satisfied with my love life.
(I've been trying)
I have been working hard and making an effort.
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and vigor.
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it feels right
Everything is okay and I am feeling good about it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind