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.
Running Away
Richard Ashcroft Lyrics
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Make you blind, burn your inside
If I don't know me then I don't know you
Can't figure out what I'm supposed to do
I ain't running away from my mind this time
I ain't running away from my mind this time
A little talent but a lot would do
If I don't know me then I don't know you
I don't know why I do the things I do
I ain't running away from my mind this time (4x)
Too stressed to eat, too tired to sleep
Alien to all you meet
It's the season of the witch, it's the season of the spin
And nobody knows what state we're in
It's the season of the witch, it's the season of the spin
And nobody knows the trouble we're in
It's the season of the witch, it's the season of the spin
The lyrics to Richard Ashcroft's "Running Away" explore the theme of self-discovery and identity. The opening lines "Don't drink me I'm like turpentine, make you blind, burn your inside" suggests that Ashcroft is like a toxic substance that can harm others, but also himself. He is acknowledging that he doesn't fully understand himself, and therefore cannot fully understand others. The following lyrics, "I ain't running away from my mind this time" suggest that he is trying to confront his own demons and not run away from his problems.
The second verse introduces the idea of a "killer" in him and in everyone else, suggesting that all humans have the capacity for darkness. Despite his talent, Ashcroft recognizes that he still struggles to understand himself and why he does the things he does. His repeated assertion that he is not running away from his mind suggests that this time, he is ready to confront his inner turmoil.
The third verse introduces the idea of being "alien to all you meet," implying that Ashcroft feels disconnected from others, perhaps due to his struggles with self-understanding. The chorus lyrics "it's the season of the witch, it's the season of the spin, and nobody knows what state we're in" suggests that society as a whole is experiencing some form of chaos or confusion, which may contribute to his struggles with self-discovery.
Overall, the lyrics to "Running Away" explore the complex nature of human identity and the struggle to understand oneself. By acknowledging his own imperfections and inner turmoil, Ashcroft encourages the listener to confront their own inner demons and strive for self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't drink me I'm like turpentine
Don't try to consume me because I am harmful and can damage you like turpentine.
Make you blind, burn your inside
If you consume me, I can cause blindness and internal burning since I am toxic like turpentine.
If I don't know me then I don't know you
If I am not self-aware, then it's impossible to know and understand you, the people around me.
Can't figure out what I'm supposed to do
I am struggling to discern what I need to do or achieve in my life.
I ain't running away from my mind this time
I am not going to avoid or ignore my mind's inner voice or my feelings this time.
There's a killer in me and a killer in you
We all have a dark side within us.
A little talent but a lot would do
A minuscule amount of skill or talent is all it takes to flourish in life.
I don't know why I do the things I do
I am clueless about why I engage and act the way I do.
Too stressed to eat, too tired to sleep
I am under immense stress, causing me to lose my appetite and get deprived of sleep.
Alien to all you meet
I am perceived as unusual or unfamiliar by those who interact with me.
It's the season of the witch, it's the season of the spin
The present is a time where deceit and manipulation are prevalent.
And nobody knows what state we're in
It's tough to identify or comprehend the current situation we are in.
And nobody knows the trouble we're in
The severity of our distress is unknown to anyone.
It's the season of the witch, it's the season of the spin
Deception and manipulation are widespread and prevalent.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind