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.
Science Of Silence
Richard Ashcroft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm safe when you're here with me
These questions I'm asking, they've been haunting me
I need some security, can't you see?
Her love was like a fountain rushing and pouring down
The darkness is putting out the light in me
She's a well to be dug, she's a university
We are on a rock, spinning silently
Won't you get close to me
We are on a rock, spinning in infinity
Won't you get close to me
Is it my genes that have made me?
Is it the things I took, is it the things I said
Does karma rule?
Well if there's a God well can you hear me now?
I am crying out, hoping you know
And in my baby's arms I need no faith
I need no words to define myself
And when I'm holding you, light rushing through
I want to make it now, safe and straight
We are on a rock, spinning silently
Baby get a hold of me
We are on a rock, spinning in infinity
Baby consoling me
Oh I don't know when the fear's going to end
I don't know if my prayers are received - the ones I send
(We are on a rock, spinning silently)
I can't live in pain and fear
(We are on a rock, spinning in infinity)
Oh I see so much joy and it makes me scared
(We are on a rock, spinning silently)
Oh I don't know if my prayers are received, until the end
(We are on a rock, spinning in infinity)
Oh I guess it ain't offet for you to pray for peace
Oh baby I don't know where I'm going
All I know is that I need you as a friend
The lyrics of "Science of Silence" by Richard Ashcroft explore the existential dilemma of human beings while also emphasizing the need for love, companionship, and security. The song highlights the fragility of life on this planet and the endless cycles of questioning the purpose of existence. The first verse sets the tone of the song with the imagery of a small rock spinning silently in the vastness of space. This is compared to the comfort and safety we feel when we have someone to hold onto. The singer is struggling with deep questions about life but is finding solace in the presence of his love.
The second verse talks about the power of love to heal and rejuvenate. The use of "fountain rushing" and "pouring down" imagery symbolizes the abundance of love and how it brings light into the darkness. The singer sees his girlfriend as a "well to be dug" and a "university," a vast source of knowledge and wisdom. He believes that his relationship with her is cosmic and will endure beyond this life.
The chorus repeats the image of a rock spinning in space but emphasizes the need for love and intimacy. The singer invites his love to come closer to him and "console" him. The bridge explores the question of whether fate, karma or some higher power controls our destiny. The singer recognizes the futility of trying to control one's life and looks for guidance from a higher power.
Line by Line Meaning
We are on a rock, spinning silently
We live on a planet Earth that rotates around its own axis without making any sound
But I'm safe when you're here with me
I find comfort and protection when I am in your company
These questions I'm asking, they've been haunting me
I have been troubled by these inquiries and they linger in my mind
I need some security, can't you see?
I crave for assurance or support to alleviate my worries and anxieties
Her love was like a fountain rushing and pouring down
Her affection was like an unrelenting torrent of emotions washing over me
The darkness is putting out the light in me
My mood is deteriorating, I am no longer as happy or positive as I used to be
She's a well to be dug, she's a university
She is a source of knowledge or enlightenment that can be studied and explored
A cosmic library - wait and see
She contains vast and universal amounts of information and secrets yet to be unveiled
Won't you get close to me
Can we bond or get intimate with one another?
Does karma rule?
Is there a force in the universe that brings about consequences for one's actions?
Well if there's a God well can you hear me now?
If a deity exists, are they listening to me and my prayers at this moment?
I am crying out, hoping you know
I am expressing my distress or anguish, desiring someone to understand or empathize with me
And in my baby's arms I need no faith
I feel safe, secure, and certain that I am loved whenever I hold my child
I need no words to define myself
I do not require any speech or language to identify my true self or my worth
And when I'm holding you, light rushing through
When I embrace you, I feel renewed and invigorated with energy
I want to make it now, safe and straight
I aspire to make things right and straightforward without any complications
Baby get a hold of me
Please take me in your arms or assert your authority over me
Oh I don't know when the fear's going to end
I am uncertain and afraid about when these feelings of apprehension will cease
I don't know if my prayers are received - the ones I send
I am unsure if my words of devotion or supplication are being acknowledged or granted
Oh I see so much joy and it makes me scared
The abundance of happiness around me intimidates or troubles me
Oh I guess it ain't offet for you to pray for peace
I suggest that it would not hurt to pray for world peace and harmony
Oh baby I don't know where I'm going
I am unsure what my destiny is or what path I should take
All I know is that I need you as a friend
All that is certain is my need for you as a companion or confidant
We are on a rock, spinning in infinity
We exist on a planet hurtling through space without any measureable end
Baby consoling me
Please comfort me and soothe my worries
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind