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.
They Don't Own Me
Richard Ashcroft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing in life is free
Are you looking this way
Surely this can't be
I know that you
Ain't like the other ones
March to a different beat, babe
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I ain't playing their games
I am nobody's fool
Yeah, I know how it feels
I broke those rules
Are you walking with me?
Or are you running with them?
Are you ever free?
Is this something that you understand?
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
They don't
They don't own me
Is it really that strange
To try and find some peace?
Is it so opaque
That you still can't see?
Them, right up above
I wonder what they can hear
I guess we all mess up, baby
Mmm, we're here, then disappear
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before, yeah
They don't
They don't own me
The lyrics of Richard Ashcroft's "They Don't Own Me" tackle a relatable subject matter of independence and individuality. This song is an anthem to self-confidence and emphasizes the importance of being able to march to the beat of our own drum, free from the constraints of society's expectations for conformity. The opening lines, "Is it true what they say? Nothing in life is free," probe the false notion that everything comes with a price tag, and helps to set the tone for the song.
Ashcroft's lyrics point out that he is vastly different from the people trying to control his destiny. He acknowledges that the expectation of conformity is palpable, but he chooses to remain himself, and thus stands out. The repetition in the chorus, "I think I told you before that they don't/They don't own me," serves to underline his outright refusal to be controlled, which highlights his vehement strength of character.
The final verse of the song, "Them, right up above/I wonder what they can hear/I guess we all mess up, baby/Mmm, we're here, then disappear," provides a refreshing perspective of reality. It poses questions like, who are "they"? What makes them better than us? Have they figured this life thing out? Is their way the right way? We are all susceptible to making mistakes, and ultimately, life is fleeting, so what difference does it make if we choose to live our lives differently?
Line by Line Meaning
Is it true what they say?
Questioning the validity of what 'they' say
Nothing in life is free
Acknowledging that everything has a price
Are you looking this way / Surely this can't be
Surprised that someone is giving attention
I know that you / Ain't like the other ones / March to a different beat, babe / Banging a different drum
Recognizing that someone is unique and not following the norm
I think I told you before that / They don't / They don't own me
Reiterating that 'they' do not have control over oneself
I ain't playing their games / I am nobody's fool / Yeah, I know how it feels / I broke those rules
Refusing to be manipulated or fooled by 'them', and acknowledging that 'they' cannot control actions or decisions
Are you walking with me? / Or are you running with them? / Are you ever free? / Is this something that you understand?
Questioning if someone is truly following their own path, or if they've succumbed to the control of 'them'
Is it really that strange / To try and find some peace? / Is it so opaque / That you still can't see?
Questioning why finding peace is seen as strange, and pointing out that 'they' are often the ones preventing this peace
Them, right up above / I wonder what they can hear / I guess we all mess up, baby / Mmm, we're here, then disappear
Noting that 'they' may be watching, but acknowledging that all humans make mistakes and that life is fleeting
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mario Cinquemani
LYRICS:
Is it true what they say?
Nothing in life is free
Are you looking this way
Surely this can't be
I know that you
Ain't like the other ones
March to a different beat, babe
Banging a different drum
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I ain't playing their games
I am nobody's fool
Yeah, I know how it feels
I broke those rules
Are you walking with me?
Or are you running with them?
Are you ever free?
Is this something that you understand?
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
They don't
They don't own me
Is it really that strange
To try and find some peace?
Is it so opaque
That you still can't see?
Them, right up above
I wonder what they can hear
I guess we all mess up, baby
Mmm, we're here, then disappear
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before that
They don't
They don't own me
I think I told you before, yeah
They don't
They don't own me
The Slider
This song gives me absolute goosebumps. Richard is my new hero. Legend.
Joanna Kopf
I have them right now! You have to love Richard for standing up to our corrupt governments.
Joanna Kopf
Living Legend!
Joanna Kopf
At least my oldest son loves him, but he loves UK music. He says he's a fucking genius and he is!
Joanna Kopf
My youngest looks just like him, but maybe one day he will find out The Drugs Don't Work.
leilah manson
Me too
Emilian Zaharia
Different level this genius of a artist
No many understand the depth ❤
Ryno
Absolute masterpiece you get me through the hard times Richard ❤
Mark S
I’m not religious but Richard’s music is spiritual, he’s coming from a higher plane, just beautiful words and music as always
Jimi
It’s a beautiful song. It’s a love letter to his wife about his struggles with depression and how she supports him and loves him plus he loves her ❤️