It was an encounter at Hawley's Sheffield home that led the longtime collaborator out of the shadows. Impressed by a home demo of his songs, both Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and Steve Mackey urged Hawley to head into the studio and begin work on his first solo release. 2000's eponymous mini album encouraged Hawley to return to the studio once more. In 2001 Late Night Final, named after the cry of vendors selling the Sheffield Star evening newspaper on the streets of the city, was released to positive reviews from the press, if unspectacular sales. Two years later Hawley released Lowedges, another Sheffield reference, this time to the curiously named suburb of the city that had so entranced the young Hawley when he had seen it on the destination board of a bus. NME called Lowedges the "first great album of 2003" and it topped an end of year poll held by Virgin Radio.
In 2004 Hawley signed to Mute Records, a division of the giant EMI. Legal wrangling delayed Cole's Corner, Hawley's fourth release, until September 2005. Again Hawley mines the theme of his beloved home city, this time referencing the location where courting lovers meet. Cole's Corner eventually gained a nomination for the acclaimed Mercury Prize in 2006.
Hawley's work as a session musician and producer remains in high demand. After contributing towards her eponymous 2004 release, Hawley also supported Nancy Sinatra on her European tour in 2005. In the past, Hawley has also worked with artists as diverse as New York's A Girl Called Eddy, All Saints (he played the guitar solo on their cover of "Under the Bridge"), Nellee Hooper's soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet and with Jarvis Cocker's Relaxed Muscle project.
Aside from his solo and session work, Hawley occasionally tours with The Feral Cats, a side project that enables him to explore his interest in rockabilly music.
Possibly due to his aforementioned rockabilly interest, Hawley once auditioned for the role as guitarist in the rockabilly-inclined Morrissey's band.
Fiercely proud of his working class upbringing, Hawley recently described himself as "jurassic labour" in response to a question about the New Labour project. He lives in Sheffield, with his wife and children and is an avid Sheffield Wednesday supporter.
In 2007 Hawley released a new studio album, Lady's Bridge (the title refers to a bridge Hawley regulary crosses in his native Sheffield) again to much critical acclaim.
Hawley's album Truelove's Gutter was released in September 2009 and followed that October by a UK nationwide tour. The album was nominated for, and won the Mojo record of the year.
Following the success of his award-winning, hugely acclaimed 2009 album 'Truelove's Gutter', Richard Hawley will release his sixth studio album, 'Standing At The Sky's Edge' - his first for new label Parlophone - on 7th May.
Recorded at Sheffield's Yellow Arch Studio in 2011, 'Standing At The Sky's Edge' marks a seismic shift in direction for Hawley. The album is a euphoric, sonic assault on the senses, channelling elements of psychedelia, space rock and ragas with heavy riffs and raw, visceral guitar solos - as well as more familiar, tender moments - which will surprise Hawley's fans and peers alike.
www.richardhawley.co.uk
Baby You're My Light
Richard Hawley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And if he relieves you know that then you've blown it
And as life goes on you know you get to taste
All you find
Cause baby, you're my light
Baby you're my light
Next time the feeling is the same, don't have to show it
And as life goes on you know you have to face
All you find
Cause baby, you're my light
Baby, you're my light
Baby, you're my light
Baby, you're my light
Last time the years have gone the moment's on you know it
But I believe in you and now I'll show it
And as life goes on you know you don't have to hate
All you find
Baby, you're my light [Repeat: x5]
The lyrics of Richard Hawley's song Baby You're My Light, express the depth of adoration and trust a person has for their significant other. The song emphasizes the importance of trust and believing in each other, in order to face the test of time. The first verse describes the feeling of initial longing and infatuation, when one is wearing their heart on their sleeve for their partner. They fear that if their partner ever betrays them, they would have messed everything up.
The second verse talks about the next time the person experiences the same feeling of love, they need not explicitly show it to their partner. They have already acquired a window of belief and trust, where they own their love. The third verse insists that as the years go by, one needs to face everything life throws at them with utmost resilience and without any resentment. And the singer reminds their loved one that their constant belief and admiration for them will always shine like a light, guiding them through life's tumultuous paths.
Overall, the song conveys the message of unbreakable trust and loyalty between partners, the importance of showing love, and how it provides hope and direction even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
First time the longing in you wears the girl that grows it
The first time you experience a deep desire, it takes over and becomes a part of you.
And if he relieves you know that then you've blown it
If someone else fulfills your desire, then you've lost your chance at true happiness.
And as life goes on you know you get to taste all you find
As you go through life, you will experience everything that comes your way.
Cause baby, you're my light
You are the one that guides me through life and makes everything brighter.
Next time the feeling is the same, don't have to show it
The next time you feel that desire, you don't have to demonstrate it to others.
A window of belief is where you own it
You have to believe in yourself and trust that you will find what you're searching for.
And as life goes on you know you have to face all you find
As you continue your journey, you will encounter all sorts of challenges.
Baby, you're my light
You shine bright in my life and bring me happiness.
Last time the years have gone the moment's on you know it
As time passes, you realize that the moment has arrived to pursue your desires.
But I believe in you and now I'll show it
I have faith in you and support you as you chase your dreams.
And as life goes on you know you don't have to hate all you find
You don't have to be angry or resentful towards the challenges you face in life.
Baby, you're my light [Repeat: x5]
You are the beacon that illuminates my path and makes my life worth living.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHARD WILLIS HAWLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind