Andrew Roachford was born and raised in South London on 22nd January 1965 to West Indian parents
He has achieved four gold status albums and was Columbia Records' longest serving recording artist, achieving a total of eleven top 50 hits. His most well known song is 1988's 'Cuddly Toy', which on a re-release a year later reached No.4 in the uk chart. 5 years later in 1994 he gained huge sales and critical acclaim with the album 'Permanent Shade Of Blue', combining pop, soul, blues and rock with socially and politically aware lyrics.
Andrew Roachford is currently a member of the reformed Mike & the Mechanics, who are slated to release a new album and tour the UK in 2011.
His chart success in the UK is as follows;
"Cuddly Toy" (1988) UK #61
"Find Me Another Love" (1988) UK #100
"Cuddly Toy" (1989) UK #4 (re-release)
"Family Man" (1989) UK #25
"Kathleen" (1989) UK #43
"Get Ready!" (1991) UK #22
"Only To Be With You" (1994) UK #21
"Lay Your Love On Me" (1994) UK #36
"This Generation" (1994) UK #38
"Cry For Me" (1994) UK #23
"I Know You Don't Love Me" (1995) UK #40
"The Way I Feel" (1997) UK #20
"How Could I? (Insecurity)" (1998) UK #34
"Naked Without You" (1998) UK #53
Roachford Albums
* Roachford (1988)
* Get Ready! (1991)
* Permanent Shade of Blue (1994)
* Feel (1997)
* The Roachford Files (2000)
Solo Albums
* Heart of the Matter (2003)
* Word of Mouth (2006)
Testify
Roachford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never call me friend again
If I testify, if I shared with you my past
The darkest hours would you set me free at last
If I testify, if I testify
And wouldn't I still be the person you love
And couldn't I still be the person you need
And wouldn't I still be the person you love
If I testify 'cause this morning I will testify
So if and when I testify, if and when I testify
Wouldn't I still be the person you love
And wouldn't I still be the person you need
I want to know if I could tell everything
Wish I could tell everything
(repeat to end)
The opening lines of Roachford's "Testify" present a dilemma that many can relate to: the fear of being rejected by people close to us if we reveal our innermost secrets and the darkest moments of our past. The singer is asking a crucial question: if he confesses his sins and testifies to everything he has done, would the person he is addressing still love him and stand by him? By posing this question, the song explores the themes of vulnerability, trust, and the importance of having people in our lives who are willing to accept us for who we are, flaws and all.
The chorus of the song provides a hopeful response to the singer's fears, suggesting that even if he went through with his testimony, he would still be loved and accepted by those who matter to him. The lyrics express a strong desire for honesty and transparency, with the repeated plea "I want to know if I could tell everything, wish I could tell everything." It is only through sharing our deepest selves that we can truly be understood and find genuine connection with others.
In conclusion, Roachford's "Testify" is a powerful song that speaks to the universal desire for acceptance and the struggle to reveal our true selves. It encourages the listener to trust in the love and understanding of those around them and to have the courage to be vulnerable and honest.
Line by Line Meaning
If I testify would you curse my name
If I spoke up and shared what I know, would you disown and condemn me?
Never call me friend again
Would you turn your back on our friendship forever?
If I testify, if I shared with you my past
If I revealed my secrets and struggles from my past life
The darkest hours would you set me free at last
Would you provide me with liberation from my struggles?
And wouldn't I still be the person you love
Even after revealing my secrets, would you still have affection for me?
And couldn't I still be the person you need
Would I no longer be valuable to you if I spoke up?
If I testify 'cause this morning I will testify
I am ready to speak up and share my truth right now.
So if and when I testify, if and when I testify
Whether or not I choose to speak up in the future, will you still support me?
Wouldn't I still be the person you love
After revealing my truths, would you still care for me as a person?
And wouldn't I still be the person you need
Would I lose my value to you after speaking up?
I want to know if I could tell everything
I am curious about whether or not I can be fully honest with you.
Wish I could tell everything
I deeply desire to be able to be open and honest with you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW SYLVESTER RICHARD ROACHFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Walter Eidmann
on Tomorrow
Fantastic great song !