In Dickinson, the band possessed a songwriter and lyricist of rare talent with scalpel-sharp statements emanating from gorgeously epic songs such as their breakthrough, the feedback-soaked "Black Metallic" ("…it's "Like a Hurricane" for the ‘90’s," drooled the NME). This song in particular heralded Dickinson’s ability to skillfully knit together romance, wit – and power! - in the music. Through constant evolution and a steadfast refusal to repeat themselves, Catherine Wheel grew into a swaggeringly assured, devastatingly effective, scene-setter of a band.
Criminally overlooked, (Rolling Stone famously sub-editing the review of the band's 1997 masterwork, Adam and Eve, down from 4-1/2 stars to 3-1/2), never was a band so influential and yet so invisible. Catherine Wheel quietly unleashed six brilliant albums, all an artistic development of the last, and all reflecting a musical force that could crush any band that dared share a stage - ask Radiohead or The Smashing Pumpkins about that.
And then the band vanished. No word, no explanation, no fanfare, no farewell, no best wishes, no 'best of'. "People were no longer paying attention. Going out with a bang seemed a little inappropriate," says Dickinson dryly. "I'm not bitter about the band's modest success. I view that time as an apprenticeship. It was a time when I was free to experiment and was encouraged to be 'an artist'. I consider myself lucky to have been blessed with such an opportunity."
What’s been going on with Dickinson since the Catherine Wheel was “parked”? What he has very definitely been doing is writing fantastic songs. And so begins Part I of the Resurrection. Whatever merit his past with the band may confer on him, Dickinson's inevitable stardom would appear to be as a solo artist with this breathtaking collection of music on his debut album, Fresh Wine For The Horses.
From a conversation with Venus on "My Name Is Love" to the whimsical heartbreak of "Oceans" ("As far as I can tell, you already bare the scars of love") to the emotional highs of "Towering and Flowering", Dickinson's Fresh Wine for The Horses bristles with romance but still keeps its manly charm. Says Dickinson, “This record is about recognizing and accepting the sometimes ugly truth. It's about love, devotion and enlightenment.”
Dickinson’s Resurrection Part II came after the unfortunate dissolution of the record company that first released this stunning album. Handpicked by legendary producer Bob Ezrin of Pink Floyd, Kiss, Lou Reed (and Catherine Wheel!) fame, Fresh Wine For The Horses was presented to Universal Records on a silver platter, and the second chance given to the album begins a new chapter for the audacious performer.
Part III of the Resurrection brings Rob’s magnificent new addition to the album, the song “The End of the World”. It lifts shamelessly from the soundtrack to the British cult movie Withnail & I and creates its own death-defying, all-or-nothing beauty in a song about last chances.
And out of the ashes comes Nude, the other half of Rob’s spectacular 2-CD set. At the personal request of the head of the record label, Rob has revisited six choice Catherine Wheel classics and put a new twist on these old favourites. It is easy to tell that the songs have held the test of time and that the stripped-down melodies still ring true over 15 years later. “Re-recording these songs is like reuniting with old friends,” says Dickinson. “I hope that new listeners will fall in love with them and that those familiar with Catherine Wheel will find their passion for the tunes reignited.”
Third time’s the charm.
Don't Change
Rob Dickinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I have confessions to know
I am the suffering type
I'm burying more than I show
I'm more alive than I know
Don't wash, don't shower, don't bathe
Don't eat, don't grow, don't age
Don't fall or drag yourself down
Yeah I'm the needles and veins
Dragged down so far don't fear don't rob yourself again
Yeah I'm on the crest of a song
I'm riding it while I'm wrong
Yeah I know where I'm from
Don't wash, don't shower, don't bathe
Don't eat, don't grow, don't age
Don't cry, don't challenge, don't change
In Rob Dickinson's song Don't Change, the lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of the truth and the meaning of life, but at the same time is holding back certain confessions. He is the "suffering type" and conceals more than he reveals. However, despite his struggles, he admits to being more alive than he realizes. The lines "Don't wash, don't shower, don't bathe / Don't eat, don't grow, don't age / Don't cry, don't challenge, don't change" suggests that the singer is dealing with some sort of personal crisis and is trying to maintain some sort of control over his life. He is pushing himself to the limits by not allowing himself to indulge in basic human necessities - this would suggest that he is denying himself of pleasure and growth to achieve control. The last line "Don't fall or drag yourself down" suggests that the singer is trying to prevent himself from falling apart.
The second stanza could be interpreted as the singer recognizing the effect that his turmoil has on him. He feels like he is being dragged down, and he is on the cusp of making decisions that could hurt him. He rides the crest of a song, implying that he is in tune with music and finds solace in it, even though he knows he is wrong. This could suggest that the music is his escape, which allows him to feel free and release his emotions. The line "Yeah I know where I'm from" implies that he has a good understanding of his past and that he knows his roots, but it still does not give him enough stability to combat his current situation.
Overall, the song paints the picture of a person at a crossroads in life, struggling with inner turmoil while trying to maintain control and not give up. It suggests that one should not shy away from their struggles, but embrace them and use them to grow.
Line by Line Meaning
I know the meaning is right
I understand the significance of my actions and decisions
And I have confessions to know
There are things that I need to admit to and address
I am the suffering type
I have a tendency to endure hardship without seeking help or support
I'm burying more than I show
I'm hiding a lot of my inner turmoil and feelings from those around me
I'm more alive than I know
I have a lot of potential and life within me that I'm not fully aware of
Don't wash, don't shower, don't bathe
Don't cleanse yourself of your problems and negative emotions
Don't eat, don't grow, don't age
Don't nourish yourself with positive experiences and personal growth
Don't cry, don't challenge, don't change
Don't express your emotions, take risks, or strive for self-improvement
Don't fall or drag yourself down
Don't succumb to your negative thoughts and feelings
Yeah I'm the needles and veins
I'm someone who is consumed by their addiction or tendencies
Dragged down so far don't fear don't rob yourself again
Despite feeling overwhelmed and helpless, don't give up or sabotage your progress
Yeah I'm on the crest of a song
I'm riding the wave of my current state or emotion
I'm riding it while I'm wrong
I'm holding onto my negative mindset or actions despite knowing they're unproductive
Yeah I know where I'm from
I'm aware of my roots and past experiences that have shaped me
Contributed by Jordyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.