His debut album entitled The Voice followed in May 2001, a mixture of operatic arias and covers of pop songs, topping the UK classical music charts and eventually reaching number five in the UK album charts. Later when released in the United States the album took the number one spot and made history as the first time a British artist has held both the US and UK classical number one. The album featured a duet with Cleo of girlgroup Cleopatra (band) on the song 'Someone like You'. Cleo also did a duet with Russell on his third album 'Reprise' on the song 'The Best That Love Can Be' Cleo.
Prior to the formation of Velvet Revolver, Russell Watson was asked by Slash (former guitarist of Guns n' Roses and currently in Velvet Revolver) whether he would be their singer, however he rejected; on grounds of continuing his solo career, at least for the time being.
Also in 2001, Watson sang the opening theme of Star Trek: Enterprise, "Where My Heart Will Take Me" (written by Diane Warren), originally sung by Rod Stewart for Patch Adams. The song was remixed to be more upbeat in 2003. Watson also sang it live at the Commonwealth games opening ceremony in England in 2002.
In late 2002, he released the single "Nothing Sacred - A Song For Kirsty" to raise money for the Francis House children's hospice in Didsbury, Manchester. Their campaign to raise £5 million was fronted by Kirsty Howard, a seven-year-old girl with a serious heart defect. The song reached number 17 in the UK singles chart. [2]
Watson won the Album of the Year at the Classical Brit Awards in both 2001[3] and 2002[4], also collecting Best-Selling Debut Album (2001) and Best-Selling Album (2002). He recently played Parson Nathaniel in the stage adaptation of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds which toured the UK in early 2006.
Perhaps Watson’s most unusual collaboration to date is with former Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder on Watson’s first album The Voice. Ryder lends his vocals to the Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé song "Barcelona".
That's Life
Russell Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're ridin' high in April, shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
When I'm back on top, back on top in June
I said that's life (that's life), and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks stompin' on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, and a king
I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life)--I tell you I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby, but my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, and a king
I've been up and down and over and out and I know one thing
Each time I find myself layin' flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life), that's life and I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cuttin' out, but my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothin' shakin' come this here July
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
My, my
The song "That's Life" by Russell Watson is about resilience and the perseverance to keep going despite the setbacks and challenges that life throws at us. The lyrics open with the often-heard phrase "that's life", which refers to the ups and downs that people experience. The next two lines describe a common scenario where someone feels on top of the world one minute but then quickly falls from grace. However, the singer of the song remains optimistic and believes that he can turn things around and be back on top once again.
The next few lines of the song address the cynics and naysayers that might try to stomp on other people's dreams, but the singer refuses to let them bring him down. He has been through many different experiences and states of being, from puppet to king, from up and down to over and out. But each time he falls, he gets back up and gets back in the race. The song emphasizes the message that no matter what our circumstances are, we have the power to choose how we respond to them.
The final verse of the song reveals that the singer has contemplated giving up at times, but his heart won't let him. However, if nothing changes by July, he jokes that he will roll himself up in a big ball and die. The last line is delivered with a wry sense of humor, acknowledging the absurdity of giving up completely after pushing through so many challenges. Overall, "That's Life" is an uplifting song that encourages listeners to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Line by Line Meaning
That's life (that's life)--that's what all the people say
Life has its ups and downs, and people accept this fact
You're ridin' high in April, shot down in May
Life can sometimes be unpredictable, and everything can change in a matter of days
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
I believe that my situation will change, and I'll find success again
When I'm back on top, back on top in June
I'll be successful once again, and everything will be alright
I said that's life (that's life), and as funny as it may seem
Life is unpredictable and can be strange at times
Some people get their kicks stompin' on a dream
Some individuals enjoy crushing the dreams of others
But I don't let it, let it get me down
I don't allow negative people to affect me or my dreams
'Cause this fine old world it keeps spinnin' around
Life goes on and doesn't stop for anyone or anything
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, and a king
I've experienced the highs and lows of life in many different ways
I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing
I've faced challenges and difficulties, but I've learned from them
Each time I find myself flat on my face
Whenever I face a setback or failure
I pick myself up and get back in the race
I don't give up, but instead continue to try and chase my dreams
That's life (that's life)--I tell you I can't deny it
I can't deny that life is unpredictable and full of highs and lows
I thought of quitting, baby, but my heart just ain't gonna buy it
I've considered giving up, but I know I can't because of my passion and drive
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
If I didn't believe that chasing my dreams was worthwhile
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
I'd move on and find a different dream and pursuit in life
That's life (that's life), that's life and I can't deny it
Once again, I have to accept the unpredictable nature of life
Many times I thought of cuttin' out, but my heart won't buy it
Even if things get tough, my passion and drive won't allow me to quit
But if there's nothin' shakin' come this here July
If there's no progress or success by July
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
I'll feel like giving up completely and having no hope for success
My, my
An exclamation of surprise or frustration
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Dean Kay, Kelly L. Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@perpetual61
the most versatile singer ever he can do it all ,from opera to standers and rock long live russell !
@gerryhansolo
by far, his best work! flawless, jst pure pristine joy! smart production!
@Makreads
Love Russell Watson's voice. He is sooo cool.
@canadianrockmaster
Our prayers are with you Russell. You have many songs left to sing so get well soon.
@83056
OMG! who is this guy? What a great voice.
@bambamben
No, not at all. I love Russell, but his voice is completely different. Not worse, just differen.