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".
You Raise Me Up
Russell Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up….To more than I can be.
You raise me up ...To more than I can be.
The song "You Raise Me Up" by Russell Watson is an emotional and soul-stirring piece that speaks of seeking comfort and strength in times of trouble. The lyrics describe the singer's soul as being down and weary, burdened by troubles that weigh heavy on their heart. However, they find solace in the silence as they wait patiently for someone to come and sit with them.
The singer feels as though they can stand on mountains and walk on stormy seas because someone has lifted them up, granting them great strength that they did not possess before. It is the unwavering support and kindness of this person that allows the singer to be strong and exceed their own limitations, becoming more than they ever imagined they could be. The song speaks to the universal human desire for someone to lift us up and encourage us to become our best selves.
In the second verse, the song reminds us that life is full of longing and restlessness, and that none of us are perfect. However, in that same imperfection, there is wonder and a glimpse into the eternal. The song ends with a reprise of the chorus, emphasizing once again that it is our loved ones who lift us up and help us to soar.
Line by Line Meaning
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When I'm feeling low and tired deep down in my soul;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
When life's difficulties weigh heavily on my heart;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
I find a moment of stillness and calm to patiently wait;
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
Until you arrive to be with me for a while.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
With you beside me, I feel empowered to stand on the highest peaks;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
Through any tough situations that arise, I know I can walk confidently with you;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
I gain strength and courage just being near you;
You raise me up….To more than I can be.
Ultimately, being in your presence and receiving your support and love allows me to exceed what I thought was ever possible.
There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Every person experiences a deep craving for something in life;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
We all feel some level of frustration or unease deep in our hearts;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
When you are close to me, I am overcome with amazement and awe;
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
And in those moments, I briefly catch a glimpse of what a timeless, eternal love might feel like.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Brendan Graham, Rolf Lovland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TrueBlue0687
In the Air Force when I was a Cadet this was played by the Military Band when we lost two fellow Cadets in an aeroplane crash. We were trained to come to attention and give the military salute whenever we heard this song. Even though I've been out of the Cadets for many years, it's still an automatic reaction whenever I hear this song.
SK Tigress
Heart touching
Paddy A
Who asked my guy
Paul Wilson
What a beautiful and inspirational song and singer. Truly he gives God His due because raises us up to Himself. Praise Him for who our Lord Jesus is. Russell you too are an inspiration to us listeners.
Deborah Tomlinson
His voice so powerful and clear
Maggie McGill
God has given you such a beautiful talent, don't ever give up. Thank you Russell for blessing me with your voice.
Frank Harwood
Superb, the song to sing in these difficult times.
Heloise
That Russell chooses to perform in churches is a plus. He's got to be an inspiration to millions.
Edgar Campo de la Llave
great to listen Russell again. His story is truly inspirational and his voice a gift given by God. great album "La voce".
Raymond Hewitt
He is a very great singer and the words also means something when feeling low just sit and shut my eye's and listen too him and feel better .