The band take their name from the research connected with the Hubble telescope. Sam came up with the name, but he's told the story so many times that he's not quite sure if he still remembers the theory correctly! Anyway, it goes something like this... "There was a big debate as to whether the millions of other galaxies in the universe were accelerating away from each other or moving away at a constant rate, or whether they were actually coming back in on themselves. The scientists originally thought that everything would eventually come back in on itself and implode, but what's actually happening is that they are accelerating away at a rate of Six By Seven."
Six by Seven have a spontaneous approach to their songwriting - some of the songs for the new album weren't written until the day that they were recorded; another was written briefly using an acoustic guitar and a drum machine. Chris Olley explains: "I've always maintained that we're a band who try to find themselves musically simply by pursuing our ideas. There are too many people in the band to have this thing where 'it's gonna be like this' or 'it's gonna be like that'. There are different things that we can do and it's just however the mood takes us on the day that we go in that direction. We don't make any rules for ourselves."
Six by Seven were initially feted by the music press, the UK's influential NME describing European Me as 'possibly the greatest début single ever', but have never found the commercial success their heartfelt, powerful music perhaps deserves. 2008 saw them working on what would have been their seventh full album, but the band split before it's completion. Demos from these sessions are available on their official website, www.sixbyseven.co.uk.
The band reformed in 2013 with another line-up change, including the addition of former Placebo drummer Steve Hewitt. The band resumed touring and recorded a new album, Love and Peace and Sympathy.
Candlelight
Six By Seven Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something stopped beating blood in my chest
Forever gone, you are with me when I miss you
Candlelight give me time to get things right
Can you slow down?
Can you slow down now?
Slow down, slow down
My candlelight
I was counting clouds in a clear blue empty sky
I was skimming stones on a river the dam made dry
Is it fair, you are here when I am long gone?
Open your eyes, close the door and take what's yours
Can you slow down?
Can you slow down now?
Slow down, slow down
Can you slow down now
My candlelight
We die a lot and live a little
"Candlelight" is a reflective and emotional song that deals with the singer's feelings of loss and longing. The opening lines describe a physical sensation of something breaking in the throat and the absence of a beating heart, which could represent a broken heart after losing someone. Despite this, the singer acknowledges that the person they miss is forever with them in spirit, and the candlelight is symbolic of the hope and time needed to get things right.
The second verse provides a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil described in the first verse. The setting is tranquil and peaceful, as the singer engages in simple activities like counting clouds and skimming stones. However, the singer questions the fairness of the loved one being present after they're gone, creating a sense of confusion and sorrow. The final lines of the verse urge the loved one to take what is theirs and close the door, perhaps signifying finality and closure.
The chorus is a plea to slow down, allowing the singer to process their feelings and emotions. The use of repetition emphasizes the urgency and importance of this request. The final line of the chorus - "my candlelight" - is a symbol of hope and comfort, providing a source of light in the darkness.
Overall, "Candlelight" is a poignant and introspective song that deals with themes of loss, longing, and hope. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but the clear emotional resonance of the song allows listeners to connect with their own experiences of grief and healing.
Line by Line Meaning
Something broke like an egg in my throat
I am overwhelmed and full of emotion, feeling as if something important has broken inside of me.
Something stopped beating blood in my chest
I am so heartbroken that it feels as if my heart has stopped beating altogether.
Forever gone, you are with me when I miss you
Even though you are no longer with me, your memory remains with me and brings me comfort when I am feeling lonely.
Candlelight give me time to get things right
When everything around me feels chaotic, the soft light of a candle gives me the space I need to focus and find my way forward.
Can you slow down?
I am feeling overwhelmed and am asking for a moment of calm and quiet so that I can regroup my thoughts and emotions.
Can you slow down now?
The intensity of my feelings is too much to bear and I need to step back from the chaos for a moment to catch my breath.
Slow down, slow down
I am begging for everything to slow down and give me a chance to catch up before I am swept away.
My candlelight
Candles provide me with warmth and light in the darkness, a symbol of hope and peace in the midst of chaos.
I was counting clouds in a clear blue empty sky
I am trying to distract myself and find solace in something as simple and beautiful as counting the clouds in the sky.
I was skimming stones on a river the dam made dry
I am trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation, using the opportunity to do something I wouldn't normally do when the river is full of water.
Is it fair, you are here when I am long gone?
It feels unfair that even when I am not here anymore, you will still be remembered and loved by those who knew you.
Open your eyes, close the door and take what's yours
I am telling someone to face reality and take charge of their life, embracing what they deserve and leaving the rest behind.
We die a lot and live a little
Life is fleeting and death is unavoidable, but we can still find moments of joy and meaning in the time we have.
Contributed by Andrew N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Edward Newsome
Great song, cracking album, brilliant live band
A.B.T. Animation
Love this song so much!!!
Kyle W. Baker
Who ever gave a thumbs down must have had their computer upside down and is confused ...no possible way this song/vid deserves a thumbs down!!
Μακαλα Σοσοπου
Ακόμη θυμάμαι τούς τοίχους να τρίζουν στο mad club με αυτό το κομμάτι..
la_rose
This video is like created in front of a candlelight
Lolly Fan
very cool video!
pedro wilde
<333
Ellis Maddison
Hi I'm a journalism student creating a documentary on Chris Olley and Six By Seven. Would it be possible for me to use your video? with credit of course.
The Arkive
Email lesleybleakley@gmail.com
Mariateresa Costanzo Byrne
Is it me or they sound a lot like the Charlatans?