Stephen attended St. Augustine Webster Primary School in Scunthorpe and St. Bede's Catholic School in Ashby before furthering his study at John Leggott College - It was here that he started his first band 'Label'.
Fretwell is a keen fan of bands of the Brit-pop era, such as Oasis, Blur, The Bluetones, Radiohead, and Suede. During this period he formed a band; in order to demonstrate his talent to a wider audience.
After moving to Salford in the autumn of 2000 Stephen started to gain recognition for his music. He earned notice from magazines such as NME, Q Magazine. During this period songs such as Emily and What’s That You Say Little Girl? were first written.
Fretwell decided to stay in Manchester permanently, later releasing 8 Songs which he put out on Northern Ambition, a label owned by a friend. Fretwell later described it as 'The one I did to prove to myself I could put out one proper record'.
Fretwell left university after only one year, discovering that education wasn’t for him at this time, after all he’d only managed to attend two lectures. With this he picked up his guitar and started to perform at local acoustic nights in the Manchester area. The first of these nights being at The Roadhouse, a venue that lay in the centre of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. That night Fretwell impressed a restless and hard to please crowd with his performance.
He later released the Something's Got to Give EP and The Lines, both self-financed. On back of his growing stature and reputation, Fretwell was invited to support bands such as Travis, Elbow, Athlete, Keane and KT Tunstall.
His debut album Magpie, was released in November 2004. The first single taken from the album was "Run" and was subsequently followed by "Emily" which was in the Top 10 airplayed songs. His last single was "Four Letter Words EP". His song " Run “ is the theme tune to the award winning sitcom Gavin & Stacey.
He is known for his curly mop of ginger hair, sombre lyrics and gravelly deep voice. He names his main influence as Bob Dylan. His songs are derivative of Dylan's work, and he learnt to play guitar by playing Dylan's songs on his grandfather's old, unused guitar.
He was described by Q Magazine as 'Scunthorpe's finest export... ever'. The Times magazine said 'Not in your face but in your heart? Yes'. He is signed to Fiction Records and recorded his album at the Abbey Road Studios.
He has just released his new album "Man on the Roof" that recieved the same critical acclaim as "Magpie" with beautiful songs such as "Funny Hat" and "Now"...
The official website can be found at http://www.stephenfretwell.com/.
New York
Stephen Fretwell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get out of here
Somehow today.
For a place that I've heard on the radio
Never sleeps.
I'll get a job in a bar,
You could be a waitress and serve cheap cigars
Fuck what they say
Fuck it if they talk
It really don't matter.
We're going to New York.
Oh, hold on to me.
I'm gonna get you out
I'm gonna set you free.
To a place that I've heard on the radio.
Never sleeps.
I'll get a job in a bar,
You could be a waitress and serve cheap cigars
To fat mustachio men in suits, you'll look cute.
Fuck what they say
Fuck it if they talk
It really don't matter.
We're going to New York.v
The lyrics of "New York" by Stephen Fretwell describe a desire to escape from the realities of life and find freedom in the bustling city of New York. The singer expresses a longing to leave their current situation behind and start anew, drawn by the idea of a place that never sleeps, as described in the songs on the radio. The singer suggests that they and their partner could work in a bar and restaurant, waiting on the wealthy and powerful men who frequent such establishments, with the implication that they will be able to leave their current lives behind and start anew.
At the heart of the song is a feeling of rebellion and a desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life. The chorus, with its emphatic declaration of "fuck what they say," shows the singer's determination to be true to themselves and to pursue their own dreams, no matter what others may say or think. The repeated refrain of "we're going to New York" reinforces this sense of defiance and determination, with the city appearing as a symbol of possibility and escape.
Overall, "New York" is a song about hope and the determination to follow one's own path, despite the difficulties and opposition that may arise. It speaks to a universal desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life and find something new and exciting, and its upbeat, catchy melody and lyrics make it a classic example of indie-pop songwriting.
Line by Line Meaning
Please can we go away
The singer strongly desires to leave their current situation.
Get out of here
The singer wants to physically distance themselves from their current environment.
Somehow today.
The singer hopes to leave immediately, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
For a place that I've heard on the radio
The artist is drawn to the idea of New York due to its portrayal in media.
Never sleeps.
New York is constantly active and full of energy.
I'll get a job in a bar,
The singer is willing to do whatever it takes to support themselves in New York.
You could be a waitress and serve cheap cigars
The singer suggests their partner could find work as a waitress, serving cigars to customers.
To fat mustachio men in suits, you'll look cute.
The artist adds that their partner would be attractive to the male clientele.
Fuck what they say
The artist is dismissive of others' opinions and criticisms.
Fuck it if they talk
The artist reiterates that negative comments from others will not affect their decision to go to New York.
It really don't matter.
The singer is resolute in their determination to move to New York.
We're going to New York.
The artist announces their plan to go to New York with confidence.
Oh, hold on to me.
The singer wants their partner to trust and rely on them throughout this journey.
I'm gonna get you out
The singer promises to take their partner away from any struggles or problems they may face.
I'm gonna set you free.
The singer wants their partner to feel liberated and unburdened in New York.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEPHEN FRETWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aiden Kane
Lovely song!
Alison Shenton
LOVE LOVE STEPHEN FRETWELL AMAZING 🥰 AMAZING 🥰 AMAZING 🥰
🥔t7i7n7y🥔
He's making a comeback album guys!!! 2021!
Kath E
is this not on spotifyyy? D:
Kate
Remembering