The Spirals changed their name to The Sweetest Ache, perhaps because Manchester band, Inspiral Carpets had risen from indie obscurity to become unlikely regulars on Top Of The Pops. In fact, singer, Simon Court claimed in an interview in a local newspaper that he was a former member of said band. Whether that was an untrue brag, or a mix up by the paper itself is not known.
After selling a demo tape at gigs around Swansea, the band signed to Sarah Records. The second single was released on the same day as the debut.
After a third single, Simon Court split from the band under unknown circumstances. A female vocalist, Louise, replaced him. Her tenure in the band was brief, as she was due to go away to university that year. Louise only recorded one track with the band ("Briaris" from the debut album, named after Stuart's then flatmate). Simon was quickly reinstated and sang vocals on the remainder of the album. It sold reasonably well, reaching number 12 in the indie chart.
A one-off single for Sunday Records, 'Sweet Soul Sister', was the first sign of what was to come next. The Sweetest Ache were moving away from the jangly Sarah sound of their early releases, adopting American west coast influences.
The American influence was fully realized on their second album, Grass Roots. By this time, Simon had left the band for good, to be replaced by guitarist, Peter Stone. The band's relationship with Sarah Records had soured completely. Grass Roots was eventually released by Vinyl Japan.
Though Grass Roots eventually sold approximately 10,000 copies, it initially sank without trace. The new direction wasn't a hit with many former janglepop fans and the album was widely dismissed by critics. Meanwhile, The Sweetest Ache disbanded.
A thaw in relations between Stuart and Simon saw them work together in the early 2000's as acoustic duo Mumbles (named after a Swansea suburb). Both also became members of indie-rock band, Shooter.
In 2008 Peter Stone, Rob Lloyd and Neil Edmond formally of the Sweetest Ache formed the Milestone band and have a free down load 7 track mini album..visit myspace or type in the Milestone band/mountain road.
The songs are similar to the later music the Sweetest Ache made following a more west coast rock direction.
Tell Me How It Feels
The Sweetest Ache Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pride holds me back
It's not the way I want to be
I just couldn't help myself
I never meant to drag you down
But I can always be around
If you could only understand
If I could only make you see
So I could try a little harder
I still feel you by my side
Close your eyes till you see me
I can't control the things I do.
Can't you accept the way I am?
I know one day we'll pull through
It's not the way I want to be
Please don't give in 'cause that's just me.
We can make it work
If I can make you see
Feel the warmth inside me
Hold me now, just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
We can make it work
If I can make you see
Feel the warmth inside me
Hold me now, just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
Just tell me how it feels
The Sweetest Ache's song "Tell Me How It Feels" is a poignant expression of the pain and struggle of someone who feels trapped by their own pride and the negative consequences it has on their relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of regret for actions taken, but also a determination to try harder and be a better person. The singer is asking for understanding and acceptance from the person they have hurt, acknowledging that changing is not easy but hoping that they can make it work together. The repetition of the phrase "just tell me how it feels" underscores the singer's desire to connect and understand, to bridge the gap caused by their own pride.
The song has a haunting quality to it, with a slow, melodic guitar melody, and the singer's voice is plaintive and vulnerable. This vulnerability is echoed in the lyrics, which express both the fear of being rejected and the hope of reconciliation. The theme of redemption and personal growth is at the heart of the song, as the singer struggles to overcome their own limitations and be a better person.
Overall, "Tell Me How It Feels" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the endless struggle to improve ourselves and our connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I find
I occasionally discover
Pride holds me back
My unwillingness to admit fault restricts me
It's not the way I want to be
This behavior is not my desired nature
I just couldn't help myself
I was incapable of controlling my actions
I never meant to drag you down
My intention was never to harm you
But I can always be around
I am available to support and help
If you could only understand
If only you comprehended
If I could only make you see
If only I could help you perceive
So I could try a little harder
I could put in a more significant effort
I still feel you by my side
I remain aware of your presence
Close your eyes till you see me
Visualize me with your eyes shut
I can't control the things I do.
I lack the ability to manage my actions
Can't you accept the way I am?
Can't you embrace me as I am?
I know one day we'll pull through
I am confident we will succeed eventually
It's not the way I want to be
This behavior is not my desired nature
Please don't give in 'cause that's just me.
Please do not concede because that's my character
We can make it work
We can succeed
If I can make you see
If I can help you comprehend
Feel the warmth inside me
Recognize the affection I hold
Hold me now, just tell me how it feels
Embrace me and describe your sentiment
Just tell me how it feels
Express your sensation to me only
Just tell me how it feels
Share your feelings with me exclusively
Just tell me how it feels
Communicate your emotions to me just
We can make it work
We can succeed
If I can make you see
If I can help you comprehend
Feel the warmth inside me
Recognize the affection I hold
Hold me now, just tell me how it feels
Embrace me and describe your sentiment
Just tell me how it feels
Express your sensation to me only
Just tell me how it feels
Share your feelings with me exclusively
Just tell me how it feels
Communicate your emotions to me just
Contributed by Mila K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.