A self-titled EP was released in May 2004 containing the tracks Joanna, Half a Man and My Declaration. The latter song was to become the second single from his debut album Feather and Stone, following the single This Boy.
Feather and Stone was released by Sony International in October 2004 to critical acclaim, and was a regular feature on Radio 2's playlist. It was followed by a headlining UK tour. The most common comparisons made to other artists include Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake.
His latest single "Better" was released in Dec 2007, and received airplay across the Atlantic due to it's inclusion in the film "Run, Fat Boy, Run".
The second album "Skybound" was released 7th Jan 2008
Icarus Wings
Tom Baxter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sun beats down upon my pride, like a wounded star.
What did you want from me?
Why did you bring me here?
I'm facing my foolish fate, oh
I'm too high, too close to the sun;
I'm too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
Don't stand, don't stand so close to me,
I'll bring you down,
But I'll fly, oh I'll fly beneath the sun
Watch me burn, oh, watch me burn.
What did you want from me?
Why did you bring me here?
I'm facing my foolish fate, oh
I'm too high, too close to the sun;
I'm too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
Oh, I'm too high, too close to the sun;
Too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
Oh, I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
No, no, no, no, no...
In "Icarus Wings", Tom Baxter uses mythology to explore the idea of daring greatly and the consequences that come with it. In the first verse, he suggests that fate has brought him to this moment, on a day where the sun beats down with an intensity that suggests something significant is about to happen. In the next lines, he compares himself to the mythological figure of Icarus, whose curiosity led him to fly too close to the sun and ultimately resulted in his downfall. This theme is repeated throughout the chorus, with Baxter questioning what his purpose is here, why he was brought to this point, and ultimately coming to terms with his own "foolish fate". The final lines, "No, no, no, no, no..." suggest a sense of denial, a refusal to accept the reality of his situation, even as it unfolds around him.
Overall, "Icarus Wings" is a powerful meditation on the nature of ambition and the risks inherent in trying to achieve something great. Baxter suggests that we are all a little like Icarus, in that we all have dreams and desires that drive us forward, even as they threaten to undo us. But he also suggests that there is something noble about this pursuit, that sometimes the greatest rewards can only be found by daring to reach for the sun, and being willing to accept the consequences that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
The stars conspired to bring me here, on a day like this;
It seems like fate has brought me to this place and moment.
The sun beats down upon my pride, like a wounded star.
I feel exposed and vulnerable under the intense heat of the sun, like a star that is losing its power.
What did you want from me?
I am questioning the intentions of whoever brought me to this situation.
Why did you bring me here?
I want to understand the reason behind being in this situation.
I'm facing my foolish fate, oh
I know that I am responsible for this situation and I feel foolish for it.
I'm too high, too close to the sun;
I am reaching for something that is beyond my capabilities, and it is causing my downfall.
I'm too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
My ambition and curiosity are causing me harm, and I am losing the abilities that once propelled me forward.
Don't stand, don't stand so close to me,
I am trying to protect others from being caught up in my downfall.
I'll bring you down,
I know that my actions might lead to the harm of others, and I am trying to warn them against it.
But I'll fly, oh I'll fly beneath the sun
Despite the danger, I cannot give up on my ambition and will continue to pursue it.
Watch me burn, oh, watch me burn.
As I pursue my ambitions, I am prepared to face the consequences and will not shy away from them.
Oh, I'm too high, too close to the sun;
I am reiterating my predicament and how it is causing my downfall.
I'm too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
As I get closer to my ambition, I am being burnt out and left with nothing.
I'm too high...
I am stuck in a situation that is leading to my downfall and I cannot escape it.
No, no, no, no, no...
I am expressing my desperation to get out of this situation and avoid the impending disaster.
Contributed by Kaitlyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
lucia gross
The stars conspired to bring me here, on a day like this;
The sun beats down upon my pride, like a wounded star.
What did you want from me?
Why did you bring me here?
I'm facing my foolish fate, oh
I'm too high, too close to the sun;
I'm too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
Don't stand, don't stand so close to me,
I'll bring you down,
But I'll fly, oh I'll fly beneath the sun
Watch me burn, oh, watch me burn.
What did you want from me?
Why did you bring me here?
I'm facing my foolish fate, oh
I'm too high, too close to the sun;
I'm too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
Oh, I'm too high, too close to the sun;
Too high, my curious Icarus wings melt from my skin.
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
Oh, I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
I'm too high...
No, no, no, no, no...
H. E. Floyd III
Bro!!! Such an amazing song and arrangement!!! No way you aren't as big as Dave bro...this is too damn good....
Reminds me of Tubular Bells/Dave/ & [I've been there too!]
Very well done!!
New subscriber and pusher here....
Thank you so much for sharing this with the world!!!
King Bradley
You deserve way more views Tom. Your music is sublime, it has so much originality, and it never fails to take you to a different place. Skybound is your magnum opus.
Tom Baxter
Thank you Bradley. I appreciate your words and hope to make another record someday when the muse takes me. Thanks for supporting my music as I put my life into it and I hope that the music gets to travel to more people as the years pass. Best wishes . Tom (presently in Brazil)
King Bradley
@Tom Baxter much love from India Tom. The true essence of music, connecting across the world
Meletis Papaefstathiou
I would like to thank you for this song.
This song is a real diamond.
The music industry should be proud and they must show the respect that this artist deserve.
( Forgive me for my English , ian trying to improve them)
Tom Baxter
thank you so much
Meletis Papaefstathiou
@Tom Baxter I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas. I wish that the new year will find you strong and surrounded with your be loved people. Greetings for Greece.
H. E. Floyd III
Still coming back here over two years later! This song is magic inside my soul! I love it!!
ilter saglam
ben hayatımda bu kadar güzel yükselişe geçen başka birşey dinlemedim, ruhum da onunla birlikte yükseliyor, müzik benim kanatlarım oluyor, uçuyorum.
debailleux lila
I am so grateful to have discovered your songs! They are like bubbles of sweetness and comfort where I often take refuge at the moment ... Thank you very much for your melodies and your words
Tom Baxter
thank you for your words and feedback