Grennan was born in Bedford. His father is a builder, and his mother was a teacher. He is of Irish/English origin and a big fan of football and particularly Manchester United. He played football at a young age for the Bedford Park Tigers. He attended St Thomas More Catholic School. His younger brother is an aspiring boxer.
At 18, he was mugged by a group of strangers on the street and was left with four metal plates and screws in his jaw that "still hurt when winter comes". He trained to become a professional footballer. He played for Luton Town for a while, tried for Northampton Town and Aston Villa. But he was later released. He worked briefly at Costa Coffee. He told Music Week: "I was close to playing over in the States but something was telling me not to and obviously it was the music".
His musical beginnings are obscure, but he says he was at a house party where he sang "Seaside" from The Kooks. He didn't remember it, but his friends were impressed and pushed him into performing more. He studied acting at university. Also at age 18, he started doing gigs around London with his acoustic guitar, mainly in small pub appearances for almost three years. After a performance at Finsbury pub, a representative of Insanity Records heard him play and offered a contract. His debut EP, Something in the Water was produced by Charlie Hugall. He had his big break when he was featured in the Chase & Status 2016 single "All Goes Wrong" that was picked as "Hottest Record" on Annie Mac's Radio 1 Show. After that he was invited for an appearance on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, and a follow up appearance on BBC Two's show Later... with Jools Holland.[5] The song charted in the UK Singles Chart peaking at number 65. It also charted in Scotland and some European charts.
In 2017, he was shortlisted for MTV Brand New Award singing at MTV Showcase at London's Electric Ballroom on 2 February 2017).[7] Also in 2017, he had a cameo appearance in Charli XCX's music video for her song "Boys" alongside many well-known artists and duetted with grime MC Bugzy Malone on "Memory Lane". He performed in Trafalgar Square during the F1 Live in London show in support of Formula One drivers. He started an all UK tour in March 2018 in support of his upcoming album Lighting Matches due for release in July 2018. His song "Found What I've Been Looking For" appears on the FIFA 18 soundtrack and is also used by Sky Sports as the theme song for Super Sunday.
Aboard
Tom Grennan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh to think you look amazing, but I'm not sure I do
What is it my drunken eye don't see
When it's you that I want
Don't even know whats good for me
Don't know what I've got
What kind of man am I?
I should get over myself
Time to get over myself
'Cause if it's cool then it's cool
Won't fuck around no more
And if it's cool then it's cool
Won't fuck around no more
I'll put my tie at your door
If this ship goes down, I'm going down with it
Ship goes down, I'll go down with it
I'm aboard
It's like a badge of honour that you know me well
Perhaps you know me better than I know myself
How long will fickle lies keep rolling, rolling dice
How long will you be happy to pay the price
What kind of man am I?
Drunk on my own supply
I should get over myself
Can't I get over myself
'Cause if it's cool then it's cool
Won't fuck around no more
And if it's cool then it's cool
Won't fuck around no more
I'll put my tie at your door
If this ship goes down, I'm going down with it
Ship goes down, I'll go down with it
I'm aboard
Stay with it, stay with it
When the ship goes down
Oh oh
Oh oh
Eyes on floor 'cause I keep seeing ghosts when there ain't none
And when I look around, see no complication
Why am I trying to make one?
Oh shit, this is where I jump ship
But I won't run
But if it's cool then it's cool
Won't fuck around no more
And if it's cool then it's cool
Won't fuck around no more
I'll put my tie at your door
And if this ship goes down, I'm going down with it
Ship goes down, I'll go down with it
I'm aboard
I'll put my tie at your door
If this ship goes down, I'm going down with it
Ship goes down, I'll go down with it
I'm aboard
And I'm here to stay, I'm here to stay
Oh I'm aboard, oh I'm aboard
The song "Aboard" by Tom Grennan explores the themes of self-discovery, self-worth, and relationships. Throughout the lyrics, Grennan expresses confusion and uncertainty in his relationship, contemplating the differences between his and his partner’s appearances and actions. He questions what type of person he is, acknowledging that he’s drunk on his own supply, meaning he’s been blinded by his ego and self-absorption. Grennan acknowledges that he needs to change his behavior and that he wants to improve himself in order to be a better partner. He pledges to be committed to the relationship, even when times get tough and the ship seems to be sinking. Grennan recognizes that he wants to be on board and is committed to making it work.
The opening line of the song, "Without your makeup, I'm confused," was inspired by the way Grennan’s girlfriend looks different when she’s not wearing makeup. The line emphasizes the insecurity and confusion that possibly comes with being in a relationship where lines of communication and transparency are lacking. The line also highlights the societal pressures for women to present a specific image to the world, which ultimately affects their perception of their own beauty.
The chorus, "I'll put my tie at your door, if this ship goes down, I'm going down with it," confirms Grennan’s commitment to his relationship, demonstrating his willingness to be there for his partner no matter what difficulties come their way. The line, "When the ship goes down, I'll go down with it," reveals that Grennan is willing to stick with the relationship, even when things get hard. He values the commitment and resilience that’s required for a relationship to survive, and he’s willing to work through anything that comes their way.
Overall, this song is a commentary on the complexities of relationships and the importance of self-reflection and communication. It’s a message of hope that suggests that through understanding oneself and dedicating oneself to another person, a relationship can weather the toughest storms.
Line by Line Meaning
Without your makeup, I'm confused
I'm unsure whether you are naturally as amazing as you appear with makeup on
Oh to think you look amazing, but I'm not sure I do
I am unsure if I can measure up to your beauty
What is it my drunken eye don't see
I am unable to see something due to my drunkenness
When it's you that I want
I desire you deeply
Don't even know what's good for me
I lack the ability to recognize what is good for me
Don't know what I've got
I am unaware of what I possess
What kind of man am I?
I question my own masculinity
Drunk on my own supply
I am intoxicated by my own behavior
I should get over myself
I need to learn to be less self-focused
Time to get over myself
It's time for me to stop being self-centered
'Cause if it's cool then it's cool
If it's good, there is no need to fuss over it
Won't fuck around no more
I won't waste any more time messing around
I'll put my tie at your door
I will pledge my commitment to you
If this ship goes down, I'm going down with it
I am committed to staying with you, even if things get tough
Ship goes down, I'll go down with it
I am ready to face any challenges that come our way
I'm aboard
I am all in and committed
It's like a badge of honour that you know me well
It is an honor that you know me so intimately
Perhaps you know me better than I know myself
Maybe you understand me better than I understand myself
How long will fickle lies keep rolling, rolling dice
How long will false statements and luck-making decisions persist
How long will you be happy to pay the price
Until when will you keep bearing the burden of our relationship
Eyes on floor 'cause I keep seeing ghosts when there ain't none
I am looking down to avoid seeing imagined (non-existent) danger
And when I look around, see no complication
When I examine things, I find no issues or problems
Why am I trying to make one?
Why am I attempting to create a problem where there is none
Oh shit, this is where I jump ship
Oh no, this is where I abandon the relationship
But I won't run
However, I will stay and be strong
And I'm here to stay, I'm here to stay
I am fully committed and will stay for the long haul
Oh I'm aboard, oh I'm aboard
I am fully committed to this relationship
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Francis Anthony White, Jonny Lattimer, Tom Grennan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind