The band was formed in 1995 and all the songs on the debut album, Her handwriting (the title is a quote from Part company by The Go-Betweens) were recorded in Mitcham, south London, in December '95/ January '96, with long-time The Field Mice/Northern Picture Library producer Ian Catt, also known for his work as producer/arranger/co-songwriter for Saint Etienne. Released on Shinkansen Records (the label launched by Matt from Sarah Records) the album, which intimately details the break-up of a relationship, received universally good reviews.
Subsequent albums, Lips that taste of tears (1998) and Broken by whispers (2000), showed a band constantly improving their skills, combining their usual melancholy with transparent pop.
In 2001 the fourth album Alive to every smile appeared featuring a new line-up with many ex-Sarah Records band members in its ranks: Keris Howard from Brighter/Harper Lee, Beth Arzy from Aberdeen and Harvey Williams from Another Sunny Day/The Field Mice. Annemari Davies (ex-The Field Mice) also collaborated with the band. The album was very well received in Spain due to a release on Elefant Records (eventually TBS' main label) and in February 2002 the band visited Spain for the first time.
In 2003 A certain evening light was released, a compilation of singles and B-sides.
In 2004 the band left Shinkansen; The seven autumn flowers was released by Elefant Records worldwide.
In September 2005 Bobby Wratten announced that the band would no longer appear live. He had been uneasy about performing for some time, and had decided to concentrate on studio recordings instead. April 2007 saw the release of The Last Holy Writer.
2010 is expected to see the release of their new album, titled "Fast Trains And Telegraph Wires".
Fragile
Trembling Blue Stars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel so fragile
So vulnerable
For so long
I've been without a harbour
I've been without a harbour
Just like anyone, I need someone, I need someone
Someone to face the world with
All I want in the world
Is to be held
Just like anyone, I need someone, I need someone
Someone to face the world with
I'm living in darkness
I need a sunrise
Bring on first light
Bring on first light
Bring on first light
Bring on first light
The lyrics to Trembling Blue Stars’s “Fragile” depict a sense of vulnerability and loneliness. The first stanza establishes a melancholic mood as the singer, portrayed as being “all alone,” feels fragile and vulnerable. We are given a hint that this feeling has persisted for a while with the phrase “for so long.”
The second stanza introduces a metaphorical device, comparing the need for human connection and comfort to the need for a harbor. The singer feels like he has been adrift without a sense of anchorage, longing for someone to face the world with. The line “just like anyone, I need someone,” is repeated in the stanza, emphasizing the universality of this sentiment. The following stanza repeats the idea of needing someone to face the world with and being held. The repetition of this line conveys the singer’s deep yearning and emotional intensity.
The final stanza uses a contrast to emphasize the imperative need for hope and illumination. The singer seems to be struggling with darkness, both literal and metaphorical, and is waiting for a sunrise-- a new beginning, a fresh outlook in life. The repetition of the phrase “bring on first light” at the end of the song adds to its emotional intensity, as if the singer is begging for hope and light to enter his life.
Line by Line Meaning
All alone
Feeling disconnected and isolated from others.
I feel so fragile
Feeling emotionally weak and susceptible to pain.
So vulnerable
Feeling open to being hurt or taken advantage of.
For so long
Enduring these feelings for an extended period of time, possibly without resolution.
I've been without a harbour
Living without a safe haven or support system, feeling adrift or lost.
Just like anyone, I need someone, I need someone
Acknowledging that everyone needs emotional connection and support, and seeking these things for themselves.
Someone to face the world with
Desiring a partner to share the hardships and beauty of life with.
All I want in the world
Expressing a strong desire for connection and support.
Is to be held
Desiring physical comfort and closeness with another person.
I'm living in darkness
Feeling consumed by negative emotions, possibly depressed or hopeless.
I need a sunrise
Desiring a new beginning or a change of circumstances, a hope for things to improve.
Bring on first light
Urging the start of a new day or a better future, hoping for something to happen to break the cycle of sadness.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind