Young was born in Wokingham, Berkshire, UK, with a non-identical twin, Rupert. He was educated at Horris Hill preparatory school and Wellington College.
He then attended the University of Exeter where he read Politics. At university, some of Young's old haunts included Timepiece, The Old Firehouse, and Harry's, where he used to work. In September 2001, he became a student at the Arts Educational School in Chiswick, London, starting a three-year course in musical theatre with a scholarship.
In February 2002, Young came to national prominence by singing in and winning the ITV singing contest/reality tv show Pop Idol.
Contrary to popular belief, Will was not a surprise winner when beating Gareth Gates in the final show; in fact, he gained the most votes nearly every week throughout the entire finals. A lot of 'casual' viewers of Pop Idol may have been surprised at Will's victory because Gareth had got a lot of publicity (partly) due to his stutter, perhaps creating the illusion that he was more likely to win than Will.
Young's first single was a double A-side featuring Westlife's song "Evergreen" and "Anything Is Possible", a new song written for the winner of the show by Cathy Dennis. This became the fastest-selling debut in UK chart history selling 403,027 copies on its day of release. It went on to sell over 1.4 million copies and in the official list of the all-time best-selling singles in the UK issued later that year, it appeared 12th. Will subsequently made headlines by revealing he was gay. He went on to win the Brits Best Breakthrough Act Award and a plethora of other awards, including most recently Best Artist in the Digital Music Awards October 2004. Early singles of note include "Light My Fire" (done José Feliciano style), "Leave Right Now", and "Friday's Child". The latter is the title of his second album, which was largely self-penned, went five-times platinum, also receiving awards and critical acclaim.
Young received his second Brit Award in February 2005 for his co-written single "Your Game". Following sell out theatre and arena tours in 2004, he toured again at outside festival venues in Summer 2005. On July 6, 2005, he performed at Edinburgh 50,000 - The Final Push, the final concert of Live 8, where he did a duet with James Brown on "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag". His third album, Keep On was released in November 2005, together with the first single from same, "Switch It On".
On 29 September 2008, Young's fourth album, Let It Go, was released, and peaked at #2 in the UK albums chart. It was preceded by the single "Changes" on 15 September, which peaked at #10. His next single "Grace" was released on 1 December 2008, and peaked at #33 on the UK Singles Chart. Will's third single taken from the album will be "Let It Go", was released on 2 March 2009 in the UK, and peaked at #58 on the UK Singles Chart. The fourth and final single was "Tell Me the Worst", and was released on July 5, 2009 only in the UK. It served as a club promo, and featured some Fred Falke remixes.
A greatest hits collection, The Hits, was released on the 16th of November 2009. contains twelve songs from Young's first four studio albums, and two new tracks. The first is new single "Hopes & Fears", and the second is a ballad called "If It Hadn't Been for Love". The album will be released as a standard edition and a deluxe edition, which will include a DVD of all the music videos.
Songfacts reports that Jealousy, the first single from Young’s fifth studio album Echoes is a dance pop track produced by Richard X (Sugababes, Annie). The song will be released on August 21, 2011.
Young has been nominated for Ten BRIT Awards [4 x Best British Male - 4 X Best British single - Best pop Act- Best Breakthrough] . In May 2006, he was voted the UK's favourite artist ever in a poll conducted by commercial radio. In May 2007, he was voted the UK's favourite artist of all time for the second consecutive year.
Young has also broadened his repertoire by launching an acting career, taking a role in the BBC film, Mrs. Henderson Presents, starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins, with Will playing the character of 'Bertie'. The film went on release in the UK on 25 November 2005, and received excellent reviews, not least for Young's performance as actor and singer in the movie. It includes a scene in which he appears naked.
Will Young supports the charity Women's Aid, about which he wrote: "I am proud to put my name beside this cause and hope that I may be able to help more people affected by the terrors of domestic violence as well as help to create a wider awareness within our society."
Will also supports Mencap and Positive Action Southwest (PASW) for which he performed at his first solo concert in July 2003 at Killerton Hall, Exeter.
Official Website: http://www.willyoung.co.uk/global/home
GOLD
Will Young Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See you trying to find your way
Through misty thoughts your sadness lingers
Hide your face behind your fingers
If only you could look up and see
Gold at the top of this room
You climb your way up the best way you know how
I won't let you fall apart
If I keep believing in you
And you keep believing in me
Maybe this could be our sanctuary
The misty clouds disappear
Let your hands fall down
And the sky is clear
Gold at the top of this room
You climb your way up the best way you know how
I won't let you fall apart
Keeping an open heart
Gold at the top of this room
You climb your way up the best way you know how
I won't let you fall apart
Keeping an open heart
Yeah, yeah
No, hmm
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Hmm, hmm
Oh, oh, let your hands fall
See the sky is clear
You'll get used to it
It'll happen everyday
You believe in me
I believe in you
We'll get used to it
There is gold at the top of this room
You climb your way up the best way you know how
I won't let you fall apart
Keeping an open heart
The lyrics of Will Young's song Gold describe the struggle of a person trying to find their way through life, but who is plagued by sadness and misty thoughts. The singer of the song is a supportive friend or lover who encourages this person to look up and see that there is gold at the top of the room, perhaps representing success and happiness. The singer promises to keep an open heart and to not let the person fall apart, implying that they will be there to support and uplift them.
The lyrics of the chorus repeat the idea that there is gold at the top of the room, and that the person is climbing their way up to it the best way they know how. The singer's support is reiterated, with them promising to keep an open heart and not let the person fall apart.
The final verse sees the clouds clearing and the sky becoming clear. The singer encourages the person to let their hands fall and become accustomed to the sunshine, promising that with mutual support and belief, they will get used to it. The song ends with a repetition of the idea that there is gold at the top of the room, and the singer's promise to keep an open heart and prevent the person from falling apart.
Line by Line Meaning
I watch you get up to another day
I observe you waking up to yet another day and facing all its challenges.
See you trying to find your way
I witness you attempting to navigate through life's obstacles and uncertainties.
Through misty thoughts your sadness lingers
I understand that your sadness is lingering behind your foggy thoughts and emotions.
Hide your face behind your fingers
I see you trying to conceal your emotions by covering your face with your fingers.
If only you could look up and see
I wish you could lift your head up and recognize the beauty and positivity around you.
Gold at the top of this room
There is something valuable, worthwhile, and precious waiting for you at the pinnacle of this room.
You climb your way up the best way you know how
You need to ascend using the most effective strategy that suits your strengths and capabilities.
I won't let you fall apart
I will always be there to provide emotional support, guidance, and help you overcome your challenges.
Keeping an open heart
I will always have an open mind and an empathetic heart to listen and understand your emotions and feelings.
If I keep believing in you
If I continue to trust in your capabilities, strengths, and determination,
And you keep believing in me
And if you continue to have faith in my support and guidance,
Maybe this could be our sanctuary
Then this moment and space could become our safe haven and peaceful retreat.
The misty clouds disappear
The haziness and confusion in your thoughts and mind will eventually dissipate,
Let your hands fall down
Lower your hands and let go of your worries, fears, and doubts.
And the sky is clear
Then you will finally see that the sky is blue and clear, and the world is full of possibilities.
Oh, oh, let your hands fall
Relax and let go of any tension and anxiety by dropping your hands.
See the sky is clear
You will notice that the sky is bright, light, and free of clouds or mist.
You'll get used to it
Gradually, you will become accustomed to this new perspective of positivity and hope.
We'll get used to it
Together, we can both get used to seeing the world in a more optimistic and brighter light.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES ELIOT, JEMIMA STILWELL, WILL YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind