They began as studio engineers at Mickie Most's RAK recording studio in London, engineering music for British groups like the Pet Shop Boys, Young Disciples, and Robert Plant. In 1997 they were asked by a college friend, Nigel Godrich (who was busy producing 'OK Computer'), to remix Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls". They called the mix "the Zero 7 Mix" which stuck.
The Space Between
Zero 7 Lyrics
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Taking the time to look
Back over your shoulder
On the days confusion took
Now that you're wiser
Surely you've learned to read it
You should know
Than the light that burns beneath it
Never so sure
We always take more
Though we still don't know what it's for
Now that I've seen you
Stripped to the very core
I know that I need you
Less than I did before
Never so sure
We always take more
Though we still don't know what it's for
The lyrics to Zero 7's "The Space Between" are about reflecting on past experiences and gaining wisdom as a result. The first stanza talks about looking back on confusing days and how now that the person is older and wiser, they should have learned to read between the lines and understand that things are not always as they seem. The second stanza talks about seeing someone stripped to their very core, indicating a level of vulnerability that has led to a realization that they don't need that person as much as they thought.
The repeated line of "Never so sure, we always take more, though we still don't know what it's for" highlights the human tendency to constantly want more, without really understanding why. It could be interpreted as a commentary on the materialistic nature of society, where people are always looking for more possessions, experiences, or relationships, without truly understanding their motivations.
Overall, the song seems to be about growth and learning from our experiences, and realizing that sometimes what we think we need or want may not actually bring us fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that you're older
As you have grown, you now have the time to reflect on past experiences.
Taking the time to look
You are making a conscious effort to examine your past in order to better understand it.
Back over your shoulder
You are looking behind you, metaphorically speaking, to revisit the past.
On the days confusion took
You are focusing on the times when you were lost, unsure or bewildered, and this reflection is providing new insights.
Now that you're wiser
Through past experience, you have gained knowledge that allows you to make better decisions going forward.
Surely you've learned to read it
Through reflection, you have developed an ability to interpret and understand your past in a new and insightful way.
You should know
There is a deeper truth behind the surface level interpretation of events.
No surface shines brighter
The outer appearance of something does not necessarily reflect its true value or worth.
Than the light that burns beneath it
The true value of something is often hidden beneath the surface and requires careful analysis to appreciate.
Never so sure
Despite gaining wisdom, you still recognize that the future is uncertain and there are no guarantees.
We always take more
As humans, we tend to be greedy and want more than what we need, often without understanding why.
Though we still don't know what it's for
Despite our desire for more, we often lack a clear sense of what exactly we hope to gain from our pursuits.
Now that I've seen you
After getting to know you better, and seeing the person you truly are at your core,
Stripped to the very core
Having all facades and defenses removed,
I know that I need you
I have come to recognize that you are important to me and that I depend on you,
Less than I did before
Though I still value you, I am now aware that I do not need you to the same extent as I thought I did.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: HENRY BINNS, SAM HARDAKER, TINA DICKOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind