Another Cup Of Coffee

Album: Beggar On A Beach Of Gold (1995)
Charted: 51
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Chief Mechanic Mike Rutherford wrote and produced this song with his frequent collaborator Christopher Neil. It tells the story of a woman whose husband has left her, leaving her alone in the house where she raised her family. All she can do is pour herself another cup of coffee.
  • In a Songfacts interview with Mike Rutherford, he said of this song: "It started with that phrase. I just sang that line, 'She pours herself another cup of coffee' and on those chords. And once again that sums up the whole song really - the sadness of married life and the frustrations of a married life.

    I like using everyday words like coffee. Squeeze are great at using very everyday words and I find it very attractive that way: 'another cup of coffee,' 'stare across the wall,' 'suitcases.' Everyday things give you a nice imagery."
  • Mike + The Mechanics had two vocalists, Paul Carrack and Paul Young. Carrack, who typically sang their more emotive tracks, took the lead on this one.
  • Directed by Gregg Masuak, the video uses a style similar to the R.E.M. clip for "Losing My Religion," with shifting focus and white flashes. The jilted wife plays out her frustrations in a surreal setting, ending on a slightly upbeat note as she smiles while holding her cup.

Comments: 2

  • Nïk from FroglandWhen I first heard this song (back in the days ;-) I felt it an instant classic.
    Moderate success here, but huge one in my heart.

    It's only now, many years later, that I can relate first-hand with the lyrics...
  • Mitchell from Liverpool, UkI have to say I'm surprised this wasn't a bigger hit; it's a nice emotive ballad and the lyrics help you picture the story in your head.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.

Crystal Waters

Crystal WatersSongwriter Interviews

Waters tells the "Gypsy Woman" story, shares some of her songwriting insights, and explains how Dennis Rodman ended up on one of her songs.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.