Written in February 2008 as part of another project, it seemed to fit here too. Inspired by a Tom Waits song and too many late pub nights.
lyrics
I tramp these streets as though
I’d lost my way - no place to go.
But I know what I want and I know where I’ll find it –
In a little dark bar
With a drink in my jar
Where I can settle down to hide behind it.
Well, the night has slumped down
Trying to hide this dirty old town
And the wolves have come out to play –
Hunting pieces of meat,
Just something tasty to eat
And come the morning time just cast away.
I can tell there are lies
Behind the smile in your eyes
But I stay here just the same –
Deluding myself
And ruining my health
On the off chance that I might catch your name.
Somehow, it’s quarter past ten.
Can’t believe that I’m here again.
So disillusioned by how the time flies.
Yeah, I knew it was wrong
But I stayed here too long
Just to see if I might catch your eye.
I can tell there are lies
Behind the smile in your eyes
But I stay here just the same –
Deluding myself
And I’m still ruining my health
On the off chance that I might catch your name.
Give me something,
Give me eyes,
Even a finger upon my wrist.
Give me more than I can stand –
The gentle touch of your hand –
And walk with me as I go home
Where I can be alone.
Weary feet, carry me home.
credits
from Peregrine Songs,
released December 31, 2013
Words & music: DP Murphy
The new EP from Scottish songwriter Alec Bowman_Clarke goes deep, setting vulnerable lyrics to gentle melodies & stripped-back arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 30, 2021
Alec Bowman perfectly captures the dark soil under the pastoral world of British folk with this collection of melancholy originals. Bandcamp New & Notable May 12, 2020
The second EP from Northern Irish singer-songwriter Bea Stewart runs from gentle folk to pillowy pop ballads, all perfectly executed. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 15, 2024