Tuesday 7 February 2012

The Limbo Diaries. 14. 'Ghostwritten'


11/05/06

After marinating in the music of Grant McLennan and the Go Betweens for a couple of days I sat down and wrote ‘Ghostwritten’. I’m in the studio tomorrow and this might be the last song we record for the album, which seems sadly appropriate.
I rarely write directly about other folk (far too self obsessed) but I’d forgotten quite how seminal the GB’s were. Along with Waits/Springsteen/The Smiths/Blue Nile/Paddy Mac’ etc, they shaped my post punk musical obsessions... became as influential as any in defining and refining my approach to writing. The legacy of any great artist remains intact and influential forever. We’re often guided by the hands of folk departed, and, while I’m not crediting Grant with a co-write here, he was definitely helping to shape the chords as I wrote. It’s not ‘about’ anything specific, a reflection on the joys and possibilities of  song writing, the importance of inspiration and influence and, ultimately, as a recognition of a kindred spirit, a nod in his direction as he leaves the room. 
Lyrically it might be a bit sweet for some. 
Apologies. 
I did try to sharpen it with some vinegar, but it didn’t seem right. 
Where’s Robert Forster when you need him?

Ghostwritten

Now I won’t go to sleep without your sweet lullaby
I might fall in too deep and maybe catch the devil’s eye
Keep your elbows in the breeze and run
Dream about tomorrow when it’s over

I also ran, a dream’s a plan if there is gold in wonder
I sing because I do, because I can
Because the ghost of a better tune
Has got me grinning like a loon

And you sleep with a song and you dream as you depart
But I won’t call you ‘gone’, little man with a quiet heart
Keep your elbows in the breeze my son
Dream about a better bright tomorrow
 
I also ran, a dream’s a plan, 
and there is gold in wonder
I sing because I do, because I can
Because the ghost of a better tune
Has got me grinning like a loon
And keeps me singing to the moon

Then, like the ghost of a better tune
You left the room too soon

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