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Comes And Goes

from Another Country by Mermaid Kiss

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about

The United States was built on the sweat of millions of unheralded men and woman, often immigrants who came through Ellis Island, and who seem largely forgotten, airbrushed out of the history of the nation.

Comes and Goes was the last piece to be written for the American Images project. I realised that we didn’t have a song relating to New York, and rather than write something along the lines of “New York! New York! It’s a wonderful town!” I opted for a more reflective look at the other side of the city – not the glittering, bright lights, but the darker, hidden side where the vast majority of its citizens live, many just trying to get by.

To reflect the nature of the lyrics and the folk-like melody, I wanted to keep this track austere, as simple as possible - just Evelyn’s sublime vocals, Colin’s restrained piano, a subtle accordion, and Wendy’s gorgeous oboe solo.

Although it’s set in New York, on reflection I guess it’s actually a piece for the anonymous, unsung millions of people in the United States. To borrow from Jackson Browne: ‘It’s a song for ‘Everyman’.

lyrics

You stand at the corner wearing ribbons of black.
Facing the future with a gun at your back.
The girl on the sidewalk’s out selling her soul.
She’s no longer a dreamer she just comes and goes.

You work in the factory when there’s work to be had.
The pay is a pittance but your told to be glad.
The man in the mirror has nothing to show,
For a lifetime of working he just comes and goes.

Down by the Hudson it’s darker than sin,
But the girl is still waiting for her ship to come in.
Time takes it toll it’s beginning to show,
For a lifetime of hoping she just comes and goes.

God gives you mercy but he don’t pay the bills.
Can’t take the pain so keep taking the pills.
The man in the subway he rolls with the blows,
For a life time of sorrow he just comes and goes.

Copyright © Jamie Field 2012. All rights reserved.

credits

from Another Country, released June 17, 2012
Words and Music: Jamie Field

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Mermaid Kiss Wales, UK

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