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.
Beautiful album that has both incredible musicality and technical ability. Marjana and Gleb are easily my favourite prog duo who never fail to deliver masterpiece after another. And Lighthouse is no exception. The collabs on this album are just absolute class, too. Check them out! jazzbedamned
Big, clanging psych-rock from this Arizona outfit fuses monk-like vocals with slow-winding guitars for songs that feel like strange hymns. Bandcamp New & Notable May 2, 2016
Dark, angry, heartfelt...some of these lyrics are hard to read, but there is something valedictory about the journey they take you on, if you are prepared to go.
Rachel's songs are not for the faint-hearted but that voice...how can you NOT listen?
Dark beauty, like being strangled by a velvet glove.
And all the while Jon's playing and arrangements are the perfect accompaniment. His melodies carry Rachel's lyrics with subtlety and suppleness. Mike Ashton