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about

I wrote the lyrics to this in Barcelona (funny that) in 1988 and recorded it in a studio in Chalk Farm, the name of which I've forgotten, soon after I returned and wrote the music to it. Gordon Matthewman (from Sade's band) played the flugelhorn beautifully on it in one take, after I'd recorded the piano. Then I over-dubbed the extra keyboards and sang the lead vocal in one take, before adding the harmonies. This was always my mother Audrey's favourite song of mine. The picture is a selfie of us in Barcelona in 2014. Audrey passed away peacefully, aged 95, on July 12th 2023. RIEP. XXX

lyrics

The heat spreads like a blanket on a hazy afternoon, saved only by a gentle breeze
which carries many tunes.

TVs blaring and radios, the wail of police cars and gypsies playing concertinas in the cafes and the bars.

A big ship sounds its fog horn, like a mournful mating call.
In the night like we were passing, touching chords that said it all.

Lying naked on the beach, with the rhythm of the sea... the city that has everything is ringing bells for me.

Barcelona, on my own, away under the stars.
Watching the world passing from the Cafe Miramar.
Barcelona home-from-home, alone, but not too far,
from times when two will tango to the sound of your guitar.

Barcelona...

Lost in ancient alleyways, I am inside Gaudi's mind.
Like Christopher Columbus, I will seek, and I will find.

Fantasies in clay and stone and dreams in soaring towers.
The city that has everything has found me in its power.

Barcelona, on my own, away under the stars.
Watching the world passing from the Cafe Miramar.
Barcelona home-from-home, alone, but not too far,
from times when two will tango to the sound of your guitar.

Barcelona...

credits

from The Unplanned Obsolescence Of Thom Topham, released July 4, 2019
Keyboards and vocals: Steve Swindells.

Flugelhorn: Gordon Matthewman.

Produced By Steve Swindells.

Words and music by Steve Swindells.

Selfie of Steve Swindells and his mother Audrey. Barcelona. 2014 © Steve Swindells

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Steve Swindells Bath, UK

For my bio see (and 'like' me please): www.facebook.com/SteveSwindellsMusic

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