This song deals with the subject of suicide.
I watched a documentary on channel 4 a while back called "One Under" which is a reference to someone jumping in front of a tube train. My brother-in-law works for a company which maintains the tracks for London Underground and he told me of some grisly tales which I won't go into but you can imagine the mess involved not to mention the trauma the onlookers will face.
Anyway, I asked Donna if she would be interested in writing a lyric about it and she typically came up with this quite brilliant tale. Once I got the music done I contacted George (guitargeorge) and asked him if he would sing it which he did and I'm so chuffed at the result He does add a theatrical element in his delivery which works so well.
Thanks for listening.
You Haven't Been Yourself
Lyrics - Donna Devine
Vocals - George Williams
Music and production - Billy Playle
[V1]
I kiss my wife goodbye
[Then] grab my briefcase from the hall
Her eyes are dark with worry
As I hurry through the door
I haven't been myself of late
At least that's what she claims
[Chorus 1]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'
[V2]
I'll catch the 8.15
That takes me right to Bakerloo
Today's agenda's clear
Just need to elbow through the queue
I can almost hear the squeal
Of screeching wheels on carbon steel
[Chorus 2]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'
[V3]
I stare at advertising on a wall across the track
The irony's not lost on me that 40p a day
Would save a child in Africa
Put clothing on its back
I stand here in my suit and tie
And wonder what it's like to die
[Chorus 3]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'
[Bridge]
She's right, she's right and finally
I'll scrub the blackboard clean
Of everything I've ever done
Said and heard and seen
I hate the sludge of slow despair
That's clogging up my mind
Each day's humiliations
The senseless bloody grind
[Chorus 4]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'
[Outro]
Never one to make a fuss
I crept where others marched
This time I'll leap
Traumatise the witnesses
Irritate the passengers
Destroy a driver's future sleep
I'm sorry about the mess
The clean-up crew will have to face
But I can't do this with grace
You see I never had a heyday
So I think a frantic MayDay's
Going to wrap things up quite well
...And no, I don't believe in hell
[Chorus 5]
It's roaring in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been...'