I started writing this about homeless people on the streets of Edinburgh in, I think, the last recession but one. I played it with my 1990s band, Hungry Ghosts and Tricia from that band sings the harmonies here.
lyrics
Empty, empty
Polystyrene cup
People go by, they don't look down
I get tired looking up
Empty, empty, empty, empty, empty
Empty, empty
Doorway for the night
Empty in the morning
In the cold and cutting light
Empty, empty, empty, empty, empty
Castaways, waifs and strays
Hostel dwellers, Issue sellers
All those people seemed like another world
But the company don't need a man
So the woman don't need a man
So the children don't need a man
And where does that leave a man?
Empty, empty, empty, empty, empty
Empty, empty
Pray it don't come true
That one day there may come to be
More of us than you
Empty, empty, empty, all empty
Castaways, waifs and strays
Hostel dwellers, Issue sellers
I sympathised, but I had a place to go
But the company don't need a man ...
Empty, empty
Feel I'll blow away
And rise above these stony streets
Light as paper ...
credits
from All The Time in Heaven,
released February 17, 2014
Norman Lamont: guitars and bass
Daniel Davis: drum track
Tricia Thom: backing vocals
Daniel Davis: producer
Norman Lamont has been delighting audiences on the Edinburgh songwriter scene since 1990. His trademarks are the diversity of his musical styles, emotionally honest lyrics and a droll sense of humour.
Shana Cleveland's upcoming LP shimmers with the La Luz frontwoman's hallmark eerie melodies, dreamy vocals, and subtly epic guitar work. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 18, 2019