I was asked to go and record a TV programme in Amsterdam, Steve Stcokman and his girlfriend, Janice were staying with us, I asked Steve to come with me on the trip. Steve is a preacher and poet (a great performance poet). We finished recording the show and were dropped off at our hotel in the city, we had the evening free so wandered through the streets and found ourselves in "The Red Light DIstrict'. It was not an enjoyable experience, with what we saw and people trying to sell us drugs we were keen to get back to our hotel. On the flight back to the UK we decided there was a song we could write about that evening.
This was the first time we had really tried to write together, it worked. We have since written many more songs and eventually did the 'Gracenotes' album together. More to come we hope...
I never tire of Alan and Richard's beautiful solos on this song.
lyrics
Walked down to the river took me past your place
The world lost it's beauty in the sadness of your face
I looked a little closer there was beauty still
Wonder if you knew, wonder if you ever will
I wondered who you were, where you came from
I wondered how long you had been alone
So there's so many reasons for the life we choose
Too many reasons for the things we do
Then you pay your money
Get what you've come for and leave with nothing
Cause you don't come here for love
Reflected in the window I saw men like me
None of them could love you or ever be you're friend
I wondered who they were, where they came from
I wondered how long they had been alone
Each night you get older and a little scared
I wonder is the money the only price to pay
Do they ever ask about you, is each time the same
Before they leave do they ever ask your name
Then you pay your money
Get what you've come for and leave with nothing
Cause you don't come here for love
Walked back to the station thought about this town
They said you could get high here but it really got me down
I'll fly back home tomorrow, forget about you, the men outside your window
In the end we all lose
Then you pay your money
Get what you've come for and leave with nothing
Cause you don't come here for love
Then you pay your money
Get what you've come for and leave with nothing
Cause you don't come here for love
credits
from Sunset Grill,
released March 1, 1996
Sam Hill Jr: Guitar/Vocal
Richard Curran: Violin
Alan Gregson: Guitars
Geoff Orr: Bass Guitar
Phil Madeira: Accordion
Drums: Graham Dean
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