Beautiful song, never heard this before, though a huge Loudon fan, saw him live at another London landmark Regent Park Open Air Theatre in the 70s. Thanks.
I took my father to see Louden , his wife and daughter Martha play in Glasgow for Father’s Day. One off the best concerts I’ve ever been to. This song and No more Service on the C train (about how deciding to shave made him miss his train and therefore miss being killed in the 9/11 attacks) really hit hard making you think about how fragile life is. Legend.
The guy who Loudon describes was a well-known figure in the neighborhood. You always saw him sitting on a park bench with the guitar, dog and cans of Tennents lager. When he died, the local newspaper ran an obituary.
I've loved this song since i first heard it many years ago (awesome writing) and today I thank you for the "back story" - when my "godson"/friend comes back from Japan i'll show him this and I know he'll want to play and sing it - thank you once again
You're going to want to listen to this more than once. Always thought it was one of his best, most sympatico songs. Go to 1:24 on the second and subsequent listenings to get right to the final poignant moment in his chat with homelessbrother (that you? or the commentator at WFUV).By the way, don't we all wish we could play the guitar like Loudon ...someday before I die. Many, many thanks for this terrific transcription and the nice photos.
Ian: all thanks must go to 'homelessbrother', a faithful poster of wonderful Loudon Wainwright videos / music. ...or am I mistaking the 'thanks' and you're actually 'homelessbrother'? I live in Montréal, home of the McGarrigle part of his family, and a long admirer of Martha's music, but I'm an American, growing up part of the time near Westchester where he grew up, and going to boarding school, like him, during the same period. He's one of our greatest songwriters, and enduring performers, in the same league with Richard Thompson, John Prine, Rory McLeod, Tom Russell, Tom Waits, Iris Dement, Chuck Brodsky and Willie Dunn; I could go on, but you get the drift. that leaves Van Morrison and Dylan and maybe a few others alone in the ether. ...and what about Joni and VanZandt and Dave Alvin and Andy White? The list does go on!
Antoine Maloney Hi Antoine Just seen your post, very interesting for me. Firstly, must say I am not "homeless brother" but do subscribe to his posts. At the moment I am out for a meal with my wife so will get back in touch later to swap notes. Great to hear from and see ya later. Ian
Antoine Maloney Hi again, Yeas, going back to your post, I am also an admirer of many of the performers you mention. Was fortunate to attend on of the McGarrigle's Family Christmas Concerts staged in Manchester. Seen Loudon on quite a number of his UK appearances, the most recent in October last year at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, he had Chaim Tannenbaum as support. Fantastic night out. Well again, great to hear from a like minded guy in the US, I wish you and your family all the best and would certainly look forward to hearing from you again. Regards Ian
Beautiful song, never heard this before, though a huge Loudon fan, saw him live at another London landmark Regent Park Open Air Theatre in the 70s. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing this gem
I took my father to see Louden , his wife and daughter Martha play in Glasgow for Father’s Day. One off the best concerts I’ve ever been to. This song and No more Service on the C train (about how deciding to shave made him miss his train and therefore miss being killed in the 9/11 attacks) really hit hard making you think about how fragile life is. Legend.
My friend Bally sang this in his bus at the 2019 isle of Skye festival in Portree.it sank into my soul.
ever the witty observer...fantastic music.
The guy who Loudon describes was a well-known figure in the neighborhood. You always saw him sitting on a park bench with the guitar, dog and cans of Tennents lager. When he died, the local newspaper ran an obituary.
I've loved this song since i first heard it many years ago (awesome writing) and today I thank you for the "back story" - when my "godson"/friend comes back from Japan i'll show him this and I know he'll want to play and sing it - thank you once again
One of his most touching songs.
It don’t get no better
Who you callin a mangy dog? 🐶
Thank you so much for sharing this. I love this song so much, great to hear the little bit of interview before it! :)
Ik ben naar Londen geweest om Loudon te zien en horen en natuurlijk naar het bankje geweest in prime rosé Hill...
Aye, Tennents is brutal, then you add a skag bunny rabbit and you’ve a recipe for disaster. Always loved this song
You're going to want to listen to this more than once. Always thought it was one of his best, most sympatico songs.
Go to 1:24 on the second and subsequent listenings to get right to the final poignant moment in his chat with homelessbrother (that you? or the commentator at WFUV).By the way, don't we all wish we could play the guitar like Loudon ...someday before I die. Many, many thanks for this terrific transcription and the nice photos.
Just brilliant, thank you.
Ian: all thanks must go to 'homelessbrother', a faithful poster of wonderful Loudon Wainwright videos / music. ...or am I mistaking the 'thanks' and you're actually 'homelessbrother'?
I live in Montréal, home of the McGarrigle part of his family, and a long admirer of Martha's music, but I'm an American, growing up part of the time near Westchester where he grew up, and going to boarding school, like him, during the same period.
He's one of our greatest songwriters, and enduring performers, in the same league with Richard Thompson, John Prine, Rory McLeod, Tom Russell, Tom Waits, Iris Dement, Chuck Brodsky and Willie Dunn; I could go on, but you get the drift. that leaves Van Morrison and Dylan and maybe a few others alone in the ether.
...and what about Joni and VanZandt and Dave Alvin and Andy White? The list does go on!
Antoine Maloney
Hi Antoine
Just seen your post, very interesting for me. Firstly, must say I am not "homeless brother" but do subscribe to his posts. At the moment I am out for a meal with my wife so will get back in touch later to swap notes. Great to hear from and see ya later.
Ian
'talk' soon. Thanks.
Antoine Maloney
Hi again,
Yeas, going back to your post, I am also an admirer of many of the performers you mention. Was fortunate to attend on of the McGarrigle's Family Christmas Concerts staged in Manchester. Seen Loudon on quite a number of his UK appearances, the most recent in October last year at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, he had Chaim Tannenbaum as support. Fantastic night out.
Well again, great to hear from a like minded guy in the US, I wish you and your family all the best and would certainly look forward to hearing from you again.
Regards
Ian
place to go to but no place to be.....
I wonder how many people will search for the McCartney/Lennon song...and find this?
I don't mind tennents, its strong enough
A lout who can write a song and carry a tune. That must be what those hyenas are laughing for.