We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £0.80 GBP  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Inspired by Fellini's great film La Strada, the lyrics refer to the plot and some of the narrative of that film. If you haven't seen it, maybe watch it first before listening to the song.

lyrics

Hear the trumpet and the drum
now the strong man's come
with his lock and chain wrapped around his body
while his helper tries her best
with her drum rolls and her jests
her makeup doesn't hide her hurt and sorrow
The strong man shouts into the crowd
watch me break this solid chain
It snaps, he takes a bow
begs a lira for his pains
Different towns it's the same routine
He gets drunk on wine sleeps on the ground
She looks up at the star bound sky
for the love she's never found

See the fool up on a wire
walking high across the sky
like he's Jesus or maybe just some angel
she looks at him enthralled
afraid that he might fall
and she prays with fingers crossed against the danger
He mocks the strong man's artless trick
while playing a tiny violin
Runs away to escape his kick
when he says that he will kill him
He tells her all things have a use
or nothing has a purpose then
Asks why she takes the abuse -
in a world that’s run by men

She thinks that she will leave him though
she's got nowhere that she can go
She cries for home, feels all alone and worthless as a stone
She thinks she can rescue him
Something like love keeps her tied to him
She plays a tune upon the trumpet like blowing fire at her heart

The fool knew he would die
and it happens with a sigh
with his broken watch wrapped around his wrist
The strong man scared to death
that he took the fool's last breath
covers up the crime that he's done with his fist
But she whimpers in the night
like a mother that's lost her only child
She starts to lose her mind
as she wanders in the wild

He leaves her on the road
years later hears that trumpet tune
and the story how she died
looks up and sees the stars in ruin.

On the beach digs in the sand
as if to make himself a grave
finally he understands
feels his grief and not his rage.
All the links break in the chain
his body heaves a painful cry
as if he'll never breathe again.
He sees a love he never knew just die.

credits

from The Tales Of Grimmer Pardon, released January 1, 2023

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Paul Gerard Dalton image

Paul Gerard Dalton London, UK

Singer songwriter, poet, lyricist, anecdotalist, with Irish, Scots and north of England roots. Lives in west London. Recent published poetry 2024, Fielding Memories: Poems and Other Recalls.

contact / help

Contact Paul Gerard Dalton

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Paul Gerard Dalton, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now