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.

It's My Job to Give You a Break

from Run V​.​T. by Ian Evans

/

  • Streaming + Download

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

      £1 GBP  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

This is a spoken word ending to Braxton Hicks; continuing the stream of consciousness reminiscences about giving birth.

lyrics

“This is the glockenspiel he got on his first Christmas – 7 months in the future. I thought they were called Xylophones for years, as a teacher told the name to me wrongly. It’s xylyo for wood, like xylem and phloem

We kept pretending we weren’t in labour to the taxi guy and I didn’t want to talk
Liz couldn’t at this stage
There’s a glowing pillar by Barking Abbey
Off to Whitechapel now, so Toby will be a Cockney
No one is born next to Bow Bells now. They aren’t in Bow

I mostly felt powerless. Fell asleep for an hour. Men need to do stuff, even me. Monster energy drink. Snacks for her, which I ate as something to do. Couldn’t be touched and couldn’t talk. Wasn’t hungry. You plan music to play and massages to do, but none of that happens. You just do what you’re told or wait. You don’t get to talk. When she had a spinal block it was as if she’d suddenly come back. Forceps lady had a glass mask like a welder’s. Some sort of argument about spinal after care.

He was small and cried right away which was a relief. Not a problem if they don’t apparently. All fingers and things there. I didn’t want to wash the blood off him too fast, as it seemed like part of the big event. When I changed his nappy at home I said, ‘Do you remember me. I was there when you first came out. It’s my job to give you a break’”

References:

* There’s a glowing pillar by Barking Abbey - I saw this for the first time from the taxi, on our way to give birth

* Toby will be a Cockney - He was born in the Royal London Hospital, which is about as east end as you can get. However, it strictly speaking isn't within the sound of Bow Bells. In modern London almost noone lives near there

* Men need to so stuff - it's hard to see your wife giving birth, as you feel a bit useless. You don't really give her massages as you imagine you will

* Monster energy drink - A super-caffeinated drink

* "It’s my job to give you a break" - The essential job of a Dad, it seems to me

credits

from Run V​.​T., released August 4, 2015

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Ian Evans image

Ian Evans UK

Pop/experimental/rock musician and songwriter from London

contact / help

Contact Ian Evans

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Ian Evans, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now