This is one of my only songs to use semi-random phrases for lyrics, as opposed to a linear story. However, the lyrics are mostly about the Second World War and my grandparents. My friend Karen provided the lovely backing vocals.
lyrics
Trouble in the town hall
Making love as bomb’s fall onto buildings and bridges and hillsides
Playing with the town larks
Making love now it’s dark
Over railways and sailors and dales
Outside the land girls are mowing hay
Over the mountains and far away
Leave Us Not Little Nor Yet Dark
Over and out
Three cheers ring out
Carrots in the grass dales
Railing iron ships sail onto mountains and NAAFI’s and schoolyards
Turning into dogfights
Shooting up into the lights of the pilots
In Spitfires and trails
Inside there’s butter and powdered egg
For twenty shillings an evening dress
Leave Us Not Little Nor Yet Dark
Over and out
With me Emily
Three cheers for her majesty
References
* Leave Us Not Little Nor Yet Dark – A chapter title from the brilliant book, “The Box of Delights,” by John Masefield
* N.A.A.F.I.’s – The Navy, Army and Air force Institutes
* Larks – “Larking about,” means to have fun, but a lot of wartime songs also see to mention birds
* Dales – Grassy hill areas of northern England
* Carrots – Carrots were planted a lot during the war, as they were said to improve eyesight
* Railing Iron Ships – Iron fences were often pulled down during the war, so that the metal could be used for ships, guns etc.
* Powdered egg – A form of instant food, available under rationing
* Shillings – Pre-decimilisation British money
* Spitfire – The coolest plane in the world I guess
* “Over and Out” – Phrase used to sign off, at the end of a radio conversation
credits
from The Post Office Tower,
released January 6, 2006
Ian Evans, all instruments and the main vocals. Karen, the other singing
Grizzly Bear’s classic debut gets a 15th anniversary vinyl reissue, with a digital companion featuring a bevy of remixes. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 12, 2020