Wine and Whisky

from The Breeding Ground Of Vile - Double Album by John Reed & The Folded Arms

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The Breeding Ground Of Vile is a double album of protest songs and songs to make people think in a world where thought seems to have become an outdated concept. Comprising 24 tracks over two volumes, the album comments on injustice, political incompetence, and senseless conflict, but also carries the powerful message that people still have the power.

All songs were written by me, but huge thanks are extended to the other musicians on the album for their innovative and intuitive contributions: Kieran Heaney, Emma Perry, Kate Ferris, Matt Steady, Duncan Reed, Kristen (Hatt) Lewis and Matthew Lewis of the Lewinskies, Peter Robinson, and last but by no means least, the man who makes it all happen and our very good friend HeyGamal.

The album is presented in a cardboard sleeve with my initial design concept being professionalised by the fabulous team at ThinkCr8, Leigh, Greater Manchester. Thanks also to the super talented Frank Roper Photography for the band images.

Includes unlimited streaming of The Breeding Ground Of Vile - Double Album via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. ... more

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about

People don’t actively choose to sleep outdoors in the middle of winter. They aren’t likely to find it comfortable in the middle of summer either. I was in Toronto in a cold snap back in 2015. Some of the city’s homeless had a deep distrust of the hostels and chose to stay outdoors in temperatures that we in the UK rarely experience for minutes let alone night after night after night. One or two were found frozen to the pavement...

lyrics

WINE AND WHISKY

If you find me on the pavement
Please don’t pass me by
If you see me in a doorway
Don’t avert your eyes
I didn’t get here by choice you see
My life just took a turn
That led me down a darkened street
To habit and addiction

But if you take away my wine and whisky
You will take away my soul
You will take away my spirit
You will cause the tears to flow

When I raise my hand for money
It’s because I’m desperate
Over time I’ve lost the need
For social etiquette
When I say I need a hot drink
That’s just what I mean
I’m safe. I’m off the needles
And I’m living my life clean

But if you take away my wine and whisky
You will take away my soul
You will take away my spirit
You will cause the tears to flow

Don’t misunderstand me
Don’t walk on past by me
Do not turn your head away
Do not cross the street today
I didn’t get here by choice you see
My life just took a turn
That led me down a darkened street
To habit and addiction

So if you take away my wine and whisky
You will take away my soul
You will take away my spirit
You will cause the tears to flow

© John Reed November 2016. All Rights Reserved

credits

from The Breeding Ground Of Vile - Double Album, released June 29, 2018
JOHN REED: Vocals, cittern, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
EMMA PERRY: Vocals
KATE FERRIS: Vocals
MATT STEADY: Violin
PETER ROBINSON: Percussion
KRISTEN HATT-LEWIS: Accordion
MATTHEW LEWIS: Acoustic Guitar
HEYGAMAL: Bass guitar, production

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about

John Reed Berwick Upon Tweed, UK

John is a Blackpool born singer-songwriter and radio show host whose songs cover themes of social injustice, environment, politics, love, & life

Music is never more important than in difficult times. Therefore, all downloads on this site are provided on a "Pay What You Can Afford" (PWYCA) basis. Merchandise is available at the prices stated.

John is also 1/3 of nightsong.bandcamp.com ... more

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