A note regarding the inspiration for this song. “On my first visit to New York whilst on tour playing guitar for Tanita Tikaram, Frank Tontoh (our drummer) and I went downtown one morning before the afternoon soundcheck. He wanted to buy a baseball jacket (Redskins, I seem to remember) and I was trying to find Manny’s music store.
After leaving Manny’s I got completely lost and found myself at Grand Central Station. When travelling I so often experience events, notice people and find myself affected by encounters in a very different way. There’s so much we unintentionally overlook and take for granted in our day to day environment. Travelling often reveals the circumstances of the ordinary day with a new vision.
Some years later Phil Baggaley and I met one wintry weekend in Derby to write new folk songs. In a turn of synchronicity, he suggested writing a song with this title. I have always wanted to record it, as it’s a popular song in my concert set.
I feel it is particularly poignant during this Christmas season when we can easily overlook those in our neighbourhoods who may be in difficult and challenging circumstances, and might need words of encouragement, help or care.