3. The Road To The South.

A song about all my schoolfriends who migrated to London in search of work, and dedicated to all those who are homesick for Hull. Featuring fellow-northerner Eliza Carthy, and fellow-fellow-northerner Rod Clements.

I was born at the end of the line
So at least the trains would always leave on time
We don’t see people passing through
They’d have nowhere else to move on to

See the road as you drive in by the river
It’s the same one you’ll be leaving on
A sea of faces as you push towards the bar
They’re just saying you’ve been gone too long
And you went too far

And the road to the south
Is paved with good intentions
Such grand inventions and schemes
But the road to the north
Is filled with recollections
Long lost affections, and dreams

I was born at the end of the line
‘Welcome to `Tombstone’, that was the sign
But no gunslingers came riding through
They’d have nowhere else to ride on to

Smell the air as you drive in by the river
All you need to be is where you are
Hear the Humber hum his old familiar song
He’s just saying that you went too far
And you stayed too long

And the road to the south
Is paved with good intentions
Such grand inventions and schemes
But the road to the north
Is filled with recollections
Long lost affections and dreams

If I should pass you, going the other way
Give my regards to London town
If my fortune deserts me one day
I may be following you down