Saturday, 7 September 2024

September 7, 1994: I performed my song "Tropic of Ulcer" at Albert's Hall


Thirty years ago today

            On Wednesday evening it was the first evening back at Fat Albert’s open stage after the summer break. Rocky Capano came with his bass and he performed with Steve Lowe and I. Then we went over to the open stage at Albert’s Hall where with Tom Smarda and Rocky I performed my songs “Me and Gravity” and “Tropic of Ulcer”. 

Tropic of Ulcer 

Homogenized dreams of exotic lifestyles
are strobing our attentions at the speed of light while
we're drawn into a whirlpool of promises
of brightly plumed and pretty experiences
whose undertows will drag us down a thousand drains
sucking what breath that’s remaining right out of our wheezing brains

Well they say
"Smoke this smoke
and you can have this girl 
Drink this drink 
you'll be on top of the world 
Wear this dress 
you can bag your man 
Use this cream 
and you'll be younger again" 

They'll use Bible illustrations of Paradise 
to dangle a hot-dog in front of you dressed in a carrot's disguise
They'll use Bible illustrations of Paradise 
to dangle a hot-dog in front of you dressed in a carrot's disguise 

Emptily we gaze into the shimmering light shows 
planted round the clock between our foreheads' furrows
until their velvet roots begin to intertwine 
with our vanity's veins in a twisted design 
Prosthetics of the ego help us limp away 
to an all-expenses-paid imaginary holiday 

Well they say
"Drive this car 
and you'll have sex-appeal 
Take this pill 
see how much better you'll feel 
Buy this scam 
Tony Robbins'll free ya
Buy this song"
Well there's an idea 

They'll use Bible illustrations of Paradise 
to dangle a hot-dog in front of you dressed in a carrot's disguise
They'll use Bible illustrations of Paradise 
to dangle a hot-dog in front of you dressed in a carrot's disguise 

            Angeline was there to perform and I ended up walking her home. I sang her my new song.

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