Billy Bragg has
been a constant in my adult life, so selecting just one track was nigh on
impossible. The early "one man Clash", the soulful Mary years, or
today's elder statesman? Political or romantic ? "A New England", "Greeting to
the New Brunette" ,"Tank Park Salute", "A New England", "Scousers
Don't Buy the Sun". Or even the wonderful but obscure "Walk Away
Renee" ?
Finally I opted
for "The Saturday Boy" from
his second album in 1984, a tender and heart-breaking reminiscence of a adolescent infatuation.
Recounting a
first discovery of girls ("a magic mystery to me"), a platonic
relationship involved double history lessons, walking home together and an
unforgettable dance at a school disco (to the Delfonics). He was deluded ("lied to myself 'bout
the chances I'd wasted"), he could never get a girl like that, as he
wasn't even in the football team.
The reality
dawns in the crushing ("In the end it took me a dictionary / To find out
the meaning of unrequited / While she was giving herself for free / At a party
to which I was never invited"). One of the most heart-rending lyrics ever,
combining his typical wry humour of the dictionary, with the pathos of schoolboy
alienation.
The schooldays
first love is a trope of countless TV and movies, but Bragg captures the
curiosity, hope, obsession and pitiful heartache, perfectly in under four minutes. No
chorus, or reference to the title, just a wistful text.
As an early
Bragg recording, the electric guitar is still the key focus, but less harsh and
more sympathetic. A trumpet flourish adds
a reflective tone to the extended outtro. His voice is still raw and brutal,
but conveys the regret.
"A
Saturday Boy" was never a single, but struck a chord with many nostalgic
adult males, and still a staple in concert (Bragg whistles the trumpet part).
Billy Bragg
is such a distinguished political writer and activist, it would be a great
shame if people missed the beauty and emotions of his frequent romantic songs. A
singular talent.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CBWDp71UPM and a recent live version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRkea-sp40w
Hear Next -
"Talking with the Taxman About Poetry" remains my ultimate
Bragg album, but all of them are excellent.
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