Lights Half Down

Tracks

1. 1. Summer Rolls Out From the Schoolyard GateI'm the lady at the schoolyard gate with a whistle and a broom, and the summer rolls out past me. It's the only bright song on the record, so I put it first.jazz, nostalgic swing2:58
2. 2. The Clock Can Keep the Hours NowForty years of morning bells and coffee, and the clock can finally rest. I wrote it for a retiring teacher and she cried at the soundcheck.retirement song, cosy jazz2:47
3. 3. Homesick on Platform TwoPlatform two, rain coming down, and a long way from my own town. I've sung this one at a hundred train-station bars in my head.torch song, travelling ballad3:55
4. 4. Mama's Voice on a Long Distance LineLate at night the phone rings low and it's her voice over the static. I kept the quartet as quiet as the line.family ballad, torch song3:46
5. 5. Her Face in the Locket, Still SmilingA little gold locket, soft with years, and a face that's still smiling. I opened it in the studio and played the take for her.nostalgic ballad, parlour ballad3:17
6. 6. First Frost on the WindowpaneI woke to a silver morning and the glass drawn in lace. The first frost is always a small, cold gift.winter ballad, cosy jazz3:59
7. 7. Before I Say Yes, Let Me Hold the LightYou asked me at the corner beneath the neon sign, and I asked for a moment to hold the light. It's the most chanson I've ever allowed myself.chanson-tinged, torch song3:00
8. 8. Sunday Afternoon Goes Slowly ByThe light comes slanting through the blinds and lays a ladder on the floor. It's the last song of the record and the last song of the night, so the house lights go half down for it.torch song, late-night4:06