Goodbye London, I won’t forget that you were always good to me
I’ve had enough of this town, it’s started bringing me down. I’m not inclined to stick around.
No, not me. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me for a good while yet (random stabbings allowing of course). No, these are lyrics from Goodbye London, the latest effort from Anglo-Canadian singer-songwriter Luke Jackson.
A bittersweet farewell to London in all its grimly fascinating glory, it is acutely well observed and encapsulates so many aspects of the London experience -- dodgy takeaways, the constant offers of drugs, muggings, beggars -- that any Londoner can instantly identify with.
The song is accompanied by an absolutely stunning video by Murray John with animation laid over film of Camden, Hampstead Heath, Piccadilly Circus and other parts of the city.
If you haven’t seen it yet make sure you do, it really is something special.
Like anyone who’s spent any amount of time in London, Luke clearly hates many aspects of London life, and yet it’s often those things (and moaning about them!) that people end up missing most when they leave.
Londonopolis hopes to catch up with Luke in the next few days to find out more about the song, what inspired it and his thoughts on leaving London.
Oh well, time to head out and get chugged, I’ll leave you with the lyrics.
Goodbye London
by Luke Jackson
I’ve had enough of this town, it’s started bringing me down
I’m not inclined to stick around
and that’s OK because I’m running out of money anywayI can’t handle the smoke as I’m starting to choke
I fear that life is but a joke
I might be laughing on the other side of town.Who’s gonna fleece me on a Friday?
Who’s gonna offer me cheap skunk?
Who’s gonna sing “I did it my way”
Whenever I get drunkGoodbye London, goodbye rainy South End Green
Goodbye Camden, goodbye dodgy Thai cuisine
I’m gonna miss you, you always make me feel fifteen
Goodbye London, I won’t forget that you were always good to me.Dora’s starting to freak, she hasn’t slept in a week
the situation’s not unique
I’ve got the flu, the rent is due and all my plans are falling throughI can’t take anymore 1984 it’s like Big Brother’s at the door
Got caught on camera now they want a hundred pounds.Who’s gonna mug me for my mobile?
Who’s gonna spare me for some change?
Who’s gonna show me I can still smile
When everything’s derangedGoodbye London, goodbye rainy South End Green
Goodbye Kenwood and the puddles in between
I’m gonna miss you, you always know just what I mean
Goodbye London, I won’t forget that you were always good to me.Goodbye London, goodbye dismal Golders Green
Hello blue skies, goodbye troubles unforeseen
I’ll always love you and everything that you can be
Goodbye London, I won’t forget that you were always good to me.
Words and music Luke Jackson 2008 copyright Popsicle Recordings
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