Paul Kelly

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
We argued on the Channel train to Paris
The vin rouge helped us make it sweet again
But by the time that we got down to Lyon
Everything I said was wrong and you cursed me in the rain
We split up for a while in Barcelona
We met up six days later in Madrid
I was hoping that the break
Would make things go a little better for us
And for a little while it almost did

[Chorus]
Now I'm in a bar in Copenhagen
And I'm trying hard to forget your name
And I'm staring at the label on a bottle of cerveza
And every fucking city feels the same

[Verse 2]
You said to call ya when I got to London
A French girl told me that you'd left a note
I said to her, "I like your accent", and she thought I sounded funny
So we ended up drinking in Soho
Foolishly, I followed you to Dublin
Like a ghost, I walked the streets of Temple Bar
And all the bright young things
Were throwing up their Guinness in the gutters
And once I thought I saw you from afar
[Chorus]
Now I'm in a nightclub in Helsinki
And they're playing La Vida Loca once again
And I can't believe I'm dancing to this crap but I'm a chance here
And every fucking city sounds the same

[Verse 3]
At a cafe in the port of Amsterdam
An email from you said you'd gone to Rome
For a minute I thought maybe, but my funds were running low
And anyway, it sounded like you weren't alone
So I headed north until I got to Hamburg
A chilly city suits a troubled soul
And on the Reeperbahn I paid a woman far too much
To kick me out before I'd even reached my goal

[Chorus]
Now I'm in a restaurant in Stockholm
And the waiter here wants me to know his name
And I can order sandwiches in seven different languages
But every fucking city looks the same
Arrivederci, au revoir, auf Wiedersehen, hasta la vista, baby
Every fucking city's just the sameEmbed

Every Fucking City by Paul Kelly is an emotionally charged and raw song that captures the essence of life on the road as a musician. With its powerful lyrics and expressive vocals, this track offers a poignant reflection on the fleeting moments of connection and loneliness experienced in each city visited. Paul Kelly's distinctive storytelling and poetic style shine through, creating a piece of music that resonates with listeners on a deep level.

The song begins with a haunting guitar riff that sets the mood for the introspective journey that lies ahead. As the music builds, Kelly's evocative vocals come in, filled with a blend of weariness and determination. His voice carries the weight of the experiences shared in this song, drawing the listener in and inviting them to join him on this personal and introspective exploration.

One of the most striking aspects of Every Fucking City is its brutally honest portrayal of the realities of life on tour. The title of the song itself, with its explicit language, immediately grabs attention and hints at the raw emotions to come. Kelly doesn't shy away from expressing his frustration and exhaustion, painting a vivid picture of the relentless cycle of performances, hotels, and unfamiliar cities.

Throughout the song, Kelly reflects on the superficiality of these fleeting encounters in each city. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of hotel rooms and empty streets, creating a sense of isolation and detachment. Despite being surrounded by people, the protagonist of the song feels a profound sense of loneliness, seeking connections that, ultimately, remain elusive.

Every Fucking City also touches on the dichotomy of the musician's life, with moments of joy and euphoria interspersed with moments of solitude and longing. Kelly explores the highs and lows of performing, juxtaposing the adrenaline rush of being on stage with the emptiness experienced once the lights go down. This contrast adds depth to the song, making it relatable to anyone who has ever felt the conflicting emotions of their chosen path.

Paul Kelly's songwriting craftsmanship truly shines in Every Fucking City. His ability to juxtapose raw honesty and vulnerability with beautifully crafted melodies creates a captivating listening experience. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, mirroring the rollercoaster of emotions felt by the song's protagonist. Each line feels carefully crafted, with an attention to detail that only comes from years of experience as a songwriter.

Every Fucking City showcases Paul Kelly's talent not only as a musician but also as a storyteller. His ability to capture complex emotions in simple yet profound lyrics is a testament to his skill as a songwriter. The song serves as a poignant reminder that life is a collection of fleeting moments, and even in the most beautiful cities, one can still feel lost and alone.

In terms of musical style, Every Fucking City combines elements of folk, rock, and Americana, creating a sound that is uniquely Paul Kelly. The instrumentation is meticulously layered, with each instrument adding depth and texture to the overall composition. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with its haunting riffs and melodic solos adding to the overall emotional impact of the song.

Every Fucking City is a song that demands to be listened to with full attention. Its ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke contemplation is a testament to Paul Kelly's artistry. Whether you're a fan of folk, rock, or simply appreciate thought-provoking music, this song is sure to make an impression.

In sum, Every Fucking City by Paul Kelly is a powerful and introspective song that delves into the complexities of life on the road. With its honest and heartfelt lyrics, captivating vocals, and carefully crafted instrumentation, this track offers a deeply emotional listening experience. Paul Kelly's ability to capture the raw, unfiltered realities of life as a musician is second to none, making Every Fucking City a must-listen for music enthusiasts seeking a thought-provoking and soul-stirring musical journey.

• Release Date: October 28, 2000
• Artist: Paul Kelly