This song is dedicated to the memory of our good friend Richard Hanson,
a generous, humble and loving man who gave so much to those most in need, both in his local community in Sheffield and through his work for Tearfund.
You were an inspiration, Richard. And guess what, you still are!
lyrics
Christmas Eve, Gracechurch St.
Travelled far, travelled alone
The wind blows hard, the wind blows cold
No place quite like home
The building high, the doorway small
Familiar tale, ages old
Strangers shunned and ignored
Between the City and the Shard
The wind blows cold, the wind blows hard
Careful eyes on a hurrying crowd
The lights sparkle white and gold
Trust is a gift, it can't be found
Peace on earth, goodwill to all
Raised by a real Jekyll and Hyde
You can't be good if you can't be quiet
Comes a point you have to leave
Spare some change this Christmas Eve
Io io io…
Heavy shoulders, heavy feet
The bitter wind, the whirling snow
Halfway down Gracechurch St
The train awaits, an empty home
Sinking boats on a sea of debt
Sickening tightness in his chest
He can't go on here selling his soul
He sees the youth sat by the wall
Oh can you spare some change
Mister can you spare any change
Oh can you spare something please
In the blue glow of a cash machine
Free to use, the humble heart
The kid looks barely seventeen
Folds the notes with a business card
Afraid to take it, can't refuse
Asks the man what he wants to do
'Nothing kid, go buy some gloves
And a better coat perhaps', he shrugs
'Merry Christmas, stay in touch'
Io io io…
Gloria… Hosanna in excelsis
credits
from Christmas Eve, Gracechurch St.,
released December 1, 2014
Written and arranged by Mark Brown (aka Mark Northfield), incorporating words and music from the carols 'In The Bleak Midwinter' and 'Ding-Dong Merrily On High'
Piano, recorder, drums, backing vocals by Mark
Guitar, main vocal by Gareth Forster
Violin by Charlie Brown
Cello by Tony Woollard
Choir by the ladies of Colliers Wood Chorus, South London
Sound recording by Andrew Holdsworth for Method & Madness
Pianist and singer/songwriter from Berkshire, England. Also founder member of piano trio Cherry Mint Koala. Mark makes
eclectic, melodic and slightly melancholic pop/rock, with prominent classical and theatrical influences. Often collaborates with other vocalists drawn from a variety of genres. Somewhat unpigeonholeable....more
A restrained follow up to Magnetic North, TTPR reveals its fragile beauty on multiple listens. Archer's careworn vocals and confident fingerpicking marry well. Frozen Lake is a heartfelt classic. Mark Northfield
The charming Mr Duff excels in his attention to detail: unexpected harmonic changes, atmospheric arrangements and disarming lyrical juxtapositions. And it all sounds absurdly effortless. A delight. Mark Northfield
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supported by 4 fans who also own “Christmas Eve, Gracechurch St.”
Wonderful modern compilation of Christmas songs of talented individualist artists each with their own distinctive sound. Joe Innes gets fave track for humour and originality, Sophie Jamieson's voice is amazing but love every track - The perfect alternative Christmas album to the endless 'Xmas pop classics' playing in every retail outlet Mike Watts