Stewart grew up in the coastal resort town of Bournemouth, Dorset. According to Songfacts, in days of youthful folly Stewart played in a beat group with later BBC DJ Tony Blackburn before moving to the capital to seek fortune and fame.
Having bought his first guitar from future Police guitarist Andy Summers, Stewart traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic guitar when he was offered a weekly slot at Bunjies Coffee House in London's Soho in 1965. From there, he went on to compete at the Les Cousins folk club on Greek Street, where he played alongside Cat Stevens, Bert Jansch, Van Morrison, Roy Harper and Ralph McTell
Although he had his share of the breaks, including a tenure at Bunjees coffee house and a record deal with CBS, life wasn't always easy for the young troubadour; his first serious love affair ended in disaster, and he experienced all the usual insecurities of the stranger in the big city trying to find his way.
In January 1970, Melody Maker named his second release Love Chronicles its Folk Album Of The Year, but in spite of his obviously carving out quite a name for himself, it was not until Year Of The Cat - the single and even more so the monster album - that he really shot to fame.
He emigrated to the United States as his career took off in the mid 1970s, and still lives in California. While studio albums are now few and far between, he still tours extensively in the United States, and, most years, in Europe. Recordings of concerts are often made available through his fan clubs.
Anniversary
Al Stewart Lyrics
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Your hand was steady and I know that your mind was clear
You left a note up on the shelf
Saying "I would rather be anyone but myself"
You took a simple ride across the Great Divide
You left the television on in you room
Your friends were sad although they said "I told you so"
The small annoying things you do
All seemed so cute and entertaining when they were new
This kind of honeymoon can't last
I think you knew you wore your welcome out much too fast
I was surprised to see you played the lottery
Your winning ticket you won't need anymore
You were in such a rush you never stopped to check
You jacket pocket on your way out the door
This is your anniversary
I'll light a candle in the window so you might see
This is the day you had to go
Good-bye then, this concludes your portion of the show
Throughout the lyrics of "Anniversary" by Al Stewart, the theme of leaving one's life behind is apparent. It tells the story of a person who has disappeared and left a note saying that they would rather be anyone other than themselves. The singer is left behind trying to understand why this person left and trying to make sense of the situation. There is a sense of regret and sadness in the singer's voice as they sing about the memories they had shared with the person who left.
The lyrics suggest that the person who left was struggling with fitting into their own skin and could not find happiness in their own life. They rode across the Great Divide, which can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically, as they were searching for something greater. They won the lottery but were in too much of a hurry to even notice, leaving the winning ticket behind. There is a sense of finality in the song as the singer wishes that person a happy anniversary, implying that they have moved on and come to terms with their departure.
The song's lyrics and haunting melody make it a moving and thought-provoking piece that resonates with listeners. The lyrics suggest that the person who left is struggling with finding their place in the world and cannot find happiness in their current situation. The song's themes of longing and regret are universal, and the tune has been covered by various artists over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the day you disappeared
On this specific day, you vanished
Your hand was steady and I know that your mind was clear
You were calm and collected, and your decision was thought-out
You left a note up on the shelf
You left a letter in a visible place
Saying "I would rather be anyone but myself"
Your note expressed a desire to not be yourself
You took a simple ride across the Great Divide
You journeyed across a significant separation or obstacle
You left the television on in you room
You kept the TV on as you left
Your friends were sad although they said "I told you so"
Your friends were upset despite warning you
You never really did fit into your skin
You were never truly comfortable in your own body
The small annoying things you do
Your irritating habits
All seemed so cute and entertaining when they were new
Initially, your habits were endearing
This kind of honeymoon can't last
However, this phase couldn't go on indefinitely
I think you knew you wore your welcome out much too fast
You understood that you overstayed your welcome
I was surprised to see you played the lottery
I was taken aback that you gambled
Your winning ticket you won't need anymore
Your lottery win is now irrelevant
You were in such a rush you never stopped to check
You were too hurried to examine
You jacket pocket on your way out the door
You overlooked your jacket's pocket before leaving
This is your anniversary
This day signifies your departure
I'll light a candle in the window so you might see
I'll place a candle in the window to catch your eye
This is the day you had to go
This is the day you had no choice but to leave
Good-bye then, this concludes your portion of the show
Farewell; your time with us has come to an end
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAUL CHAPLIN, AL JOLSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind