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.
Mona Lisa
Al Stewart Lyrics
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Out on the street where love goes walking
Into the shadows that can't hide you
Here is a voice that speaks inside you
Go home, pretty baby, go on home, pretty baby
You will go home to the one who is waiting for you
Anything that you want, anything that you do
This is the Mona Lisa talking
Out of a patch of oil and water
Over the street lamps and the river
Out of a smile that lasts forever
Go home, pretty baby, go on home, pretty baby
You will go home to the one who is waiting for you
Anything that you want, anything that you do
You will go home to the one who is waiting alone for you
O I know you think you're part of a tragic song
You can show reasons it's over, but I know you're wrong
These Renaissance girls know what they're saying
There are whispers at night in the halls of paintings
You think you're the first one to come untethered
But we've been watching you forever
Go home, pretty baby, go on home, pretty baby
You will go home to the one who is waiting for you
Anything that you want, anything that you do
You will go home to the one who is waiting alone for you
This is the Mona Lisa talking
This is the Mona Lisa talking
In Al Stewart's song "Mona Lisa," the iconic painting speaks to a woman who is lost in love and wandering through the city streets. The painting speaks to her through the shadows, the voice inside her, and her own reflection in the patch of oil and water. The Mona Lisa tells her to go home to the one who is waiting for her, reminding her that no matter what reasons she has for leaving, the person she cares for is the one who will always be there for her. The painting also comments on the woman's belief that she is part of a tragic song, saying that the Renaissance girls who populate the halls of paintings have been watching her and knows what she is feeling.
The lyrics of "Mona Lisa" are intended to be an exploration of love and the timeless nature of art. The painting watches the singer of the song as she stumbles through her emotions, reminding her that her story is not unique and that perhaps she will find some comfort in knowing that others have felt the same way before.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the Mona Lisa talking
From the portrait on the wall, I speak to you
Out on the street where love goes walking
As people stroll on the street, I offer my words
Into the shadows that can't hide you
Even in the darkness, I can sense your presence
Here is a voice that speaks inside you
My words resonate within your soul
Go home, pretty baby, go on home, pretty baby
Return to your loved one, my dear child
You will go home to the one who is waiting for you
Your destiny is to reunite with your beloved
Anything that you want, anything that you do
No matter your actions or wishes, you will find your way
You will go home to the one who is waiting alone for you
Your absence is felt deeply by the one who loves you
Out of a patch of oil and water
I emerged from paint and brushstrokes
Over the street lamps and the river
I continue to watch over the city from my perch
Out of a smile that lasts forever
My expression remains unchanged for eternity
O I know you think you're part of a tragic song
You feel like your life is a sad melody
You can show reasons it's over, but I know you're wrong
You may try to justify your pain, but I see hope for you
These Renaissance girls know what they're saying
Women of my time understood the mysteries of life
There are whispers at night in the halls of paintings
Artworks hold secrets that can only be heard in silence
You think you're the first one to come untethered
You believe your situation is unique and unprecedented
But we've been watching you forever
Art has been witness to countless human struggles throughout history
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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