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.
Sand in Your Shoes
Al Stewart Lyrics
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And back in some forgotten time we shared the cold north days
But the simple life was not your style, and you just had to escape
So it's goodbye to my lady of the islands
On Remembrance Day the bands all played, the bells pealed through the park
And you lay there by the Do Not signs, and shamed them with your spark
Now winter moans in old men's bones as the day falls into dark
It was just like this behind the kisses you so soon swept away
I always knew that some day yo'd be bound to just get pulled away
The summer sun beats on and on, the shops swim in the heat
And you're standing by the traffic signs with taxis at your feet
I know that in your city skin you're feeling more complete
So it's goodbye to my lady of the islands
No I never got the letters that you said you'd send me
So it's goodbye to my lady of the islands
The lyrics of “Sand in Your Shoes” by Al Stewart narrate a story of two people who, despite growing up in different environments, shared a connection which was eventually broken by the urge to seek out a different path in life. The singer in the song reminisces about their past with the other person. They mention how the other person was a “city kid” who didn’t quite fit into their country life. Eventually, the person left, and the two went their separate ways. The chorus “So it’s goodbye to my lady of the islands” is a reference to the person who left, who is now living in the city.
Throughout the song, there are references to time and how things have changed. The line “On Remembrance Day the bands all played, the bells pealed through the park” is a nod to a time when things were different. Similarly, “Now winter moans in old men’s bones as the day falls into dark” hints at the idea that the singer and the other person have grown older and life has become more complicated. The last verse suggests that the singer and the other person have lost touch, as they “never got the letters” that were promised.
“Sand in Your Shoes” is a song that speaks to the idea of nostalgia and the longing for what could have been. The lyrics reflect on how things change and how we often move away from what is familiar to us. The song’s melancholic feel is enhanced by Al Stewart’s soft, mellow voice and gentle guitar playing.
Line by Line Meaning
You always were a city kid though you were country raised
You grew up in the countryside, but deep down, you were always meant for the city life.
And back in some forgotten time we shared the cold north days
We once spent time together in the cold north, but those days are long gone and forgotten.
But the simple life was not your style, and you just had to escape
Living a simple life was not enough for you, and you had to escape the country to find what you were really looking for.
So it's goodbye to my lady of the islands
You are saying goodbye to the woman who left the countryside for the city.
On Remembrance Day the bands all played, the bells pealed through the park
On Remembrance Day, the bands played and the bells rang, reminding us of the sacrifices made during times of war.
And you lay there by the Do Not signs, and shamed them with your spark
You protested by laying down by the 'Do Not' signs, igniting a spark of rebellion against the establishment.
Now winter moans in old men's bones as the day falls into dark
As winter approaches and the days get darker, the elderly feel the aches and pains of old age.
So it's goodbye to my lady of the islands
Again, you are saying goodbye to the woman who left the countryside for the city.
It was just like this behind the kisses you so soon swept away
Behind the passionate kisses you so quickly forgot, I knew this was inevitable.
I always knew that some day you'd be bound to just get pulled away
I always knew that one day, you would feel the pull of the city and leave the countryside behind.
The summer sun beats on and on, the shops swim in the heat
In the summer heat, the shops are crowded and overwhelming.
And you're standing by the traffic signs with taxis at your feet
You now stand by the traffic signs in the city, surrounded by taxis.
I know that in your city skin you're feeling more complete
You have found satisfaction in the city and feel more complete than ever before.
So it's goodbye to my lady of the islands
Once again, you are saying goodbye to the woman who left the countryside for the city.
No I never got the letters that you said you'd send me
You never received the letters that were promised to you.
So it's goodbye to my lady of the islands
The song ends with a final farewell to the woman who chose to leave the countryside for the city life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALISTAIR IAN STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind