Born James Alan Hull in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne on 20th February1945, he became a member of the band The Chosen Few alongside keyboard player Mick Gallagher in 1962. He supported himself one year by working as a nurse at a mental hospital while appearing as a folk singer and guitarist in local clubs before helping to form Brethren and Downtown Faction, which evolved into Lindisfarne in 1970. He also released a one-off solo single, "We Can Swing Together", which was re-recorded with the group on their first album, Nicely Out of Tune, and became a regular favourite in their stage performances.
As the group's most prolific songwriter and joint lead vocalist, Hull came to be regarded as its leader. In 1972, dissatisfied with the sound and critical reception of their third album Dingly Dell, he considered leaving the group, but instead he and joint lead vocalist Ray "Jacka" Jackson formed a new six-piece Lindisfarne the following year, leaving the three other original members to form Jack the Lad. He also released a first solo album, Pipedream, in the same year, and published a book of poems, Mocking Horse.
Lindisfarne disbanded in 1975, and Hull released a second solo album, Squire, then formed the short-lived Radiator, which also included drummer Ray Laidlaw of Lindisfarne and Jack the Lad. At the end of 1977 the original line-up of Lindisfarne reformed after a well-received Christmas show at the Newcastle City Hall which was broadcast on local radio. Thereafter he combined his musical career as front man of the group with a solo career. He was also a staunch Labour Party activist.
In 1994, he recorded Back to Basics, a live all-acoustic survey of the best of his songwriting from 1970 onwards. On 17th November 1995 whilst working on a new album, Statues & Liberties, Hull died suddenly of a heart thrombosis, at the age of fifty.
Squire
Alan Hull Lyrics
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a high flying flier, a high flying man
like a seagull on the wing, heading for the sun
I swear I mean no harm, to you or anyone.
But the man who knocks upon my door ain't smiling
he's the law and Lord he's so reconciling
to a brain who walks along a one way lane
So call me the Squire
Call me the Squire, and take off your hat
don't call me no liar, 'til you've called yourself that
you know I've hopped along the road, from the dole queue to the top
it's a fool who says he knows, what is real and what is not
But the man who knocks upon my door ain't smiling
he's the law and Lord he's so reconciling
to a brain who walks along a one way lane
a Property and wealth is what's required
So call me the Squire
Call me the Squire
In this song, Alan Hull portrays himself as the "Squire," a high flying man who is like a seagull flying towards the sun. He claims that he means no harm to anyone and asks to be called the Squire. However, when the law comes knocking at his door, they are not smiling. The law is only interested in property and wealth, which is required for someone to be deemed important.
Alan Hull emphasizes that he has worked hard to get where he is now, and he knows that the road to success isn't easy. He warns against those who claim to know what is real and what is not, suggesting that they may be wrong in their beliefs.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the societal pressure to be wealthy and successful, and on how the law often favors those with money and property.
Line by Line Meaning
Call me the Squire, 'cos that's what I am
Refer to me as 'Squire' because that is my societal position and identity.
a high flying flier, a high flying man
I am an ambitious and successful individual who is soaring in his endeavors.
like a seagull on the wing, heading for the sun
I am a determined and driven individual who is constantly reaching for greater success and higher heights.
I swear I mean no harm, to you or anyone.
I have no intentions of harming anyone and am a harmless individual.
But the man who knocks upon my door ain't smiling
I often encounter individuals who are unhappy and unfriendly towards me.
he's the law and Lord he's so reconciling
These unhappy individuals are often representatives of the law or higher authority figures who are not forgiving.
to a brain who walks along a one way lane
These authority figures are often close minded individuals who are set in their ways.
a Property and wealth is what's required
They typically demand property and wealth above all else.
Call me the Squire
I insist on being called 'Squire' to maintain my social status.
and take off your hat
Out of respect for my status, you should remove your hat in my presence.
don't call me no liar, 'til you've called yourself that
Do not accuse me of lying until you can prove that you are not a liar yourself.
you know I've hopped along the road, from the dole queue to the top
I have worked hard and overcome difficulties to achieve success and social status.
it's a fool who says he knows, what is real and what is not
It is foolish to be certain of what is real and what is not as perceptions and reality can vary.
Contributed by Hunter Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.