In 1960, he started in music with Gibraltarian band 'The Diamond Boys', which had no real commercial success, but played a part in Spain's introduction to popular music.In 1966 Hammond co-founded the British vocal group The Family Dogg, scoring a UK Top 10 hit with "A Way of Life" in 1969. He is probably best known for his early 70s hits "It Never Rains In Southern California" and 'Free Electric Band' - but he went on to write countless hits for other artists such as Madonna and Leo Sayer. In 1987, Hammond's composition with Diane Warren "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" (recorded by Jefferson Starship) was nominated for an Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy. In 1988, Hammond won an Emmy Award for the song "One Moment in Time", a song he wrote along with John Bettis. In 2008, Hammond was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is immortalised in song by Half Man Half Biscuit in their 1986 track "Albert Hammond Bootleg".
His son, Albert Hammond, Jr., is a guitarist in The Strokes.
More info: www.alberthammond.net
Fountain Avenue
Albert Hammond Lyrics
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Talk back on the radios, flashing amber lights and sirens, on Fountain avenue
On Fountain avenue
Swearing and wondering, the Schaefer ambulance screaming against the evening sky
Pedestrians teeming from apartment blocks, a lady asks "What happened? Who's to blame?
Those motorbikes and their riders, you kids are all the same."
A car with a twisted grill, ooh, a bike thrown on its side
A loaded driver suffers shock, and a boy has quietly died
And they put him in the Schaefer, and the Schaefer pulls away
And another loaded driver wishes he hadn't gone out today
On Fountain avenue
The lyrics of Albert Hammond's song, "Fountain Avenue," describe a tragic and chaotic scene on the titular street. The song begins with a cacophony of emergency response vehicles, including the Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, and several cars. The chorus of radios, flashing lights, and sirens creates a tense and urgent atmosphere as the listener is transported to the hectic scene.
The second verse describes the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, with a car's twisted grill and a bike thrown on its side. The loaded driver is in shock, and a boy has passed away. The final lines of the verse are particularly poignant, as another driver regrets leaving the house that day - a reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected events that can alter our paths.
As the ambulance takes the fallen boy away, pedestrians gather and share their shock and grief. One woman even chastises the motorcycle riders for their recklessness, a sentiment that echoes through the song. The final repetition of "On Fountain Avenue" serves as a haunting reminder of the senseless tragedy that occurred.
Overall, the lyrics of "Fountain Avenue" paint a vivid and heartbreaking picture of a community grappling with loss and grief. The imagery and sensory details create a palpable sense of urgency and tragedy, making it a powerful and thought-provoking song.
Line by Line Meaning
A witness, a call, the Fire Department, the Sheriff and a half dozen cars
Emergency services and law enforcement personnel respond to a call on Fountain Avenue with several vehicles.
Talk back on the radios, flashing amber lights and sirens, on Fountain avenue
Emergency responders communicate with each other via radio while using their lights and sirens for maximum visibility on Fountain Avenue.
Swearing and wondering, the Schaefer ambulance screaming against the evening sky
Onlookers express confusion and frustration as the Schaefer ambulance rushes to the scene with sirens blaring against the evening sky.
Pedestrians teeming from apartment blocks, a lady asks "What happened? Who's to blame?
People spill out of nearby apartment buildings while a woman seeks information about the situation and assigns blame.
Those motorbikes and their riders, you kids are all the same.
The woman assumes the cause of the incident involved motorcycle riders and blames younger people as a group.
A car with a twisted grill, ooh, a bike thrown on its side
The aftermath of the incident involves a damaged car with a twisted front end and a motorcycle toppled to its side.
A loaded driver suffers shock, and a boy has quietly died
The driver of a vehicle involved in the incident is in shock while a young boy has tragically died.
And they put him in the Schaefer, and the Schaefer pulls away
The emergency responders place the deceased boy in the Schaefer ambulance, which then drives off from the scene.
And another loaded driver wishes he hadn't gone out today
Another driver involved in the incident regrets having been on the road that day.
On Fountain avenue
All of this took place on Fountain Avenue.
Contributed by Adrian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Adrian Diaz
LA MEJOR CANCIÓN DEL PLANETA🥺
BH Tan
Talented song writer and singer