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
Smokey Factory Blue
Albert Hammond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Headin' for another freeway jam
Sleepy eyed and shivering
Waking up and wishing it was Sunday
I wish it was Sunday
On the radio they're playin' love songs
Songs that make me want to turn around
I wish that I was home in bed with you, my love
Back home with you, my love
But I work to make a living
And I work without a break
And I work when I am sleeping
And I work when I'm awake
Yes, and I'd like to leave the city
But I can't afford the move
And I think I'm goin' under
With those way down low down
Smokey factory blues
I was born a lover not a worker
Money doesn't smell like sweet perfume
Some of us feel out of place
With engine oil upon our face
Believe me, you better believe me
Albert Hammond's "Smokey Factory Blues" is a song about the drudgery and monotony of life that many blue-collar workers experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles of the working class, as the singer wakes up early in the morning, struggling to find the energy to face another day at his factory job. The cold, misty weather outside, coupled with the endless freeway traffic, only serve the aggravate the singer's sense of fatigue and disillusionment.
The singer wishes he could be home with his love, enjoying the warmth of their bed, but he knows he has to work. He's determined to make a living, and he works so hard that he barely has a chance to rest. He's so exhausted that he can't escape the dreariness of his daily routine, even in his dreams.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is struggling to make ends meet. His job pays him so little that he doesn't have enough money to relocate to a less urbanized area. The city's pollution and chaos are taking a toll on his physical and mental health, leaving him feeling hopeless and trapped. The line "With those way down low down smokey factory blues" captures perfectly the bleak, depressive mood that the singer is stuck in.
Overall, "Smokey Factory Blues" is a poignant, heart-wrenching tune that captures the feeling of ennui experienced by many hardworking people. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that people make to support themselves and their loved ones, and how difficult and exhausting that can be.
Line by Line Meaning
Early in the misty, misty morning
At the beginning, early in the chill, dim morning
Headin' for another freeway jam
Going towards another busy traffic on the highway
Sleepy eyed and shivering
With half-closed, tired eyes and trembling from cold
Waking up and wishing it was Sunday
Gaining consciousness and longing for restful Sunday
On the radio they're playin' love songs
Love songs being broadcasted on the radio
Songs that make me want to turn around
Songs that tempt me to change course
Factory gates are up ahead
The gates of the factory are visible
But I work to make a living
However, I have to work for my livelihood
And I work without a break
And I work continuously without any pause
And I work when I am sleeping
And I work even while I sleep
And I work when I'm awake
And I work when I'm up and active
Yes, and I'd like to leave the city
Certainly, I would prefer to depart this city
But I can't afford the move
But I am unable to bear the expense of the relocation
And I think I'm goin' under
And I believe that I am sinking
With those way down low down
With those extremely depressing
Smokey factory blues
Condition of despair brought on by constant work in a polluted factory
I was born a lover not a worker
I possess more love than the desire to work
Money doesn't smell like sweet perfume
Wealth doesn't bring along sweet fragrance
Some of us feel out of place
Few among us feel unwelcome
With engine oil upon our face
With thick, greasy oil smeared all over our faces
Believe me, you better believe me
Have faith in me, you should trust me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ALBERT HAMMOND, MIKE HAZLEWOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aidi58
Had the original LP and saw him perform live in the seventies. This is a great song! Thank you for posting it.
@lazaroquintero9291
A mi esposa le arrebata esta canción.
@Gili1973
A great song from a great album!
@mollywog56
Have loved this album and song since the album first came out years ago.
@dbayjr
I remember listening to this in the mornings on my way to work in downtown st Louis in `74 . I WAS BORN A LOVER NOT A WORKER...
@SuperGroovy23
The sensational Albert Hammond!
@lazaroquintero9291
Donde puedo oír las canciones de Albert hammond en inglés con tradición al español en letras se lo agradezco.
@lazaroquintero9291
Mi esposa le arrebata esta canción ,dice que Albert hammond tiene una voz rica.
@sombriks
i knew only the steppenwolf version. how nice.
@rickallen6378
Actually Hammond wrote it.