"Indiscriminate Act of Kindness", one of Foy’s most popular tracks "live" was featured in the a TV commercial for Great Ormond Street Hospital which was aired in the UK up until Christmas of 2006. Foy often uses alternative tunings for his guitar, for example the song 'Indiscriminate Act of Kindness' he uses the tuning CGDGCe.
Foy has previously released two limited edition EPs on Wurdamouth records; "Live Sessions and the birth of the Toilet tour" and "Watermelon Oranges". His regular piano player is London based composer Jules Maxwell.
London City
Foy Vance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I couldn't find a way to betray you in my arms
You held a beauty but I didn′t care
For you parked your markings on your arm there
Did I tell you that inspite of you I sealed my fate?
And that I held you in my gaze to finally pace my gain
And though it always was away from you
So cradle me now in your arms, London city
Listen it's time to forgive and forget
It′s funny how you defied something in me
But wait a minute, I′ve not finished yet
Do you remember when you called me out of Castlereagh Place?
How you swore to me a future through the troubles I'd face?
That broken promise that we feel and tame
Oh but now I realize you were not to blame
So cradle me now in your arms, London city
Surely it′s time to forgive and forget
Yeah it's funny how you defied something in me
But wait a minute, I′m not finished yet
Lost friends, River Thames, Caledonian Road, Westminster
St. Paul's Cathedral and the round parts of the Regal
And that bumbling buffoon, the Prime Minister
And the East End where there are hard men
Where they fight for good reason every now and then
In their nods and their smiles, they say I′m so rarified
I'm shining like a beacon in the evening light would
It all left me strong-eyed like an alley cat
But then you fed me and I remember that
So I guess what I'm saying is you′re not that bad
So cradle me now in your arms, London city
Surely it′s time to forgive and forget
Yeah it's funny how you defied something in me
But wait a minute, I′m not finished yet
The lyrics of Foy Vance's song London City are an emotionally complex and layered reflection on the singer's relationship with the city of London and a specific person from their past. The opening lines are addressed directly to this person, who failed to recognize the singer's heart. Despite the lack of mutual understanding, the singer still struggled with the desire to betray this person, but was unable to because of the beauty they held. The mention of "markings on [their] arm" could refer to physical scars or tattoos, symbolizing the weight of their past experiences.
The second verse takes a reflective turn as the singer acknowledges that this person had a profound impact on their life, even if it led them to seal their own fate. The mention of pacing their gain suggests a sense of purposelessness or aimlessness without this person, and the admission that they "can't deny you like [they] used to do" suggests a sense of acceptance or forgiveness.
The chorus offers a plea to London city itself, to "cradle [the singer] in your arms" and forgive and forget. The singer personifies the city as a nurturing figure but also acknowledges that it defied something in them - perhaps their sense of identity or understanding of themselves. The final verse mentions specific places and people in London, from the River Thames to the East End, and describes the singer's sense of being both rarified and strong-eyed. Despite the pain and complexity of their relationship with this person and the city itself, the singer ultimately concludes with the sentiment that "you're not that bad."
Line by Line Meaning
Did I tell you ′bout the time you failed to recognize my heart?
I tried to open up to you about my feelings, but you didn't understand or acknowledge them.
I couldn't find a way to betray you in my arms
Even though I was hurt by you, I still held you and didn't want to harm you.
You held a beauty but I didn′t care
You were attractive, but that wasn't enough for me to overlook your flaws.
For you parked your markings on your arm there
You displayed your imperfections without shame or apology, which made me hesitant to trust you.
Did I tell you that inspite of you I sealed my fate?
Despite the harm you caused me, I made choices that ultimately led me to my current situation.
And that I held you in my gaze to finally pace my gain
I focused on you to distract myself from my problems and find a sense of purpose or accomplishment.
And though it always was away from you
No matter what I did, I couldn't escape the impact that you had on my life.
Oh I can't deny you like I used to do
I can no longer pretend that you don't affect me or that I don't have feelings for you.
So cradle me now in your arms, London city
I want to feel comforted and supported by the city and people who surround me.
Listen it's time to forgive and forget
I should let go of my resentment and move on from the past.
It′s funny how you defied something in me
You challenged me and made me question my assumptions or beliefs.
But wait a minute, I′ve not finished yet
There is more to my story or my emotions that I want to express.
Do you remember when you called me out of Castlereagh Place?
I recall the time when you reached out to me and showed me potential for the future.
How you swore to me a future through the troubles I'd face?
You promised me that things would get better and that I could overcome any obstacles.
That broken promise that we feel and tame
We both have experienced disappointment and struggle, which we've learned to cope with.
Oh but now I realize you were not to blame
I now understand that you weren't responsible for all of my problems or shortcomings.
Lost friends, River Thames, Caledonian Road, Westminster
I think about the places and people that I've left behind or lost contact with.
St. Paul's Cathedral and the round parts of the Regal
I appreciate the beauty and history of London's landmarks and architecture.
And that bumbling buffoon, the Prime Minister
I criticize the politicians who make decisions that affect my life but don't seem capable or competent.
And the East End where there are hard men
I respect the toughness and resilience of the people who live in the rougher parts of the city.
Where they fight for good reason every now and then
I recognize that there are causes or injustices worth fighting for, even if violence is sometimes involved.
In their nods and their smiles, they say I′m so rarified
The people around me seem to see me as unique or impressive in some way.
I'm shining like a beacon in the evening light would
I stand out or attract attention, like a guiding light in the darkness.
It all left me strong-eyed like an alley cat
The experiences I've had and the encounters I've faced have made me feel vigilant and aware, like a streetwise cat.
But then you fed me and I remember that
When I was struggling or vulnerable, you helped me and showed me kindness or generosity.
So I guess what I'm saying is you′re not that bad
Despite our problems and differences, I realize that there were good things and positive qualities about you that I had overlooked.
Surely it′s time to forgive and forget
I'm emphasizing the importance of letting go of grudges and moving forward.
Yeah it's funny how you defied something in me
I still find it ironic or unexpected that you were able to challenge me and make me question myself.
But wait a minute, I′m not finished yet
There is more that I want to say or do before I can fully express myself.
Writer(s): Foy Vance
Contributed by Leo O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-jd6uv2wg8p
"London City"
Did I tell you 'bout the time you failed to recognize my heart?
I couldn't find a way to betray you in my arms
You held a beauty but I didn't care
For you parked your markings on your arm there
Did I tell you that inspite of you I sealed my fate?
And that I held you in my gaze to finally pace my gain
And though it always was away from you
Oh I can't deny you like I used to do
So cradle me now in your arms, London city
Listen it's time to forgive and forget
It's funny how you defied something in me
But wait a minute, I've not finished yet
Do you remember when you called me out of Castlereagh Place?
How you swore to me a future through the troubles I'd face?
That broken promise that we feel and tame
Oh but now I realize you were not to blame
So cradle me now in your arms, London city
Surely it's time to forgive and forget
Yeah it's funny how you defied something in me
But wait a minute, I'm not finished yet
Lost friends, River Thames, Caledonian Road, Westminster
St. Paul's Cathedral and the round parts of the Regal
And that bumbling buffoon, the Prime Minister
And the East End where there are hard men
Where they fight for good reason every now and then
In their nods and their smiles, they say I'm so rarified
I'm shining like a beacon in the evening light would
It all left me strong-eyed like an alley cat
But then you fed me and I remember that
So I guess what I'm saying is you're not that bad
So cradle me now in your arms, London city
Surely it's time to forgive and forget
Yeah it's funny how you defied something in me
But wait a minute, I'm not finished yet
@thealmightyduck335
This entire album is one of my favourite albums of all time. Every single song is just absolutely beautiful and I hope one day I can experience Foy live myself.
@refiloeisrael6148
I'm a simple man see Foy Vance's video recommendation, I click and press "like", to this day, the man has never disappointed me. Thank you Foy
@RJD0314
Only 117 views and 7 thumbs down? Are you people high or something?
One of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time right under our noses and he goes virtually unnoticed? Absurd.
@SeanTWright
Agreed
@JoBRILLIANTsh
Agreed!
@christianbrakman8983
Agreed!
@AdrianBellVoiceovers
Couldn’t agree more! Marketing. It comes down to marketing. But I’m
Glad I found him and I’m a huge fan
@theodorep1612
I drove over 400kms to see Foy play live in Toronto at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre last fall and he was simply amazing! Love listening to his music and his incredible singing voice! Love this song as well!
@hodgensonkasitu9328
You have a gift Foy..... I can't stop listening to this song. Where were you hiding all this time?
@kentsellner7117
Absolutely love his ballads! We are blessed to have artists like Foy Vance.