Ralph McTell is probably best known for the song Streets of London which has been covered by over a hundred artists around the world. From Clare to Here has proved almost as popular, during a long and continuing recording and performing career.
McTell's guitar style has been influenced by many of the USA's country blues 'Piedmont- style' guitar players of the early 20th century, including Blind Blake and Blind Willie McTell, from whom he took his name.
Arthur Blake
Ralph McTell Lyrics
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Arthur Blake was born
And that's about all we know
He moved to a northern town
That's where the blind man settled down
And tried to make his home in Chicago
Winter came with ice and rain and
But Arthur's heart did not get cold
'Cause when he played that skiddle dat dee
It was just like a shot of vitamin C
Blowing right in from the
Southern orange groves
Arthur Blake played rags and songs
As well as blues one man playing guitar
But it sounded just like two
There's no doubt he was the king
Could make it talk and he could make it swing
Round about 1929 the first records rolled
Played low and lonesome till it
Chilled your very soul
But when he played that bo dee-o doe
It was just like getting some money from home
Blowing away the blues when
The cold winds blow
Gambling cards and numbers kept
Him out at night
There were times when this blind man
Even ended up in a fight
Bad women, bootleg gin
Sang about the trouble that he was in
Yearning for that simpler southern life
He said a Georgia girl was always on his mind
I wonder if he tasted that
Sweet melon on the vine?
Ah, but when he rags them shuffling blues
He puts a little tap right in my shoes
I had to leave all my worries far behind
The lyrics of Ralph McTell's song "Arthur Blake" tell the story of a man named Arthur Blake who was born in Florida and moved to Chicago. Despite the harsh winter weather in Chicago, Arthur's heart remained warm because of his passion for music. When he played his guitar, it felt like a rejuvenating shot of vitamin C coming from the sunny orange groves of Florida.
Arthur Blake was a talented musician who could play various genres, including blues and rags, on his guitar. His playing was so skillful that it sounded like there were two guitarists playing. He became known as the king of guitar players because of his ability to make the instrument talk and swing.
The song references the time around 1929 when the first records were released, playing melancholic tunes that chilled the souls of listeners. However, Arthur's music had a different effect. When he played a lively tune like "bo dee-o doe," it was as if he was bringing warmth and comfort, like receiving money from home or blowing away the blues when the cold winds blew.
Arthur's life was not without its hardships. He frequented gambling and card games, often getting into fights. He sang about the troubles he faced, reminiscing about his longing for the simplicity of his southern roots. He often thought of a Georgia girl, wondering if he had experienced the sweetness of a melon on the vine. Despite these troubles, when he played his rag and blues tunes, he transported McTell, the singer, away from his worries, allowing him to leave them far behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Down in sunny Florida where the oranges grow
In a vibrant and warm place like Florida where oranges thrive
Arthur Blake was born
Arthur Blake came into existence
And that's about all we know
That's the extent of our knowledge about him
He moved to a northern town
He relocated to a town in the north
That's where the blind man settled down
That's where he, being visually impaired, made his home
And tried to make his home in Chicago
He attempted to establish himself in the city of Chicago
Winter came with ice and rain and
The season of winter arrived with frozen water and precipitation
Wind and snow froze Lake Michigan
The wind and snow caused Lake Michigan to freeze
But Arthur's heart did not get cold
However, Arthur's spirit remained warm and unaffected
'Cause when he played that skiddle dat dee
Because when he played his music with skill and rhythm
It was just like a shot of vitamin C
It felt as invigorating as a dose of vitamin C
Blowing right in from the
Swept in from the
Southern orange groves
Orange groves of the southern region
Arthur Blake played rags and songs
Arthur Blake performed lively and energetic music
As well as blues one man playing guitar
Including soulful blues, with just one man and his guitar
But it sounded just like two
But his music had the richness and depth of a larger ensemble
There's no doubt he was the king
He was undoubtedly a master in his craft
Could make it talk and he could make it swing
He had the ability to make his instrument sing and groove
Round about 1929 the first records rolled
Around the year 1929, the initial recordings were released
Played low and lonesome till it chilled your very soul
Played with a melancholic and desolate tone that deeply affected one's emotions
But when he played that bo dee-o doe
However, when he played that lively and catchy tune
It was just like getting some money from home
It brought the same joy as receiving money from one's family
Blowing away the blues when
Dispelling the sadness and hardships when
The cold winds blow
The cold winds are blowing
Gambling cards and numbers kept
Engaging in card games and gambling distracted
Him out at night
Him during the nighttime
There were times when this blind man
There were occasions when this visually impaired man
Even ended up in a fight
Even got involved in physical altercations
Bad women, bootleg gin
Dishonest women and illegally produced alcohol
Sang about the trouble that he was in
They sang about the difficulties he faced
Yearning for that simpler southern life
Longing for the uncomplicated life of the southern region
He said a Georgia girl was always on his mind
He declared that a girl from Georgia was constantly in his thoughts
I wonder if he tasted that
I wonder if he had the opportunity to savor
Sweet melon on the vine?
Delicious melon that grew on the vine?
Ah, but when he rags them shuffling blues
However, when he performed his lively and rhythmic blues
He puts a little tap right in my shoes
He injects a joyful energy that pulsates through my entire being
I had to leave all my worries far behind
I had to let go of all my troubles and put them in the distance
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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