Merlin's Time

Album: 24 Carrots (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is an Al Stewart/Peter White composition. In the liner notes to 24 Carrots, Al writes that this Merlin isn't the one you're probably thinking about - Merlin the Magician at the Court of the legendary King Arthur - but "the Scottish Warrior poet who appears in Robin Williamson's Five Denials On Merlin's Grave."
  • This is a down tempo, acoustic number showing Al in dreamy mood, reflecting on what it would have been like to have lived in a bygone age.
  • "Merlin's Time" was released as the B-Sides of both "Running Man" and "Mondo Sinistro." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments: 1

  • Libby from Louisville, KentuckyAbsolutely exquisite. One of my favorites, along with ' Helen and Cassandra'. Al creates true magic in his work.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin Popoff

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin PopoffSong Writing

A talk with Martin Popoff about his latest book on Rush and how he assessed the thousands of albums he reviewed.

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple

Ian Gillan of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan explains the "few red lights" in "Smoke On The Water" and talks about songs from their 2020 album Whoosh!

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?