Album: Modern Nature (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess presenting to Dionne Warwick at the 2012 Q Awards, and his attempt to write a farewell song in the spirit of "Walk On By." He penned the tune with the band's guitarist Mark Collins.
  • After completing the song for Modern Nature, Burgess sent it to Nashville singer-songwriter Laura Cantrell along with the lyrics and she wrote a 'reply' version titled Emanuel. "Mark and I wrote an early version of the song when we stayed at a rented beach house in Rye to come up with some ideas," Burgess explained to Q magazine. "There was a windswept romance to the beach, like in The French Lieutenants Woman. When we'd recorded it, it seemed like it was a story that would suit a second episode."
  • "Emanuel" can be found on a limited edition release from Tim Burgess' O Genesis label for the 2015 Record Store Day.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Gary Numan

Gary NumanSongwriter Interviews

An Electronic music pioneer with Asperger's Syndrome. This could be interesting.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New York

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New YorkSong Writing

Our chat with Barney Hoskyns, who covers the wild years of Woodstock - the town, not the festival - in his book Small Town Talk.