Subway Song

Album: Three Imaginary Boys (1979)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to Christian Gerard, author of The Cure FAQ, this eerie track from the band's debut album was inspired by a subway underpass in drummer Lol Tolhurst's hometown of Horley, England. Through hushed vocals, lead singer Robert Smith tells the story of a young woman and the danger that lurks behind her on a late-night journey home.
  • Clocking in at two minutes, this is the shortest song in The Cure's catalog.
  • That's also Robert Smith playing the harmonica throughout the track.
  • Three Imaginary Boys was produced by Chris Parry, who signed the band to his Fiction Records label after being taken by the "drip drip drip" of "10:15 Saturday Night," the album's opening track.
  • This is the only studio album by The Cure to feature Michael Dempsey on bass. After touring the UK in support of Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1979, Smith fired Dempsey and replaced him with Simon Gallup.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Phone Booth Songs

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.