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Hard
To Cry: This mellow ballad, in the
style
of Sam Cooke, was the first song we worked on. Its sparse arrangement
sets
the tone for the album. Writing with Chris was almost like going on a
blind
date. He's very calm, whereas I'm more fiery and shoot from the
hip. 
Close
To You: I chose this as the single. I
wrote the chorus in Memphis, and Chris worked on the verse. People may
think it's about Eileen. Without sounding like an old hippy, it's
really
more about me getting in touch with myself and being at peace.
Did
You Ever Wake Up: I wrote this
mid-tempo
number in Elvis Costello's studio. It was one of the quickest -
everything
seemed to fall into place instantly. Chris's lyric for it is brilliant.
Some lines relate to my life, such as "Did you ever wake up shaking?"
There
are some very strong images in it for me.
All
I Ever Wanted: That's about divorce.
I
had a vision of a guy who dreamed of being married and in a strong
family
unit, but his life had broken down in that respect. It was inspired by
a TV play which dealt with a relationship falling apart. It's amazing
where
you get ideas for songs.
I've
Been Around The World:
The only lyric
on the album completely written by me. I finished it in my hotel in
Memphis.
Usually, I'd fax ideas to Chris in London and he'd send his ideas back.
I wanted to have an Elton John-Bernie Taupin relationship with him. But
that day, the fax machine was broken and I had to finish the song
myself.
This
Moment Is OK: It's about a young boy
in
a screwed-up family. He sees all these rich people living in the flash
houses up on the hill. He's envious, but then has moment of clarity,
realising
it's possible to grow from his own environment. It's built on a strong
piano foundation in the mould of early Elton John.
New
York Vibe: This is about a guy trying
to find affection. But the mood of the song has a bit of a sleazy
approach.
That's what New York City conveys to many people.
London
Life: It's a very deep song which has
real angst. It's the first track of the stage musical we're working on.
Again, Chris's lyrics are very sharp. He's such a fine lyricist, while
I've never been really comfortable with the pen. But he plays to my
strengths,
which are melodies and arrangements.
Moment
of Truth: Probably the darkest song
on
the album, about rescuing yourself from potential disaster and
embracing
your love for life. Chris knows I want to sing words that have real
honesty
and dignity. And this lyric is spot on.
She
Can Lean On Me: This was inspired by
an
old couple I saw on American TV. They had won millions of dollars in a
lottery and were asked if the prize would change their lives. The old
guy
replied: "If we didn't have this money, we can always lean on each
other.
So we'll always get by." I thought it was such a brilliant answer, it
sparked
off a song.
The
Missing Sound: Willie Mitchell wrote
this
for me. Originally, he was going to give it to Al Green, but he had me
in mind when he was writing it. As soon as I heard it, I said: "Pops, I
want that song. I'll record it." When the legendary Willie Mitchell
writes
you a song, it doesn't get much better than that.
Memphis
Moonlight: This has a cinematic feel,
with a superb arrangement, even if I say so myself. Being so inspired
by
the music of Memphis, I was determined to have at least one song with
the
city's name in the title.
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