Write a Christmas themed song? It's a thought that has never entered. Why not? Well, although we have written hundreds of songs, and although it does happen, it is still rare that we aim to write so specifically.

Long Black Train - written by Richard Hawley - is not a Christmas song. Yet I recall while recording, how despite the fact that outside the city was bang in the middle of a summer heatwave. Within those studio walls however, there was something in the sound coming out the speakers that most definitely conjured up the feeling of Christmas.

No doubt the lyrics of the first verse, complete with images of the nightingale, the robin, the toll of the bell, and the city's shining lights etc had much to do with that.

Christmas or not? It is a very beautiful song!

Jim
17th December 2019