What is the song “Life In A Northern Town” about? You may be very surprised!
This reached number 7 in the US charts and reached number 15 in the UK. A song with a very wintry feel that lives up to the title.
Great harmonies. Their record company thought they needed more drums, but the band said no. I think the lack of a heavy drum beat is what makes this song somewhat timeless. This seems pretty cut and dry. The title describes exactly what the song is about…or does it? The lyrics definitely describe life in a northern city. The Beatles and John F. Kennedy are mentioned, so this must be life in a northern town in the early 1960s. In fact, they even mention 1963. If you listen closely, you’ll hear them singing about someone telling them all that. “Take out a cigarette”…and…”He said in the winter of 1963.” Believe it or not, this song isn’t about life in a northern city, it’s about Nick Drake, with references to where he grew up in England.
Drake was 26 when he died in November 1974 of an antidepressant overdose, which may have been a suicide. His work was very influential to many British musicians and songwriters and his legend grew after his death. He was best known for dark pieces composed on his favorite instrument, the guitar, and The Dream Academy intended the song as a tribute to Drake. It is certainly strange that his name is never mentioned in this song or in any of his works. The last verse about going to the station, watching him go and never waving goodbye represents his death and how he will not be forgotten.
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