David Misch's "Somerville"

[eredien]

I was posting a "we need a housemate" ad to the Davis Square LJ community when I found this song:

Somerville, by David Misch.

I downloaded it, and was enchanted. It's the perfect mix of irony and genuine love for a place. Apparently it was very popular on the radio in Boston in the early 70's. I felt like I was getting a little present for coming home.

I couldn't find the lyrics online, so I wrote them up. Here they are.



Somerville, David Misch

"Somerville," David Misch

New York and Paris
and London and Rome--
yes, they all have their charms,
I agree.
But the people who call all those places their home
miss something:
just take it from me.

The Louvre and the UN have beauty;
they shine with a kind of a sheen.
But far from the Ritz and in Massachusetts
is a place with the grace of a queen.

There is a town
around old Boston bay
a place where time and life
stand still:
just follow your nose--and heart--
and soon your feet
will find themselves in
Somerville.

The city center there
is filled with streets.
A sub shop graces
every hill.
You might think you're dreaming--
then again, you might not.
Anyway, you're in Somerville.

Come watch the buildings stand up proud and tall,
while far below
the pavement hugs the ground.

At night, the stoplights change their hue
from red to green.
Then they change back,
from green to red:
a carnival of color,
here in Somerville--
too bad that everyone's in bed.

A wondrous place
where branches hang on every tree,
where people go to work
and then go home!

So come to where
the rain and snow fall
from the sky;
where day is light,
and night is dark
and still.
Yes, come watch nature on display:
it's always free of charge!
That's how it is in Somerville.

In Somerville...
Oh, Somerville...
My Somerville.


There was one lyric I couldn't get. Was he mumbling? Is it English? Does anyone know?

Comments

[davidglasser.livejournal.com]

see also "dogs of somerville", deborah henson conant.

[a4yroldfaerie.livejournal.com]

are you still looking for a housemate? What is the time frame of when you will need one and the other details, and at what email address should you be contacted about this stuff if you ate?

[eredien]

Yes! :)
We are looking to decide by Monday at the latest for a Sept. 1st move in date.
Please go to the craigslist posting:
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/roo/801281873.html

[thoughtsdriftby.livejournal.com]

and ?imazinu zits?

In Massachusetts

[eredien]

Thanks! :) I don't know why that was totally unintelligible.