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At The Chime Of A City Clock Lyrics

A city freeze, get on your knees
Pray for warmth and green paper
A city drought, you're down and out
See your trousers don't taper

Saddle up, kick your feet
Ride the range of a London street
Travel to a local plane
Turn around and come back again

And at the chime of a city clock
Put up your roadblock
Hang on to your crown
For a stone in a tin can
Is wealth to the city man
Who leaves his armor down

Stay indoors, beneath the floors
Talk with neighbors only
The games you play make people say
You're either weird or lonely

A city star won't shine too far
On account of the way you are
And the beads around your face
Make you sure to fit back in place

And at the beat of a city drum
See how your friends come
In twos or threes or more
For the sound of a busy place
Is fine for a pretty face
Who knows what a face is for

The city clown will soon fall down
Without a face to hide in
And he will lose if he won't choose
The one he may confide in

Sonny boy with smokes for sale
Went to ground with a face so pale
And never heard about the change
Showed his hand and fell out of range

If the light of a city square
Find out the face that's fair
Keep it by your side
When the light of the city falls
You fly to the city walls
Take off with your bride

But at the chime of a city clock
Put up your roadblock
Hang on to your crown
For a stone in a tin can
Is wealth to the city man
Who leaves his armor down
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Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

Another great song by Nick, I've always assumed it was written after he started university as a look at the way city life seems to him as a boy from the country.

To Cherub Rock: I'm almost envious, if you've only heard Bryter Layter then you still have alot of great material to experience, probably best to get Five Leaves Left next, Riverman alone makes it well worth getting.

And Man in a Shed. Very underrated.

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Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

Anonymity. I think he craved it but was simultaneously frightened by it. As Martel said, he was a country boy, and the anonymity offered by the boondocks is completely different than that provided by the city. The country can offer shelter from the world, but in the city, it's like the world just doesn't notice you there. It's effectively the same thing, but in the city, the comfort's cold.

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

This song is my calming medicine...I tend to lose my temper sometimes, and amazing how it always works. Thanks, Nick.

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

My favourite Nick Drake song. I love the Put up your roadblock part.

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

My favourite Nick Drake song so far (but I've only heard Bryter Layter). Where are the comments? This song is a classic! I love how smooth and easy and atmospheric it sounds.

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

It is a beautiful song, the lack of comments is pretty ... I dunno the word, saddening maybe. I wish more people would listen to Nick, I love his songs, this one I just heard for the first time today, it's amazingly calming.

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

Alright, I'll try Five Leaves Left next. I've heard there is plenty of debate about which one is the best (i.e. they're all very good). I've found them cheap too so all the more motivation..

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

To be completely honest, I don't think I can choose one as my favorite. All albums are truly amazing, even though there were only 3. They are all different in their own way, but magical and inspiring as well. This song is a perfect example of how Nick Drake could write a beautiful song with a beautiful orchestration to back him up.

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

Green paper. Is that a reference to money or his liking of marijuana?

Cover art for At The Chime Of A City Clock lyrics by Nick Drake

I love this song, the melody is beautiful