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Forbidden City Lyrics

There's not a hope
While you're in this kind of mood
Too much to drink
But not enough to lose
You tore me apart
Now I've got to suffer
I wish I'd been around when you started this

Give me a chance
I'd show you what I could do
You're in a trance
And I'm not so fond of you
You may be a friend
But you're not my relation
But you're the only person I ever knew

And it's too late to wash my hands
We're caught in a trap
Set for a man

There is a wind
That blows in the northern skies
Holding me back
No matter how hard I try
If I had the sense
I'd leave here tomorrow
I wouldn't even bother to say goodbye

But it's too late to wash my hands
We're caught in a trap
Set for a man

Would you lie to me
If you thought I was wrong
You deserted me
When it all went wrong
Would you lie to me
Would you lie to me

Would you lie to me
If you thought I was wrong
You deserted me
When it all went wrong

But it's too late to wash my hands
We're caught in a trap
Set for a man
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Cover art for Forbidden City lyrics by Electronic

I agree, one of Marr's finest pieces. The solo is great, because it makes me want it not to stop. You can't help but feel the emotion coming from that solo. Great song all the way around.

Cover art for Forbidden City lyrics by Electronic

..This is up there with Johnny Marr's best guitar based tunes of the Smiths. A great tune that sticks with you.

Cover art for Forbidden City lyrics by Electronic

Lyrically though, I'm perplexed about this song.

Cover art for Forbidden City lyrics by Electronic

I think this song is about a girl who he's been chasing or is in a shallow relationship with. she wont give him all of herself but just enough to keep him hanging on..and they do share close moments:

You may be a friend But you're not my relation But you're the only person I ever knew

He is trying to say she should open her eyes and see that hes a good guy but hes frustrated with her selfish actions:

Give me a chance I'd show you what I could do You're in a trance And I'm not so fond of you

he is trying so hard but is having difficulty forming a normal relationship with her. And after all, of course, the girl is selfish:

There is a wind That blows in the northern skies Holding me back No matter how hard I try If I had the sense I'd leave here tomorrow I wouldn't even bother to say goodbye

and

Would you lie to me If you thought I was wrong You deserted me When it all went wrong

Cover art for Forbidden City lyrics by Electronic

Wiki says: "it is about a young man who has an abusive relationship with his father but wants to return home despite this antagonism".

I also think Bernard mentioned something like this in an old interview.

 
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