The London Series

About

From the Band

“The London Series” was recorded during the summer of 1991 after I returned from a semester in London. I came up with most of the tunes while abroad and hence the name of the album. This was one of our most prolific summers; we also recorded the music for and filmed the movie “Light Duty”. The quality of the songs and recording style is consistent throughout the album and it has a distinct 1991 sound to it. The album features two of my favorite songs: “Simple Spirit” and “Surface of the Water” although I have never been happy with any recording of “Surface of the Water”. I think it’s been attempted at least three times. Actually, that particular song was created only a few days before leaving for London. I was a little apprehensive about leaving and I think that’s what gives it it’s darker character. My favorite recording of it is still the rough version that Matt and I recorded in a practice session. Theron Welch, Seattle, 2004

In 1991, Theron spent a semester in London. He came back with some innovative new song ideas that he developed while abroad. The result was “The London Series.” Never My Swan Song is one of my favorite FT arrangements ever, and Surface of the Water belongs in the FT Hall of Fame (if such a hall existed). I’m especially happy with the lyrics to that song. The lyrics to Simple Spirit are based on a Jules Pfeiffer poem. The integration of the lyrics and the music is seamless; I can’t imagine one without the other. Light Duty was actually written as the theme song to a movie we shot that summer. I spent July strapped to the back of an El Camino, running through the woods, and dodging explosives – hardly “light duty,” but it was very enjoyable. “The London Series” also contains the FT song that has received the most public airplay, but it’s not one you might expect. Mike the Mean Clown is such a silly, infectious tune that I have used it several times in my comedy shows with The Hypothetical 7. Matthew Reiss, Kansas City, 2004

Music

Listen to the entire album:

Images
Simple Spirit
Never My Swansong
Modern Antiquity
Fate And Fortune
Ode To Sosaria
Mike The Mean Clown
Surface Of The Water
Foundation
Light Duty
Images Ximtao Mix

Lyrics

Simple Spirit

I hide myself in a walled up cave, a hundred million leagues beneath the sea. Protected from the outside world. I’m safe, but I’m not free.

I hide myself in a tall tower that stretches past the clouds. Prying eyes can’t see me there. I’m safe from all the crowds.

Look for me high and low; you’ll not find a trace. My shell is far too strong to reveal to you my face.

I hide myself in a walled up cave, a hundred million leagues beneath the sea. Protected from the outside world. If you really cared you’d find me.

Surface of the Water

The surface of the water was still and clear as glass. The surface held the answers; no signs below had come to pass.

I could see my face reflected, then a ripple broke the calm. The surface was in turmoil, and I sought what lay beyond.

I dived straight through the surface, and I saw a wondrous sight: A living world I’d missed before, not one of black and white.

The surface of the water was still and clear as glass. The surface held the answers; no signs below had come to pass.

I dived straight through the surface, and I saw a wondrous sight: A living world I’d missed before, not one of black and white.

-of black and white.

I dived straight through the surface, and I saw a wondrous sight: A living world I’d missed before, not one of black and white.

-had come to pass.

Never My Swan Song

You order my alliance. To give in would be wrong. I act in defiance; this is not my swan song.

I act in defiance; this is not my swan song.

You issue your commands. The power you wield is strong. But I’ve got to make my stand; never be my swan song.

I’ve got to make my stand; never be my swan song.

Your numbers grow day by day. But I feel I don’t belong that way. The majority tells me what to say.

Never be my swan song.

You order my alliance. To give in would be wrong. I act in defiance; this is not my swan song.

I act in defiance; never be my swan song.

Never be my swan song.

Fate and Fortune

The clock on the wall says everything to me. The seconds tick away, I sit there staring blindly. Inaction marks my days and haunts my weary nights. I think to much to move. I lack instincts, insights.

The time has come for me, I’ve got to move ahead. I’ll be left behind if I don’t move instead.

I wish to escape. This anchor weighs me down. Passively I wait for help that can’t be found. Depression doesn’t suit me, “snap out of it” I shout. I slowly take steps forward, let all my feelings out.

The time has come for me, I’ve got to move ahead. I’ll be left behind if I don’t move instead.

I wish to escape. This anchor weighs me down. Passively I wait for help that can’t be found.

The time has come for me, I’ve got to move ahead. I’ll be left behind if I don’t move instead.

The present becomes the past, I told myself to try. Set a goal to reach for, it helped me to get by.

With strength and fortitude, I made a slow ascent, and rose from fear and darkness, and smiled as I went.

Modern Antiquity

Writing a song about a time gone by. Put the pen in ink, and then I stop and sigh. My mind starts racing towards a cavernous shadow; moving through time like a bow shot arrow.

Arrive in the past my mind’s eye wanders. Green hills rolling, pure not plundered. Questions surface, am I there? A shepherd sees me and starts to stare. He starts to stare.

Is this man a creation inside, gazing at me, eyes open wide? Maybe he’s real, and so am I – writing a song about a time gone by.

Writing a song about a time gone by-

Light Duty

I see the chaos inside when I look into the light. I feel trapped and so confused. Am I the next one to be used?

Light duty- Grind along to the sound of the drum. Light duty- Will my day ever come?

The pieces are in place. You can read it on my face. To myself I have a duty. What is this struggle doing to me?

Light duty- The decision has been made. I’m pulling light duty- And I’m afraid.

My choices seem so clear. Taking action’s what I fear, when I look into the light, and see the chaos inside me.

Grind along to the sound of the drum. Will my day- come?

Foundation

Run away and leave me here, I’ll stop you anyway. My words all fall on deafened ears, but they’ll hear the truth some day.

Right from wrong is seldom clear. Some people never know. Those who do must give a voice, and let their knowledge start to grow.

Treat it right, you have something to say. Use your craft, don’t throw it away.

Foundation lies in wait for you to build upon its ground. Gather tools and use them well. Let people see just what you’ve found.