My Father's Shoes
Level 42
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Even now I see him walking home at sundown He's whistling rock of ages With his lunch box at his side I still recall the smell of smoke And ashes on his jacket And that factory dust was on his shoes The afternoon he died I swore I'd never heed that factory whistle In a banker's cage I signed a loan Against my future sins All the neighbors shook my hand And wished me well upon my leaving Though my father was a poor man He owned a wealth of friends So take these boots that shine like Judas silver And all these sad reflections on lost untraveled roads While the rain falls on a field of bones and roses Give me back my father's shoes and let me walk in those My stroke was good, the deals fell fast end easy I hired the sweat of honest men and took the lion's share My wardrobe filled with shirts of silk And boots of tender leather And I walked in them the halls of power But found no comfort there So take these boots that shine like Judas silver And all these sad reflections on lost untraveled roads While the rain falls on a field of bones and roses Give me back my father's shoes and let me walk in those Lady lay these boots upon the fire 'Cause lady now I swear I'll never wear this pair again I meant to stand up straight and tall It never was that easy Now these soles are stained from walking on the dreams Of better men So take these boots that shine like Judas silver And all these sad reflections on lost untravelled roads While the rain falls on a field of bones and roses Give me back my father's shoes and let me walk in those
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: GEORGE GREEN, MARK KING, MICHAEL DAVID LINDUP, WALLY BADAROU
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Band History"My Father's Shoes" is a piece by British band Level 42, renowned for their exceptional blend of rock, jazz, and funk elements. They were an active group from 1980 to 1994, and since 2001 are still performing.
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Song Background"My Father's Shoes" is contained in the album “Staring at the Sun” released in 1988. It offers depth and insight into the lead singer, Mark King's reflections on his father.
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Album Performance“Staring at the Sun” is Level 42's eighth studio album. It peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart, marking it as one of the band's successful releases.
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Lyrics ContentThe lyrics subtly and mournfully explore the theme of growing up, maturing, and stepping into one's father's shoes. The song carries a sense of respect and gratitude towards a father figure.
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Song CreditsThe song, like most of Level 42's songs, was written by Mark King and Mike Lindup, the principal songwriters of the band.
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Music Style“My Father's Shoes” offers a mixture of Level 42's distinctive sound, combining pop and jazz-funk. It demonstrates Level 42's ability to create heartfelt ballads in addition to their funk-inspired dance tracks.
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Personal ExperienceThe song's lyrics seem influenced by King's life experience. King once mentioned in an interview that his own father was his greatest inspiration, which provided considerable context for interpreting the song.
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ReceptionWhile not as widely recognized as some of Level 42's bigger hits like “Lessons in Love” or “Something About You,” "My Father's Shoes" is beloved by many fans for its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody.
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Song InfluenceThe song has appeared in multiple compilation albums, testament to its enduring appeal. It forms part of the track listing in collections such as Level 42's "The Ultimate Collection" and "Lessons in Love: The Essential Level 42."
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Live Performance"My Father's Shoes" was performed live numerous times during Level 42’s concert tours in the late 1980s. These performances showcased Mark King’s powerful voice and light, nimble bass playing.
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