Life in a Northern Town

The Dream Academy

About Life in a Northern Town

"Life in a Northern Town" is a song by British group The Dream Academy. The song is the lead single from their debut studio album The Dream Academy, released in 1985. The song was written as an elegy to British folk musician Nick Drake, who died in 1974, and the single's record sleeve includes a dedication to him. The song was written by band members Nick Laird-Clowes and Gilbert Gabriel, and was produced by Laird-Clowes and Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour. The single reached No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1986. It is the band's highest-peaking chart single in the United States, the UK, and Ireland. 


Year:
2012
4:15
75 
#2

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

A Salvation Army Band played
And Children drunk lemonade
And the morning lasted all day,
All day
And through an open window came
Like Sinatra in a younger day,
Pushing the town away
Ah

Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.

They sat on the stoney ground
And he took out a cigarette out
And everyone else came down
To listen.
He said "In winter 1963
It felt like the world would freeze
With John F. Kennedy
And The Beatles."

Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.
Ah hey ma ma ma
All the work shut down.

The evening had turned to rain
Watch the water roll down the drain,
As we followed him down
To the station
And though he never would wave goodbye,
You could see it written in his eyes
As the train pulled out of sight
Bye-bye

Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.
Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


The Dream Academy

The Dream Academy were an English folk rock band, comprising singer/guitarist Nick Laird-Clowes; multi-instrumentalist (chiefly oboe, English horn player) Kate St John; plus keyboardist Gilbert Gabriel. They are most noted for their hit single, "Life in a Northern Town". more »

0 fans

Written by: Nick Laird-Clowes, Gilbert Alexander Gabriel

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Band Formation
"Life in a Northern Town" was performed by The Dream Academy, a 1980s British band consisting of Gilbert Gabriel, Nick Laird-Clowes, and Kate St John.
Release Date
The song was released in 1985 as part of The Dream Academy's self-titled debut album.
Genre
The song falls under the genre of British folk rock and dream pop.
Chart Performance
"Life in a Northern Town" reached No. 7 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.
Significant Influence
The song was inspired by childhood memories of Nick Laird-Clowes who grew up in Northampton, England.
Nick Drake Tribute
“Life in a Northern Town” is considered a tribute to the late Nick Drake, an English singer-songwriter and musician known for his acoustic guitar-based songs.
Unique Sound
The song features layered vocals and a distinctive echo effect, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners.
Music Video
The music video was shot on location in Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, reflecting the northern town theme of the song.
Covers and In-Show Performances
The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Dario G in 1997 and Sugarland in 2007. It was also performed on the seventh season of American Idol.
Use in Media
"Life in a Northern Town" has been used in a variety of media, including movies and TV shows like "Girl, Interrupted", "Hot Pursuit", "Dream a Little Dream", and "One Tree Hill".
Commercial Usage
The song was even used in a 2015 TV advertisement for Hyundai.
Song Duration
The radio version of the song lasts 4 minutes and 17 seconds while the album version lasts slightly longer at 4 minutes and 18 seconds.
Song Production
The song was produced by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Nick Laird-Clowes.
Certification
"Life in a Northern Town" was certified Gold by the Music & Media magazine in 1985.
Lasting Impression
The song is widely remembered for its evocative lyrics that paint a picture of life in a northern English town, making it a classic 80s hit.

Discuss the Life in a Northern Town Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Life in a Northern Town Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28237512/The+Dream+Academy/Life+in+a+Northern+Town>.

    Missing lyrics by The Dream Academy?

    Know any other songs by The Dream Academy? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Life in a Northern Town

    2.5M
    20,569     389

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #7


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Robert Allen Zimmerman is better known as?
    A Bob Geldof
    B Bob Dylan
    C Bob Seger
    D Rob Zombie

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The Dream Academy tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!