Songs that speak for themselves

The Wire no. 352 (June 2013) focus on sound and the word.

In "Songs that speak for themselves" Rob Young mentions two of my favorite songs: Matching Mole´s "Oh Caroline" and "Signed Curtain" (both on the eponymous 1972 album), where Robert Wyatt describes the act of songwriting in the lyrics.

"Oh Caroline" (Robert Wyatt/David Sinclair)

David's on piano, and I may play on a drum
And we'll try to make the music work, we'll try to have some fun
But I just can't help thinking that if you were here with me
I'd get all my thoughts in focus and play more excitingly
I love you still - Caroline
I want you still - Caroline
I need you still - Caroline

If you call this sentimental crap you'll make me mad
Cause you know that I would not sing about some passing fad
And if my attempts at rhyming aren't convincing to your ear
Then memories betray you through the passing of the year
I love you still - Caroline
I want you still - Caroline
I need you still - Caroline

You must think it doubtful that I mean the words I sing
Or that all attempts to reach you this way could not mean a thing
But you must admit we both thought we'd be man and wife
And that I could make you happy for the best part of your life
I love you still - Caroline
I love you still - Caroline

"Signed Curtain" (Robert Wyatt)

This is the first verse
This is the first verse
This is the first verse
This is the first verse...
And this is the chorus
Or perhaps it's a bridge
Or just another part
of the song that I'm singing

This is the second verse
Or it may the last verse
This is the second verse
Or it may the last one
And this is the chorus
Or perhaps it's a bridge
Or just another key change
Never mind
It doesn't hurt
It only means that I
lost faith in this song
'Cause it won't help me reach you...

Both lyrics copied from Calyx ("Lyrics").
Now get The Wire, and find those Matching Mole songs!