Walls

from A Picture by Allan Thomas

	/

Streaming + Download

Purchasable with gift card

about

'Walls' still stands as one of my favorite tracks in this collection. A mid-tempo groove in D major, written in Coldwater Canyon Southern California around 1969. An allegory involving my coming split with my then manager Mal Williams, about how misunderstandings can devastate a relationship. Some things never change.

It's a very simple arrangement - just four players and no overdubs - yet very effective in getting the message across with the "feel" intact.

I'm finger picking my Gurian Jumbo acoustic guitar on the right, with Edelman giving solid support on his acoustic bass, at times bowing and plucking. Sounds to me like one of those takes and times everything just comes together.

lyrics

Walls

words & music - Allan Thomas

The tears stream down her cheeks like rain
Expounding anxiety and pain
All the frustration that she is feeling
Is the result of her finally dealing
With visions constantly revealing
The walls that stand so tall 'tween her and me
They stand so tall between her and me

Points are lost and points are gained
Still the deadly game goes on just the same
The principal purpose is a compromise
But that reasoning is just a disguise
While she lets her emotions rise
Over the walls that stand so tall 'tween her and me
They stand so tall between her and me
All I see is walls

All the stone-cold words she didn't mean to say
But somehow they find my ears anyway
A moments madness reveals hidden thoughts
The name calling blame falling will cost
Deep in misunderstanding we are lost
Under the walls that stand so tall 'tween her and me
They stand so tall
They stand so tall between her and me

© 1971 Bleu Disque Music - ASCAP

credits

from A Picture, track released January 1, 1971
Allan Thomas - vocals & rhythm guitar
Jack Lee - nylon string lead guitar
Steve Edelman - upright bass
Bill "Fuzz" Weicht - drums

Photo: AT with first guitar - a Sears Silvertone f-hole acoustic - seven years before this session.

license

about

Allan Thomas Hanalei, Hawaii

Aloha and welcome to my Bandcamp Music Store home page. Here you can listen to full-length samples of all seven Allan Thomas albums and three singles. Also to be found are credits, photos, stories and lyrics for all songs. Dig in...

allanthomas.com

contact / help

Contact Allan Thomas

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Allan Thomas, you may also like:

Jolie Laide
by Jolie Laide

Nina Nastasia & Jeff MacLeod join forces as Jolie Laide, playing noir-y songs that glow soft as moonlight. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 17, 2023
go to album
Friend of a Friend
by Katie Morey

A new EP from Rochester’s Katie Morey runs the spectrum from ’60s girl-group to bubbling exotica. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 5, 2022
go to album
Evan Myall
by Evan Myall

The Los Angeles-based indie rock artist's first full-length album is inspired by songwriters like Glen Campbell and George Harrison. Bandcamp New & Notable May 8, 2020
go to album
IV
by Psychic Temple

The latest from Psychic Temple features a cameo by British rock legend Terry Reid & woozy, psychedelic songs. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 10, 2017
go to album
Locals // If You Swim Far Enough
by Rachel Alina & Birdie Busch

A musical and visual journey through Ocean City, New Jersey via gentle Americana and an illustrated poetry book. Bandcamp New & Notable May 30, 2019
go to album
No One Seems To Notice That It's Raining (Previously Unreleased Recordings 1970-75)
by Jay Bolotin

This compilation of songs from cult legend Jay Bolotin has the same stark beauty as prime Leonard Cohen and Jackson C. Frank. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 1, 2018
go to album
Downey to Lubbock
by Dave Alvin

Soulful guitar interplay form the heart of this lovely Americana collaboration from Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 2, 2018
go to album