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Arnold
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An orchestral rocker?
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Trash-pop, guitar rock and melodic miscellany.
Not so much a band as a bloke with a guitar and a laptop, The Smivets deliver a genre-bending blend of pop, rock, punk, prog and many other monosyllables.
Song Info
Genre
Alternative • Brit Pop
Charts
Peak #94
Peak in subgenre #4
Author
Steve Smith
Rights
Steve Smith
Uploaded
October 01, 2010
Track Files
MP3
MP3 5.6 MB • 128 kbps • 6:07
Story behind the song
Another story song - this is the true tale of Arnold Manby, who was my wife's uncle. I had to change a few minor details (he was the 7th of 9, and born in 1933 not '36, the year of Edward VIII's abdication) to make it fit the poem, but essentially it's true. Even though his family were poor, the fact that he "dropped out" and lived virtually homeless for many years was considered shameful. Shy and reclusive, his claim to have lots of friends was never believed, but it appears that he was something of a local hero on the scummy estate where he ended up - often feeding the druggie's kids and generally looking out for his neighbours. I'm sure he wasn't a saint, but there's a wonderful irony in the outcast being better at "society" than the insiders. I was always really impressed by his life story - I'm glad that people like this still exist in these times and I'm proud to have had a connection to him, however remote. That's not him in the picture by the way. Cheers Arnie.
Lyrics
Born in a Yorkshire mill town Edward's abdication year As the 6th of nine children He found it easy to disappear Turned his back on his father's anger At just fourteen years of age Farmers barn and straw for shelter Eggs and chickens for his wage Arnold dropped out of the system Often choosing to sleep rough But he answered to no-one His dog was company enough When his vagabond days were over They made the black sheep settle down Into so-called "social housing" In other words a dumping ground. Now there's creeping in his kitchen Like a hundred times before But he's nothing left worth stealing And he no longer locks his door Another kid in a ragged tracksuit No more than 10 years old "Hey Arnie have you owt to eat? I'm starving and it's freezing cold" "Aye, sit down, I'll put the fire on How about some beans on toast?" Sometimes it's all they eat, when all the money's gone On what Mum needs the most Hey, Uncle Arnold, All the good folk put you down But you always had the kettle on when Anyone came round How could we turn your Invitation down? He never had what you'd call comfort Never owned a house or car Never had much of anything But what he did he was glad to share His lack of social grace, was what our Judgement was based upon But Arnold knew that he had no place Judging anyone When he died we thought his funeral Would be a lonely sad affair But the church was overflowing People came from everywhere When it came to mending the fabric Isn't it incongruous That Arnold, the outsider, proved A better man than all of us? Hey, Uncle Arnold, All the good folk put you down But you always had the kettle on when Anyone came round How could we turn your Invitation down?
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Comments 11
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Geoffrey Orbegoso
Oct 20, 2013
Great production, continuously builds on itself. And real Beatlesy- circa 1967? Fun to listen to! Can't help thinking of Arnold...Layne in this one, too. Fittingly strange that Arnold Layne was written by an outsider in Syd Barrett, and this one is about an Arnold . Well, never mind these allusions (illusions?), this song is amazing in its own right. Nicely done!!
sum of the daze
Nov 16, 2011
rip Uncle Arnold ... nice arrangement Steve
Electric Angels
Nov 05, 2011
Brilliant! Great arrangement, passionately delivered.
DOOMTRAINmusic
Oct 21, 2010
This is a very deserving 5 star song, so inventive, as usual delivered in a very professional way Big 5
Michael Bennett
Oct 12, 2010
This is showing off your creative genius again, Steve, and nothing wrong with that at all! The music is awesome and compliments your vocals and great storyline lyrics! Excellent work!!!
davidabriggs
Oct 09, 2010
Just as you said, an orchestral 'rocker'. Very good, 'story telling' and superbly rich backing; but saying 'backing track' is not really doing justice to it. This could be straight from Abbey Road and the hands and brain of George Martin. I'm sure you could use some of the orchestral ideas here to create another rocker with guitars in it too. Fabulous. and by the way you've passed the audition. :)
Roger John
Oct 06, 2010
What a great song. what a great story.
Michael Duran
Oct 03, 2010
this has all the right classical moves with a ultramodern vibe :)
Keyshardy
Oct 03, 2010
Everything about this is awsome..So many twists and turns..Vocals are real cool!..Love that pulsing cello..fantastic mix on this..Song writing at it's best!
Swampman And The Machine
Oct 02, 2010
Very unique tune sounds great well produced and mixed sounds pro cuz !
Rodrica Rudge
Oct 02, 2010
Brilliant lyrics, great social statement and observations - a song so many of us will relate to as we've all known an "Uncle Arnold". I can think of someone in particular..this could be "his song". Superb arrangement and performance - you've created a masterpiece here. Worthy of a publishing contract - you should keep knocking on doors until they listen to you!