You’ll possibly notice that few of my chosen music tracks relate to matters of the heart – regrets or loves found and lost. But there are exceptions. This is one. I have presented one other track from this Kiwi singer songwriter: Damn The Dam, originally written as an advertising jingle but it became a number one hit and a popular protest song of the ’70s. If you like folk rock from the likes of Bob Dylan, Donovan or Simon & Garfunkel, then you’ll probably enjoy John Hanlon’s works.
This particular track was released in 2020 as part of the album Naked Truths. The track was originally a demo to which producer/arranger Russell Finch added piano and cello, assuring Hanlon that there was no need for him to sing it again. I agree. The voice, as it is, is perfect for this song. Enjoy.
I had to walk away – John Hanlon
Shadow on her face The silence of her Things I tried to say It was all too late The breaking of my heart The lie behind my smile Put on my bravest face anyway and yes, I cried And then I walked away Then I walked away And it was there and it was gone And it was real and it was everything And I knew I shouldn't love her But I couldn't stop my heart And it was right and it was wrong And it had everybody talking And I knew it from the start Though it was really hard And I had to walk away I had to walk away I had to walk away This house is not the same It's quiet now And I can still see her happy face In every room I reach for her at night Then I lie awake 'til dawn Said she really tried But the love in her just died anyway Then it was gone And she had to walk away She had to walk away She had to walk away And it was there and it was gone And it was real and it was everything And I knew I shouldn't love her But I couldn't stop my heart And it was right and it was wrong And it had everybody talking And I knew it from the start Though it was really hard And I had to walk away I had to walk away I had to walk away
Another Spectrum 