GUEST SPOT # 39 - Deacon Blue - 'Dignity'

It's Saturday, it's Guest Spot day! If you fancy doing a spot yourself and I know you do then why not make our telephone ring (just email us) and we'll feature your post!

This guest spot is written by my very own Chocolate Girl, Sophie (check out her other posts), who also tells me that she was Born in a Storm. Anyway whatever, it's her turn to sing the blues...enjoy! 

Deacon Blue - Dignity (1989)

I was introduced to my dear friend Vicky who invited me to their concert at Manchester GMex for her 17th Birthday circa 1989. In preparation, she played me their album Raintown (in a tent in her Mum’s back garden if I remember correctly) and I fell for the dulcet tones of Ricky Ross there and then. And so, off we went by coach to Manchester – my first big stadium gig and it was brilliant. Mr Ross was even better in the flesh - resplendent in black leather trousers and a white shirt with his gorgeous accent and outspoken anti-Thatcherite views. I was studying economics for A-Level and so was delighted to find reference to Maynard Keynes in the lyrics...seriously, this band had everything! What a potent cocktail for a precocious 16 year old, full of hormones, romantic ideals and anticipation of her imminent departure to University and the opportunities this would bring.

Deacon Blue with new member Clive Owen!

I really struggled to choose a song for this post – I listened to the Greatest Hits again recently and I still remember the words to all the songs. They all have merit – Chocolate Girl, Raintown and the gorgeous Loaded, among my favourites. But it had to be this one. It was a great song back then but listening to it now with 20 years hard graft under my belt, in the middle of a recession and now with the responsibility of providing for a family weighing heavily, it takes on a whole new meaning. I cry easily listening to this song – the lyrics are clever and beautiful telling the touching story of a man who “saved (his) money”. In our crazy culture when an ‘essential’ item is a smart phone we can’t live without, this song really makes me think about what life is, or rather should, be about and the importance of work to a person's self-esteem.
So, listen and weep - this one’s for you – V-E-B!!! Xxx

Ps. DB are apparently recording a new album...I await the result with interest. Peruse their website here for details.

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