Absent With Leave (acoustic version)

by Philip McCarroll

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about

This is undoubtedly a '2020 song', although I had to escape to January '21 to get it written! Such an odd year, even moments of promise and potential evaporated at hyperspeed, and I guess this tune is mostly about that. I like this track & intend to record an electric version with a full band as soon as possible...

Recorded at Manor Park Studio, Northern Ireland with Neal Calderwood 01/02/21

lyrics

Walking circles for days
Willing seasons to change
Keeping my eyes on the horizon
Throwing fuel in the fire
Feeling nothing but tired
Little changes, no surprises

Oh - Gotta stay sane for the one who needs me
Oh - Trying to keep both of my feet from stumbling

The bands have gone quiet, the floodlights are dying
I'm full of wonder
I've left that cathedral behind
All the people who tried to drag me under
No flower in this desert, a light in the tunnel
Is only what you could have been
Absent with leave

Living life on repeat
Empty roads in the heat
Just for the sake of moving
I have climbed every wall
Justifying it all
Make a note of the months we're losing

Oh - Nightmares soaking the sheets on my bed
Oh - How the hell is she still living rent free in my head?

The bands have gone quiet, the floodlights are dying
I'm full of wonder
I've left that cathedral behind
All the people who tried to drag me under
No flower in this desert, a light in the tunnel
Is only what you might have been
Absent with leave

You let your defences down
And I thought for one moment that you could see me

The bands have gone quiet, the floodlights are dying
I'm full of wonder
I've left that cathedral behind
All the people who tried to drag me under
No flower in this desert, a light in the tunnel
Is only what you should have been
Absent with leave
Absent with leave

credits

released March 5, 2021
Music & Lyrics by Philip McCarroll (c) 2021

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about

Philip McCarroll Belfast, UK

@philmccarroll on Twitter

Solo Artist

Also long term frontman / vocalist / songwriter / guitarist with Belfast, Northern Ireland Rock / Power-Pop band Pay*ola

Have supported Rival Sons, Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, Ricky Warwick of Black Star Riders/Thin Lizzy, Warwick/Johnson, Dan Reed, Danny Vaughn (Tyketto), Mike Tramp (White Lion), Jizzy Pearl (Love/Hate) ... more

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