Hi Tom, I'm sitting in The World museum in Liverpool. I've been staying with my partner in the North West for a few weeks whilst recovering from a car accident. I lived in the North East all of my life until my marriage (a twenty six year relationship) ended almost two years ago. I met a beautiful woman from Liverpool and now spend a great deal of time here when I'm not at work. When I return to the North East, my journey is initially through beautiful countryside "rolling fields of green". I travel "east to west", then "in reverse again". I then reflect on the wonderful experiences shared with my new partner " the things we've done, the sights we've seen". This is a song about my beautiful summer of 2014 and how it hurts to return to my home town, especially at the onset of the winter (which is now of course, coming to an end) :-) It's lovely to return back to the North East and especially to be with my two boys who are 11 and twelve years old but it's also a place of uncomfortable memories. I knew the winter would be a difficult time. A kiss before the winter, hints at the harshness of what is to come. It's not a pleasant kiss, The winter embraces me, the cold weather, dark nights and limited contact with my children all require great resilience. Upon returning to my home town, I'm there 'neath the charcoal skies" in the literal and metaphorical "pouring rain" - A bitter-sweet place to be - it's where my heart belongs - "Where hands reach out to heal" - a reference to the love of my children. It's too often acceptable/convenient to abandon love and family ties for new experiences. I believe in working at relationships but you can't make somebody feel the way that you do. I worry about the impact of all of this on my children.
A little cryptic at times - that can often be my style. Thank you so much for reviewing.
Paul
