Buffalo Tom’s Let Me Come Over album was released in 1992, and I first heard it when I moved to Melbourne at the beginning of 1993.
Amazon describes this song as “heart-on-sleeve epic” (an apt tag for many of my favourite songs) and Allmusic files this album under a genre called “Long Walk”. It’s not a term I’ve ever heard, but I suppose it’s apt for the darkness, melancholy and loneliness the long walk through life can be. The lyrics tell most of the story of anguish and torment, and singer Bill Janovitz’s voice conveys the desperation like he has lived every minute of it.
The result is sheer, bloody catharsis.
I love the simple poetry of the image of tail lights fading. As a fit for my selection criteria for Desert Island listening, it has to forever top my list.
Sister can you hear me now
The ringing in your ears
I’m down on the ground
My luck’s been dry for yearsI’m lost in the dark
And I feel like a dinosaur
Broken face and broken hands
I’m a broken manI’ve hit the wall
I’m about to fall
But I’m closing in on itI feel so weak
On a losing streak
Watch my taillights fade to blackI read a thing about this girl
She was a hermit in her world
Her story was much like mine
She could be my valentineAnd although we’ve never met
I won’t forget her yet
She cut herself off from her past
Now she’s alone at lastI feel so sick
Lost love’s last licks
But I’m closing down on it I feel so weak
On a losing streak
Watch my taillights
fade to blackBut I’m underneath a gun
I’m singing about my past
Had myself a wonderful thing
But I could not make it lastI’ve hit the wall
I’m about to fall
But I’m closing in on it
I feel so small
Underneath it all
Watch my taillights fade to black
Watch my taillights fade
Watch my taillights fade
Watch my taillights fade