THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

340-Funkadelic-(Not Just) Knee Deep.

1979-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 6.59. The ‘Freak’ in the song is name of a dance, and like ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ it has that naughty double entendre interpretation.

The mastermind behind Funkadelic is George Clinton who was born on July 22nd, 1941, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States. In 1955 he co-founded the ‘Doo-Wop’ group ‘The Parliaments’ who were originally based on ‘Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (see also best songs 250.) Over the years ‘The Parliaments’ sound developed with the adding of Soul, R&B, Rock, and Funk, they remained active until 1969. Due to contractual problems with his record label, and in order to continue recording for other labels Clinton was forced to change the bands name, it was the bassist Billy ‘Bass’ Nelson’ who coined the new name ‘Funkadelic.'(see also best songs 26.) Clinton didn’t just form the Rock and Funk orientated Funkadelic, he also simultaneously formed the Funk, R&B, and Psychedelic Soul outfit Parliament as well (see also best songs 612 and 143.) Clinton who would work with many differing musicians released Albums with both acts, with Parliament releasing nine studio Albums between 1970-1980, with a 10th Album ‘Medicaid Fraud Dogg’ issued in 2018, their first in 38 years, while his sister act Funkadelic released 13 studio Albums between 1970-1981, there has also been a 14th studio Album issued in 2014 called ‘First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate,’ the first new material under the Funkadelic banner in 33 years.

‘(Not Just) Knee Deep’ was taken from Funkadelic’s 10th studio Album ‘Uncle Jam Wants You,’ and at 15 minutes and 21 seconds is one of the longest songs on this countdown, when released as a single it was edited down to 4 minutes and 25 seconds. The song was produced by George Clinton, and although Clinton is down as the songs writer, vocalist Philippe Wynne also received royalties according to the songs publishers. Wynne (1941-1984) prior to joining the Funkadelic collective had been a member of the Spinners (known in the UK as the Detroit Spinners) (see also best songs 834) during their time at Atlantic Records, until 1977. Other musicians who played a big part in the making of the song included Junie Morrison (1954-2017) who was the tracks arranger, Booty Collins (see also best songs 850-612-143 and 88) who played the drums, and Michael Hampton who provided the tracks critically acclaimed guitar solo.

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is just one of the Funkadelic tracks that have been sampled on many occasions, particularly noteworthy is the 1989 UK Number 22 hit single by the Hip-Hop trio De La Soul (see also best songs 444 and 246) with their song ‘Me Myself and I.’ Many other artists including The Black Eyed Peas and Tone Loc have sampled the track. Dr Dre’s use of Funkadelic samples has also led to them becoming a big influence in the genre of ‘Gangsta Rap.’

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is the tale of a guy meeting a girl at a club. He sees her dancing to the ‘Monkey,’ the ‘Chicken,’ and the ‘Jerk,’ but he is besotted by her after she ‘busts’ her moves to ‘The Freak.”

The girl is a freak, the girl never misses a beat. Not just knee deep, she was totally deep, when she did the freak with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

341-Janis Joplin-Me and Bobby McGee.

1970-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.21. Think about it, what a clever thing to do. Use a name (Bobby) that can refer to either sex, and double the amount of artists who can record it.

It was the music producer, and one time owner of ‘Monument Records,’ Fred Foster (1931-2019) who gave Kris Kristofferson the task of creating this song. Kristofferson was a struggling singer/songwriter recently signed to Monument Records when Foster suggested he come up with a fantasy song about someone called Barbara Bobbie McKee, which Kristofferson misheard as ‘McGee.’ Barbara Bobby McKee was actually the name of the 29 year old studio secretary working at Monument Records at that time. For this reason, and with Kristofferson’s blessing, Foster is credited as the songs co-writer (see also best songs 657.)

Kristofferson has said that the inspiration for the song didn’t happen overnight, but in fact took several months to piece together. When asked where he was when he came up with the famous line ‘Freedom is just another word for nothing to lose,’ he said,’ I was working the Gulf of Mexico on oil rigs, flying helicopters, I’d lost my family to my years of failing as a songwriter. All I had was bills, child support, and grief, and I was just about to get fired for not letting 24 hours go between the throttle and the bottle. It looked like I’d trashed my act, but there was something liberating about it. By not having to live up to people’s expectations, I was somehow free.’

Kris Kristofferson was born on June 22nd, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, United States. He has released 18 studio Albums between 1970-2016, and six collaboration Albums, three of which were with his ex wife Rita Coolidge. Many of his songs have been covered by other artists including ‘For the Good Times,’ and ‘Help Me Make It Through the Night.’ It was the Janis Joplin recording of this song which finally brought Kristofferson the success in the the music business he had been chasing. Kristofferson also went on to become a famous film star, and has appeared in 89 films to date, including ‘A Star is Born,’ (1976) and the vampire film triology ‘Blade’ (1998-2002 and 2004.)

Janis Joplin was born on January 19th, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, United States, she died at the age of 27 from an accidental drugs overdose. With Jimi Hendrix dying just 16 days earlier, also at the same age, this would lead to the ‘celebrated’ ’27 club’ (see also best songs 806.) Janis Joplin released two studio Albums as lead singer with ‘Big Brother & the Holding Company’ in 1967, and 1968, and two studio Albums as a solo artist. The second Album ‘Pearl’ was released after her death and features her version of ‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ recorded only a short time before here death, with Kristofferson saying, he only first heard her rendition after she had died, and didn’t even know she had recorded it. When ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ went to Number 1 in America for Joplin, it became only the second posthumous Billboard Number 1 single (see also best songs 712.)

‘Me and Bobby McGee’ is the story of two drifters, who eventually become lovers. The pair hitch-hike through the American South, and after they have visited California they split up, with the songs narrator expressing sadness at their parting.

‘One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away. He’s lookin’ for that home, and I hope he finds it. Well, I’d trade all my tomorrows for one single yesterday, to be holdin’ Bobby’s body next to mine.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

342-George Michael-Outside.

1998-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.41. If you’re having your dinner on his kitchen table, give it a wipe first.

George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25th, 1963, in East Finchley, Middlesex, England, he died on December 25th, 2016, at the age of, 53, his death was attributed to dilated cardiomyopathy, with myocarditis, and a fatty liver. It was just prior to his breakthrough success in the early 1980’s with Wham! (see also best songs 991 and 142) that he changed his name legally to George Michael, as he thought it would fit better with his ‘Pop’ profile.

After Wham! split in 1986 George Michael set out on his solo career, which saw the release of six solo studio Albums released between 1987-2014, there have also been two compilation Albums, one live Album, and 48 singles, (including the ‘Five Live’ EP with Queen and Lisa Stansfield) 37 of those singles have reached the UK top 40, with eight of them making the Number 1 spot, including ‘Careless Whisper,’ (1984) and ‘A Different Corner, (1986) which were both released prior to Wham! splitting. In America on Billboard he has achieved 18 top 40 singles, with also eight of those making the Number 1 spot.With sales in excess of 120 million George Michael is one of the worlds all time best selling artists.

‘Outside’ was one of two new songs recorded by George Michael (the other being ‘As’) for his first solo greatest hits compilation Album ‘Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael’ released in 1998, the song was written by George Michael, and co-produced by Michael and Jon Douglas. Earlier in 1998 George Michael had been arrested by an undercover police officer in the public lavatory of the Will Rogers Memorial Park in Beverley Hills, California, an incident which led him to declare his homosexuality. George Michael wrote this song about that incident in a humorous, and self deprecating manner, which is aided by the tracks memorable official video. The songs self mocking lyrics include ‘I’d service the community, but I already have you see.’ Along with a fine, Michael had been sentenced to 80 hours community service for the offence.

The Album’s title ‘Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael’ was also a pun on what had happened in the lavatory, as ‘The Ladies,’ and ‘The Gentlemen’ are a British colloquial term for a gender pacific public toilet. In the UK the Album has sold in excess of 2.7 million copies, and in excess of four million copies worldwide. George Michael who was a large contributor to charities donated all British profits from the Album to the Terence Higgins Trust.’

‘So my angel she says ‘don’t you worry’ about the things they’re saying, yeah. Got no friends in high places, and the game that you gave away wasn’t worth playing.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

343-The Marcels-Blue Moon.

1961-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.29. Co-writer of the song the legendary Richard Rodgers hated The Marcels ‘Doo-Wop’ arrangement so much that he took out advertisements in the music papers urging people not to buy it.

‘Blue Moon’ was written in 1934, with music by Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) (see also best songs 842 and 60) and lyrics by his long term writing partner Lorenz Hart (1895-1943.) In May 1933 Rodgers and Hart were contracted by Metro-Golden-Mayer to write songs for the musical film ‘Hollywood Party.’ ‘Blue Moon’ which at first was titled ‘Prayer (Oh Lord, Make Me a Movie Star’) was not selected for the film, but with re-written lyrics, and this time titled ‘It’s Just That Kind of Play,’ was offered to the 1934 film ‘Manhattan Melodrama,’ but was once again not used. It was Jack Robbins (1894-1959) who was head of the studio’s publishing company at MGM who saw commercial potential in the song, and persuaded Hart to re-write it again, but this time with romantic lyrics. ‘Blue Moon’ is one of the most covered songs in this countdown, with dozens of versions recorded by artists of many differing genres over the decades. It is also a favourite for use in several films, and television programmes.

The Marcels were formed in 1959 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, taking their name from a popular hair style of the day, the ‘marcel wave.’ They were a ‘Doo-Wop’ group who were known for recording popular old songs in the new ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ style. They remained active until 1962, before reforming in 1972 to tour and record, with changes in band membership they continued to perform until 1995. In the UK The Marcels are true ‘One Hit Wonders,’ with ‘Blue Moon’ reaching Number 1, but never achieving another top 40 single, ‘Blue Moon’ was also a Number 1 on Billboard in America. In total they recorded two studio Albums, and released 14 singles between 1961-1963.

The Marcels version of ‘Blue Moon’ was also the title track from their debut studio Album, and was suggested to them to record by the American composer Stu Phillips, who also co-produced the song. Phillips felt that the song needed a little something extra, and suggested that they add the famous introduction (‘Bomp-ba-bap-bomp,’ and ‘Dip-da-dip-da-dip.’) The introduction was an original recording by The Marcels which had appeared on one of their earlier recordings. Stu Phillips is best remembered for providing the incidental music for numerous films and television programmes including writing the themes for ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ and ‘Knight Rider.'(see also best songs 966 and 675)

So what is a Blue Moon? About every 2.7 years, there are four full moons in a season instead of three – the third moon, not the fourth, is dubbed the blue moon. The rarity of the occasion inspired the old saying “once in a blue moon.” What Lorenz Hart was suggesting in his lyrics was that finding true love was very rare, perhaps a once in a lifetime chance, in fact once in a blue moon.

‘And then there suddenly appeared before me the only one my arms will hold. I heard somebody whisper ‘please adore me,’ and when I looked the moon had turned to gold.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

344-Arrow-Hot Hot Hot

1984-Number 59 single. It was remixed, and re-released in 1994 as the ‘World Carnival Mix 94,’ and this time reached Number 38.

Best Bit-At 5.54. The song has been featured in numerous film and television programmes over the years, but of course most fittingly when used as the theme for the 1989 Miss Universe competition.

Arrow was born Alphonsus Celestine Edmund Cassell on November 16th, 1949, in Montserrat, West Indies, he died at his home in Montserrat on September 15th, 2010, at the age of 60 from cerebral cancer. He first started out singing Calypso, but over time would fuse other genres such as R&B and Salsa, he is best remembered as a Soca musician.

‘Hot Hot Hot’ was the title track from Arrow’s eighth Album release from 1982. The song was written by Arrow’s brother Justin ‘Hero’ Cassell, and produced and arranged by Leston Paul, worldwide the song is the best selling Soca song of all time. In total Arrow released 30 Albums between 1972-2002, his only other charting single in the UK is ‘Long Time’ which made Number 30 in 1984.

The song gained further recognition in 1987 when covered by David Johansen as his lounge singer persona ‘Buster Pointdexter,’ the song reached Number 45 on Billboard in America. This was quite a change in style for Johansen who had previously been the singer with the Punk band New York Dolls between 1971-1976, he also rejoined them for their 2004-2011 reunion.

‘Soca’ is a genre of music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970’s, by the fusing of other musical genres such as Calypso, Reggae, Latin, and traditional West African rhythms. It was the Trinidadian musician Garfield Blackman (1941-2000) better known by his stage name ‘Lord Shorty’ who is recognised as defining the genre. It was originally spelt ‘Sokah,’ by Lord Shorty (taken from SOul of CAlypso) but through an error in a local newspaper when reporting on the new genre it was misspelled as ‘Soca,’ Lord Shorty confirmed the error but chose to leave it that was in order to avoid confusion.

‘Calypso’ (see also best songs 390) music originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early to mid 19th Century. As English replaced ‘patois’ (Antillean creole) as the dominant language it was often used by the masses to put their point across to challenge those in government. In 1996 Arrow explained what he saw as the difference between Soca and Calypso, using this song as an example.’Feeling ‘Hot Hot Hot’ makes you forget that there’s a volcano, and remember there’s fun to be had. Soca was made for dancing, and didn’t carry any political messages.’

‘Me mind on fire, me soul on fire, all da people all around me feelin’ hot hot hot. A what to do on a night like this, is it sweet, I can’t resist. We need a party sound, a fun-da-mental charm so we can rhum boom boom boom.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

345-Bessie Smith-Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.

1929. Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 0.56. Bessie Smith’s ‘honorific’ nickname was initially ‘Queen of the Blues,’ but as her career progressed she was promoted to the ‘Empress of the Blues.’

Honorific nicknames are often used by the media, or fans of an artist to indicate their significance, they are often religious, royal, or aristocratic titles, used metaphorically. There are literally dozens and dozens of artists who have been given honorific nicknames, some which come instantly to mind are ‘The King of Rock ‘N Roll’ (Elvis Presley) ‘The King of Pop’ (Michael Jackson) and ‘The Boss’ (Bruce Springsteen.)

Bessie Smith was born on April 15th, 1894, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States, she died on September 26th, 1937, at the age of 43 after being critically injured in a car crash on U.S. Route 61, between Memphis, Tennessee, and Clarksdale, Mississippi. Smith was the most popular female Blues singer of the 1920’s, and 1930’s, and a major influence on fellow Blues singers, and the generations to come including Billie Holiday (see also best songs 624.) Smith herself was inspired by the ‘Mother of the Blues’ Gertrude ”Ma” Rainey (1886-1939) with whom she toured with before starting her recording career. After her death Smith’s estranged husband Jack Gee (1889-1973) thwarted all efforts to purchase a stone to mark her grave, once or twice pocketing the money raised for that purpose for himself. Smith’s grave remained unmarked until 1970 when a tombstone was paid for by Janis Joplin (1943-1970) (see also best songs 341) and Juanita Green, who in her youth had done housework for Smith.

‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’ was written in 1923 by the American Vaudeville pianist Jimmy Cox, (1882-1925) although the song was copyrighted in that year, the first known recording did not appear until 1927 by the Blues artist Bobby Leecan (1897-1946.) The version recorded by Bessie Smith has become her signature song, and has led to the song becoming a ‘Blues standard.’

‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’ was written during the ‘Roaring Twenties,’ a time of economic prosperity. The lyrics are a warning not to squander your money because the good times may not last all that long, and the people that want to know you while you are on top, will not be so keen to, once your finances have gone. The songs lyrics of course proved to be very apt as in 1929 the ‘Wall Street Crash’ took place, followed by the beginning of the 10 year ‘Great Depression.’

‘Once I lived the life of a millionaire, spent all my money, I just did not care. Took all my friends out for a good time, bought bootleg liquor, champagne and wine.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

346-The Velvelettes-Needle In A Haystack.

1964-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.13. Another song we can thank the Northern Soul fraternity for.

It is hard to believe that a song of this high quality has never sold enough copies to reach the UK chart, although it was their most successful song in America when reaching Number 45 on Billboard, the song was most successful in Canada where it made Number 27.If it hadn’t been for the fans of Northern Soul music (see also best songs 969) latching on to it the chances are it would have slipped away into obscurity, but due to it’s popularity it can be found on several Northern Soul compilations. On a personal note I have been playing the song at numerous functions for well over 40 years, and it is probably my most played and popular track that has never been a chart hit.

The Velvelettes probably didn’t receive the attention, and promotion needed to take them to the top, as Motown had what they considered bigger fish to fry with their other girl groups such as the Supremes,(see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148) and Martha and the Vandellas (see also best songs 948.) The Velvelettes were formed in Detroit, Michigan, United States, in 1961 by Bertha Barbee McNeal, and Mildred Gill Arbor, who at the time were both students at Western Michigan University. They were soon joined by Mildred’s sister Carolyn, and then Norma Barbee, who was Bertha’s cousin, and finally Carolyn’s friend Betty Kelley, who made up the original quintet. It was fellow classmate Robert Bullock who was Berry Gordy’s nephew who arranged for the girls to audition for Motown, eventually leading to them signing to the Motown subsidiary ‘VIP Records.’ By 1967 Gill, Norma and Bertha had left the group, and had been replaced by Sandra Tilley (1945 or 1946-1981) and Annette McMillan. The Velvelettes remained active until 1971, but some members did re-unite in 1984 to record for ‘Motorcity Records’, and still tour at the time of writing. The Velvelettes never released an Album on Motown, although one was lined up for release. They had six singles released by Motown, with the 1972 re-release of their 1966 single ‘These Things Will Keep Me Loving You,’ being their most successful in the UK when reaching Number 34.

‘Needle In A Haystack’ was co-written, and co-produced by William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson,(see also best songs 948) and the legendary Norman Whitfield (1940-2008) Stevenson was head of the A&R department at Motown during the ‘glory years’ of the mid 1960’s, he was also responsible for organising, and establishing Motown’s in house studio band the Funk Brothers. Norman Whitfield (see also best songs 911-777-569-533-480 and 233) who would go on to be very influential in the development of Psychedelic Soul in the late 1960’s, and is the writer, or co-writer of 92 hits on Billboard, and 61 in the UK.

A ‘needle in a haystack’ is the representation of something that is very hard to find. The Velvelettes are telling us of their own personal experiences of dating boys. They warn other girls that trustworthy guys are very hard to find, in fact as hard to find as finding a needle in a haystack.

‘Girls, those fellas are sly, slick and shy, so don’t you ever let ’em get you starry eyed. Well, you may think their love is true, but they’ll walk right over you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

347-Al Green-Let’s Stay Together.

1971-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 1.26. Every wedding DJ must own a copy. In a survey of bride and grooms, this song was voted the most popular first dance of all time.

Al Green was born Albert Leornes Greene on April 13th, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, United States. Green was the sixth of 10 children, his father Robert Greene was a devoutly religious man, and after hearing his teenage son listening to secular music kicked him out of the family home. Al Green rebelled by going to live with a prostitute, and dabbling in recreational drugs.

In high school Al Green formed his first vocal group with Curtis Rodgers and Palmer Jones, who were also the writers of Green’s first recording ‘Back Up Train,’ as ‘Al Greene & the Creations.’ The song met with some minor success reaching Number 46 on the Cash Box Top 100 in America. In 1969 Green came into contact with the record producer Willie Mitchell (1928-2010) who signed him to ‘Hi Records’ the label which Mitchel was vice president of.

Green stayed with ‘Hi Records’ through until 1978 releasing 12 studio Albums, and achieving 12 Billboard top 40 singles. By 1977 Green’s record sales were in decline, partly due to his own personal issues, but also due to his desire to become an ordained minister. Green said that one night while performing he fell off the stage, and he took that as a sign from God to move in a different direction. Green recorded eight Gospel studio Albums between 1980-1987, before returning to secular music, where he has released a further eight studio Albums, the latest being ‘Lay It Down’ in 2008. In total Al Green has released 29 studio Albums, and has had 13 Billboard top 40 singles, including the 1988 duet with Annie Lennox on ‘Put a Little Love in Your Heart.’ In the UK seven of his singles have made the Top 40, with ‘Let’s Stay Together’ being the most successful.

‘Let’s Stay Together’ was the title track from Al Green’s fourth studio Album released in 1971. The song was co-written by Al Green, who provided the lyrics, along with Willie Mitchell, and Al Jackson Jr. (1935-1975) who wrote the music, the song was produced by Green and Mitchell. Al Jackson Jr. (see also best songs 712 and 179) who was murdered in 1975 is remembered as one of the most critically acclaimed and innovative drummers of all time, having played on dozens of songs by many of the world’s most talented artists, he was also the drummer, and a founding member of Booker T. & the M. G.’s. (see also best songs 906.)

In 1984 Tina Turner (see also best songs 752-485 and 192) covered ‘Let’s Stay Together’ for her fifth studio Album ‘Private Dancer, her first new release in five years. When released as a single the song reached Number 6 in the UK, and Number 26 on Billboard, kick starting her very successful solo career.

‘I, I’m so in love with you, whatever you want to do is all right with me. ‘Cause you make me feel so brand new, and I want to spend my life with you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

348-Everything but the Girl-Missing (Todd Terry Remix.)

1995-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.55. ‘Could you be dead, you always were two steps ahead.’ Which is probably taking trendsetting a little bit too far.

Everything but the Girl were formed in 1982, in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England, by Tracey Thorn (vocals, and guitar) and Ben Watt (guitar, keyboards, and vocals.) The pair first met when both were attending the University of Hull, they were both also signed to the independent record company ‘Cherry Red Records’ as solo artists at that time. Both Thorn and Watt who had already had material previously released by the label decided to form a duo, and took their name ‘Everything but the Girl’ from the advertising slogan used by the Hull shop ‘Turner’s Furniture,’ situated on Beverley Road. The couple were also romantically involved, which was something they have always tried to keep quiet, they eventually married in 2009.

As ‘Everything but the Girl’ Thorn and Watt have released 11 studio Albums between 1984-1999, and 31 singles, 11 of which have reached the UK top 40, while in America ‘Missing’ is their only charting song when reaching Number 2 on Billboard in 1995. Thorn and Watt mutually agreed to retire ‘Everything but the Girl’ in 1999, Thorn has stated that she no longer wants to tour, and dislikes playing live. Both artists have continued to record solo material since 1999, with Thorn having released four solo studio Albums between 2007-2018, and Watt releasing three between 2014-2020.

‘Missing’ in it’s original form was written by Tracey Thorn and Ben Watts, and was released on Everything but the Girl’s eighth studio Album ‘Amplified Heart’ from 1994, the original production was done by John Coxon. Thorn and Watt had originally written ‘Missing’ as a dance oriented track, but it was after asking the Dance Music producer Todd Terry (see also best songs 805) to remix it, that it really took off. The remix of the song took Everything but the Girl to a whole new level of popularity, with the song becoming the first single to spend 55 consecutive weeks on the Billboard top 100, as well as topping the charts in six countries including Germany, Canada, and Italy.

‘Missing’ is a song that tells of great sadness, where the narrator although having not seen the person they are longing for, for possibly many years, still makes the long journey by train to where they once lived. The narrator has no idea where this person is, and for all they know they could be dead. Whether this person was a former lover, family member, of friend is not explained.

‘Back on the train, I ask why did I come again? Can I confess, I’ve been hanging round your old address, and years have proved to offer nothing since you’ve moved. You’re long gone, but I can’t move on.’