Stories . That Rhyme (Paperback)

Paperback. Stories . That Rhyme The second volume of the Paul Murphy - Lyrics anthologies, this superb collection contains a sweeping range of narrative works, in song, ballad, and prose forms.The pieces herein are almost exclusively from 1990 to 1999 and cover solo works, material from the Murphy-Youngs recordings, and songs written for other artists. Love songs, ballads, social commentaries, eulogies, soaring folk tales that showcase the depth and breadth of his canon are all presented here. Having found a fresh audience through his Internet performances of his vast catalogue, several works are included at the express request of his fans, including the 'mini-movie' 'Pretty Woman And The Photographer', classic peans 'Please Come To Me' and 'I Want To Show You What Love Really Means', and the epic, harrowing tales of love's darkest ramifications, 'Outside The Gates Of Hell' and '"End-Move"'. Moving, heartwarming, emotive, thought-provoking and, occasionally, disquieting, this anthology collates some of the finest works of a songwriter at the height of his powers.A STORY. [excerpt] The carnival was closing downThe band was playing out with 'Auld Lang Syne'She walked into the cold night airHolding a note that said 'Meet me where.You told me once, "Some other time."' She wonders why she really cameCuriosity, or some sense of regret?She's thought about him many a nightAsked herself if she was rightAnd if she was, then why can't she forget? He's changed his shirt a dozen timesAnd said a hundred prayers that she'll be thereHe tells himself, "It's now or never"Tries to pull himself togetherMuttering "If I strike out, I don't care" He's there fifteen minutes earlyAnd starts re-rehearsing his opening lineAnd then behind his back he hears"You haven't changed, in all these years"And he stumbles, "Well, I hope that's a good sign?" He turns on his heels to face herAnd suddenly the memories all come flooding back"How long has it been?" he asks her"Too long," comes the perfect answer"Any way, who's been keeping track?" They hug gently, like friends doBut the echo of fire shines in their eyesThey start exchanging pleasantriesTo put themselves at easeBut there's something in the air they can't disguise He asks her if she'd like a drink"There's a place around the corner that's open all night"They sit 'til dawn in the back-street cafeHave each other laughing right awayBut keeping some unsaid things locked up tight Finally he takes a deep breathAnd says, "I had a motive for getting in touch""Oh yes?" she raises one eyebrowThinking, 'Will he start to lie now?'Saying, "Well yes, I guessed as much" He thinks, 'What does she mean by that?'But then he sees a smile play on her lipsHe tells himself, 'C'mon, take the plunge'Draws a deep breath into his lungs"You and me. us. that is." he trips She slides her hand across to hisAnd says, "Let's just take this step by step""The problem is, when you've been lovers""You know so much about each other""That a secret is a luxury you don't get" He smiles in resigned acceptanceSo she swiftly says "You didn't hear 'yes' -but you didn't hear 'no'."She brushes a hand across his faceWhispers "Take me back to your place""And take me back to the day before 'goodbye'." He undresses her, gently, slowlyKissing every contour, every curveThey make love soft and tenderlyJust the way Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…