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High Line

from Circles in Time by John Holden

/

about

During our 2018 honeymoon trip we visited New York where we took a walk on the High Line; an elevated, linear park or greenway created on a former railroad spur on the city’s West Side.
It is a lovely place to escape the noise and madness of the streets below.
To begin with, the song reveals a budding romance in modern day New York, our protagonists living out ‘Manhattan Dreams’. The lyrics mention features of the area, including the famous Hector’s diner, the ultra-modern Vessel (the iconic landmark of the Hudson Yards redevelopment) and the view across the Hudson River to the distant Statue of Liberty.
The final section takes us back to New York’s early railroads. It’s hard to imagine that beneath the calm refuge that is now the High Line, there was once a street so dangerous that it was less-than-fondly known as Death Avenue. For almost one hundred years a freight line ran through busy streets with block-long trains killing hundreds of people. In the 1850s the city did take precautions, requiring a person on horseback to ride ahead of the train. Known as West Side Cowboys, these legendary figures waved red flags and lanterns to warn pedestrians and traffic of the train’s impending arrival.

lyrics

Gina grabs a coffee she’s working late
Takin’ a chance on the city in real estate
The views are just sublime
On the High Line

Bar Fifty-Five Dan's in the zone
Playin' blue notes on his old saxophone
The music starts to climb
On the High Line

She walks from Village, him from the bar
It’s getting late but it’s not so far
At Hector's you can dine
On the High Line

(Dan) ‘You come here often?’
(Gina) ‘Is that your best line?’
She laughs, he orders drinks
(Gina) ‘Yeah all the time’
The city stars align
On the High Line

They walk and talk, watch the Hudson run
Stealing a kiss in the setting sun
The Vessel starts to shine
On the High Line

Liberty sure feels right
Sharing a perfect moment of delight
The world just takes its time
On the High Line

Cowboys ride
Death Avenue
Forgotten tracks
Abandoned view
Elevate hopes
Sidewalk steam
Living out
Manhattan dreams

credits

from Circles in Time, released March 19, 2021

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John Holden UK

johnholdenmusic.com

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