When The City Sleeps

Album: Harvest Years (1975)

Songfacts®:

  • "When The City Sleeps" is a song about walking through a deserted city in the small hours. According to the December 1996 issue of the fanzine Nova Lepidoptera, "It's actually a solo track, as Woolly sang and played everything on it." The A Side is "Breathless"; the band used an alias "when this Chicory Tip - style instrumental was issued" and "listening to it now, one appreciates the wisdom of that decision! Just a bit of fun, really, and it could have been worse - it could have been a hit!"
  • The single was released in the UK on the Harvest label on March 21, 1975. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Volker from GermanyThis was released in 1972 under the moniker "BOMBADIL" (a Tolkien character), not BJH. The Composition is credited to "Lester Forest" (aka Woolly Wolstenolme), whereas the A-Side containing the instrumental "Breathless" is credited to "Terry Bull" (aka John Lees). Source: Discogs.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.