21

Album: From The Roots Up (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This piano elegy was inspired by the death of an old friend in prison. "He was in a bad crowd, but he was like a big brother; he always looked after me," Delilah told The Independent. "I remember I was in New York, working. It was 3am and I was in the studio and I got a call from a friend of his saying he'd been in a fight and probably wasn't going to make it. It was going to be his 21st birthday a few weeks later, and that set me off – I had a beat left over from [our recording session] and I just started singing over the top of it. It was all done in a few minutes – it was the fastest song I've ever written."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.