We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Cheshire Cat Smile

from Over The Step And Beyond The Wall by Will Riding

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Cheshire Cat Smile was written in response to requests for entries for a friendly little songwriting contest on Circl8 radio, here in Chester, being run by Russ and Beth. It was intended as something to raise spirits at the end of the year while we were still locked down. Which it did; a fine array of songs and styles kept us all in thrall for a month or two and gave the creative urge a little time in the daylight.
It’s a song that looked forward to coming out of lockdown and returning to a normal way of life - which is still very much in flux – paying particular attention to the city itself.

lyrics

What a year, what a palaver
Beaten, battered and down
Winter, spring, summer merged into one
A hush settled over the town...

We retreated into our music
Into our books and dreams
While outside our walls an invisible foe
Tore us apart at the seams

But when the hooves hit the turf on the Roodee
And the young people turn on the style
When the new world begins
I'll throw back my shoulders
And give it a Cheshire cat smile

I'll enter a real world were people have faces
And lose myself in a crowd
Leave social media's rancour behind
Meander my way into town

With fresh air and daylight as trusty
companions
We'll conquer the age of denial
I'll wave to the boatman stuck in the staircase
And give him a Cheshire cat smile

We'll tread just a little bit lighter
Dance just a little bit more
We'll be kites in the wind of elation
Sing til our voices are sore

Those lines on the ground will just be a memory
Like riots in the bakery aisle
One day we'll look back at all of the madness
And give it a Cheshire cat smile

credits

from Over The Step And Beyond The Wall, released November 8, 2021

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Will Riding image

Will Riding Chester

A Lancashire born, Chester based singer-songwriter with a deft and playful turn of phrase and acoustic - folk sensibilities inspired by, amongst other things, 70’s Children’s TV.

contact / help

Contact Will Riding

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Will Riding, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring interviews with LA music scene pillar Kamasi Washington, and new London-based duo Mrcy.

listen now