Town Hall Busking

Town Hall Busking

By Paul McCann

 

 

As a busker writing  songs is part of that experience . People and places all have their own story which often can become a song .

Moving around a lot with only a suitcase and a guitar has a lot to be appreciated although I wouldn’t recommend that lifestyle for others .

As far as inspiration goes there is no better motivation for that to happen .

While I was a temporary resident at Hope Hostel in Parramatta, I was able to spend time busking around different suburbs around Sydney . I did prefer busking in the city on weekends and in particular every Friday and Saturday night outside the Hoyts Entertainment Centre in George Street , a short walk from Town Hall Station .

Busking in Sydney is a great experience , with the city lights and passing parade  that are on their way to some show or restaurant .

My spot at the front door their of the movie theatre was a great place to be , sheltered enough from the passing crowd and acoustically perfect with the sheltered of the doorway drowning out most of the sounds of traffic and passing crowd .

Hope hostel then for me was a temporary place  to stay and it only cost five dollars a night for a bed which suited my needs then . As a busker , living rough was the way to get around ,.It made you happy and angry living with no fixed abode but I had no wife or kids so the choice was mine to do what I had to do .

So, there was I at Town Hall on a pavement doing my regular gig .

I loved the atmosphere busking  in the city  to large  crowds that came and went in the blink of an eye . I played a set of my  own  songs  that  always worked  well  in the city with the  passersby  . Opening up with  “ Down At The Crossroads “ followed by  “ Sweden“ and “ Water ” .  Those three songs where like the ice breakers and the sounding level . People seemed to enjoy those songs . Then I would add in a few songs on rhythm guitar adding some  blues  harp  to  compliment  the overall sound  .  While I was busking some people would leave some cons in my guitar case and others would drop in a hamburger or a can of drink which was a lovely touch as when you’re busking you can get thirsty and hungry after a while ,

I spend a lot of time in the city because it inspired to write some songs and melodic hooks often came to me during those late nights .

Busking for me isn’t about making money it’s all about sharing music and songs,

It was also about the communication with people .

“Lucky it’s not raining “

Someone said to me one day while I stood there’re busking,

I went home and wrote a song about that .

 

Lucky Its Not Raining

By Paul McCann

 

On my own miles from home

without a friend to call  my own

I owe the rent and owe the bank.

but what’s the use to moan .

 

Weeks without a bite to eat.

makes it hard to walk the street.

Busking’s all that I can do.

to somehow help me make ends meet.

 

My eyes are burning in my head .

My legs they feel just like lead.

Living on fresh air’s ok

But I’d rather have some bread.

 

Lucky it’s not raining.

when I’m on the corner busking

Lucky it’s not raining.

Cause I’ve got some songs to sing .

 

On my own miles from home , without a friend to call my own .

I have no rent and sing alone , so what’s the use to moan ,

Lucky its not raining when you’re on the

With an audience before me I went on to sing ,
Lucky It's not raining , when you’re on the corner busking .

 

‘Hello,  could  you play me some reggae ?

Someone asked

I  responded ,

“Can’t do Reggae with a six string ?

So, we ended up just singing “One Love” unaccompanied . Busking always brought new songs and people with things to say , which inspired me to write.  

 

On The Corner

By Paul McCann

 

I ventured to the pavement with a guitar in my hand ,

I went to sing my songs on the streets and took a stand  .

I try to make it every Friday but the city is far away.

I’m standing on the corner there and I begin to pray .

 

Yes, I believe in music miracles they come true .

So, I’ll stay for a while and sing some songs to you.

Standing on the corner, a horse without a name

I wished that all my life could start over again .

 

I’ve had enough of everything so tragic.

So, I sing to the city to add a little magic .

On the corner life is good and today might be the day

that you will go walking past and hear the songs I play

 

I’m one of those lonely people and I need you to know.

Life is ok , the music play I just wanted  to say hello .

It’s foggy in the morning and it’s hard to see the sky.

but I still ee hear the footsteps of people passing by .

On the corner life is good and today might be the day 

that you will go walking past and hear the songs I play

City busking leaves you feeling loose and at ease . There are times when the know it’s time to go like when the Hari Krishnas come with their drums and chanting to the spot where you’re busking and shop the crowd that were listening to you . That’s  when O might pack up and take the train back home to Parramatta and a bed at Hope Hostel .

 

The End