Arthur Lee & Love, “Signed D.c.,”
from Love, 1968 & Out here, 1969
Mr. Lee
“Signed D.C.
By Arthur Lee and Love
First released in April 1966 on their debut album, Love
Longer version released in 1969 on album, Out Here
Written by an artist that named his influences as Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Darin, Robert Johnson, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, John Coltrane, Jackie Gleason and Miles Davis, Signed D.C. is a letter in the form of a cry from an addict at their low point. Arthur Lee said the song was about what he saw on the streets and along the walls of the LA nightclubs that the band played. It has been written that D.C. was former Love drummer, Don Conka, whose heroin addition was the end of his tenure with the band. Lee himself said that D.C. was a reference to the District of Columbia”
“Sometimes I feel so lonely
My comedown I’m scared to face
I’ve pierced my skin again, Lord
No one cares
For me
My soul belongs to the dealer
He keeps my mind as well
I play the part of the leecher
No one cares
For me, cares for me
Look out Joe, I’m fallin’
I can’t unfold my arms
I’ve got one foot in the graveyard
No one cares
For me, cares for me”
Inspired by Linda F’s selection by the McGarrigles on the debut of The Bop Shop, long time Radio-Graphics contributor Alan West was cosmically drawn to similar sensibilities in the music of the legendary L.A. band Love.
“Contact me with one of your favorites via the comments section below or lrhaleydesign@gmail.com”