Real Or Imaginary didn't quite make the cut but was only released as part of a bonus EP with initial copies of the CD. The singer writes to his mother that he is ok recognizing that everyone has got an enemy, real or imaginary. In this case, the fright that the singer expresses is his deployment in warfare. Hunter has written against the stupidity of warfare elsewhere in Flowers and Death 'n' Glory Boys.
Although not part of the official release Hunter is quite keen on the song. The song was eliminated only because the CD was full and already had the correct balance of slow and heavy songs. The song just didn't fit because would have overloaded the slow songs on the release. Both Wasted and this track would have slowed down the CD too much. The release included those songs that fit together to form a coherent message and sequencing. The bonus tracks of the EP weren't a marketing ply the eleven songs included on the regular release fit together.
Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me
Real or Imaginary
(Ian Hunter)
Midnight
Just sent the letter home
Mom, I'm okay
It won't be long
But everybody's got an enemy
Real or imaginary
Send for the cavalry
I wonder if I got it wrong
And I confess
I ain't the bravest
Wish I was home with you
Where I belong
But everybody's got an enemy
Real or imaginary
Deep down inside of me
I wonder if I got it wrong
We're the entertainers
You've seen us on TV
Headlines in all the papers
For all the world to see
But I miss you
And all those little things you do
Don't a shed a tear for me
We must be strong
Everybody's got an enemy
Real or imaginary
Just before I go to sleep
I wonder, have I got it wrong?
Real Or Imaginary | 3:39 | Originally released on the bonus EP with initial copies of Shrunken Heads. |