Hunter co-wrote Walk On Water with Robbie Alter as an oblique narrative along the cryptic style of Shallow Crystals and Silver Needles. The Caledonian swing of the introduction gives sway to a heavy drum beat and sparkling guitar while a tormented soul gets lost in rock 'n' roll and does not come out alive. Ian echoes the spirit of Guy Stevens in this song and could refer to Kurt Cobain who died in April 1994; Hunter has not identified a specific individual.
Pushed too far artists find themselves inexperienced and not ready for prime time. The point of the song is that they are not Jesus who can walk on water and they are a lamb for the slaughter. It could have happened to Hunter "but for the grace of God." It is a warning not to push the limits too soon. Hunter says this is not a favorite of his. He did have similar thoughts about the New York Dolls and they could have been bigger if they were allowed to develop and not pushed too soon.
Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me
Walk On Water
(Ian Hunter/McNasty)
Little flame tormented soul
tried to get lost in all that rock and roll
Came crashing through here like some hurricane
too much too soon for you little flame
[chorus]
You can't walk on water
you can't walk on water, don't try
like a lamb to the slaughter
oh! but for the grace of God go I
Little flame caught that savage sound
he liked to turn it upside down
well I think I know what you were talking about
I'm just so sorry that your flame went out
Fun with no conscience, tracks with no tears
the rich get richer and the devil's got no fears
Sounds his call, political lies
there ain't no virtue without sacrifice
You can't walk on water
You can't walk on water
You can't walk on water
You can't walk on water
You can't walk on water
You can't walk on water
You can't walk on
[repeat and fade]
| Walk On Water | 3:50 | Originally issued on The Artful Dodger. |
Posts
