Old Musical Discoveries - Fairport Convention - Genesis Hall

Even though this tune was written by Sandy Denny's bandmate & future superstar Richard Thompson, there could not be a better showcase of Sandy's vocal prowess. Of course, Richard is no slouch in the guitar playing department - never overplaying, just the right notes at the right time. The history of this tune bears repeating. Prior to writing this song, there was an incident at the site of the former Bells Hotel on Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London. Evidently, having been abandoned and made derelict, the site soon attracted a coterie of homeless squatters who affectionately referred to their new lodgings as "Genesis Hall". The authorities had warned the squatters to vacate. After refusing on several occasions the police led by Richard Thompson's Captain father entered Genesis Hall & physically removed all the squatters. Richard was inspired to write the tune to demonstrate the contrasting viewpoints especially those of the squatters much to the indignation of his father. See if you do not appreciate the song more once knowing its inspiration. Sandy's singing brings forth the perfect degree of pathos required. FYI, the elderly couple in the photo that served as their British album cover is Sandy's parents.


Here is Fairport performing the tune live post-Sandy

Full Fairport band performance

All Star Fairport Convention reunion Withe Teddy (Richard's son) on lead vocals.

Richard Thompson solo version

Cropredy Festival version with Vicky Clayton on lead vocals

June Tabor's accapella version

Jefferson Starship version with Darby Gould on lead vocals

Jefferson Starship live version


"My father he rides with your sheriffs
And I know he would never mean harm
But to see both sides of a quarrel
Is to judge without hate or alarm


Oh, oh, helpless and slow
And you don't have anywhere to go

You take away homes from the homeless
And leave them to die in the cold
The gypsy who begged for your presents
He will laugh in your face when you're old

Oh, oh, helpless and slow
And you don't have anywhere to go

Well, one man he drinks up his whiskey
Another he drinks up his wine
And they'll drink till their eyes are red with hate
For those of a different kind

Oh, oh, helpless and slow
And you don't have anywhere to go

When the rivers run thicker than trouble
I'll be there at your side in the flood
It was all I could do to keep myself
From taking revenge of blood

Oh, oh, helpless and slow
And you don't have anywhere to go
Oh, oh, helpless and slow
And you don't have anywhere to go"

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