An Open Letter to the Lyrical Trainspotter (Song)

'An Open Letter to the Lyrical Trainspotter' is a song by Mansun which was first released on 3EP as a B-Side to Stripper Vicar and as the hidden track on the bands debut album Attack of the Grey Lantern.

Release information

Three EP Stripper Vicar CD Part 2
3 September 1996 (UK)

Three EP Stripper Vicar CD: Special Mini Album
23 October 1996 (Japan)

Attack of the Grey Lantern
26 March 1997 (Japan)
28 April 1997 (UK)
(unlisted / secret track)

Song Credits

Paul Draper - Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Synthesizer
Dominic Chad - Lead Guitar
Stove - Bass
Andie Rathbone - Drums
Mixed by Clif Norrell
Recorded by Mike Hunter, Ian Caple and Ronnie Stone
Produced by Paul Draper
Written by Paul Draper and published by Universal Publishing Ltd.

Liner Notes:

"..."

Paul Draper, Attack of the Grey Lantern 3CD Collectors Edition

Cover Versions

The song was covered by Richard Lomax for 'We're All In This Together: The Songs of Mansun' and live at the 2014 Mansun Convention.

Lyrics

I'm writing these words like the fool that I am
Trying to say something good like the person
But it's all just a sham 'cos the writer I am not
Could say anything, you'd believe them
Just your A-typical Boy-girl-girl-boy androgynous
Play on a publican's decoy
'Cos I had to drop out 'cos the Art School was sad and
If you believe all of that you're a bigger fool than me

The lyrics aren't supposed to mean that much
They're just a vehicle for a lovely voice
They aren't supposed to mean that much

Lyrics mean nothing, don't right any wrongs
In fact I'm not having them on this
You say they mean nothing just gobbledy-gook
But just look at yourself you're not clever enough
Understanding the truth, you are so out of touch
You believe all of this, you can't see it's a spoof
Understand all the words when they don't even rhyme
And I'm losing the rhythm and the whole thing's getting wierder and wierder

They all believe me
It's all so easy now