Railway Hotel
Roger Whittaker · The Genius Of Love [1986]
The bass from the jukebox was coming through the floor,
And out through the walls
we could still hear the roar of the trains.
Was this all the comfort we got for our sins?
No candles, no waiters, no soft violins?
A dirty electric convector plugged into the mains.
I had wanted much more for the first night with you,
but the railway hotel was the best I could do.
I knew the Savoy would have suited you well,
but the best I could do was the railway hotel.
Away in the sky were the lights out a jet,
Burning in the night like a slow cigarette.
The lamp in the street threw a soft silhouette on the wall.
And though it was crumbling and rundown and dead.
A chair and a sink and an old single bed,
the love we began and the things that we said, I recall.
I had wanted much more for the first night with you,
but the railway hotel was the best I could do.
I knew the Savoy would have suited you well,
but the best I could do was the railway hotel.
Railway Hotel
Roger Whittaker's 'Railway Hotel' stands as a poignant addition to his extensive catalogue of folk and pop standards. Recorded on the album 'The Genius Of Love [1986]', the track exemplifies his signature style, blending acoustic warmth with a narrative approach to songwriting. Throughout his career, Whittaker has maintained a reputation for delivering intimate performances that highlight the emotional depth of classic compositions. This recording reflects his continued commitment to exploring themes of love and reflection, consistent with his work on albums such as 'Reflections Of Love' and 'Legendary'. The song serves as a testament to his enduring ability to connect with audiences through timeless musical storytelling, characteristic of his contributions to the folk genre.