Hotel Hobbies
Marillion · Official Bootleg Box Set 2 [2010]
Bell boys checkin' out the hookers in the bar
Slug like fingers trace the star spangled clouds of cocaine on the mirror
The short straw took it's bow
The tell tale tockin' of the last cigarette
Markin' time in the packet as the whiskey sweat
Lies like discarded armor on an unmade bed
And a familiar cravin' is crawlin' in his head
And the only sign of life is the tickin' of the pen
Introducin' characters to memories like old friends
Frantic as a cardiograph scratchin' out the lines
A fever of confession a catalog of crime in happy hour
Do you cry in happy hour?
Do you hide in happy hour?
The pilgrimage to happy hour
New shadows tuggin' at the corner of his eye
Jostling for attention
When the sunlight flares
Through a curtains tear
Shufflin' its beams as if in nervous anticipation of another day
Hotel Hobbies
Marillion's "Hotel Hobbies" stands as a defining track from their progressive rock era, showcasing the band's signature blend of intricate guitar work and soaring vocals. Released on the "Official Bootleg Box Set 2" in 2010, the song reflects the group's commitment to musical experimentation and live performance energy. As part of Marillion's extensive discography, the track exemplifies the band's ability to weave complex arrangements with emotional depth, characteristic of their work during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The recording captures the essence of Marillion's progressive style, featuring dynamic shifts and melodic richness that have made the song a staple for fans of the genre. It remains a testament to the band's enduring influence in progressive rock and their mastery of studio production.