Real and unreal
Al Stewart · Other Songs - Al Stewart
You're the only person living in the world
And people that you see
Are one-dimensional and never there at all
Even just the commonplace
Warm familiar greetings are a lie
Their voices and their faces are as empty
As the space beyond the sky
Marilyn is walking with her scarf
Around her head against the rain
The doorways and the shops fill up with people
And it's pouring down again
A man with an umbrella seems to see her
But he turns and looks away
And nothing really matters 'cause there's
Nothing that she wants to do or say
In the real and unreal
In the real and unreal
As she puts the key inside the door
She's just an ordinary girl
Did you ever have the feeling
You're the only person living in the world
In the real and unreal
In the real and unreal
Tomorrow comes around
And yet she doesn't feel a part of it all
Did you ever have the feeling
You're the only person living in the world
Only person living in the world
Only person living in the world
Real and Unreal
Al Stewart's "Real and Unreal" stands as a defining track from his 1971 debut album, *Gonna Take a While*. The song exemplifies Stewart's signature blend of folk-rock and baroque pop, characterized by intricate harmonies and a distinctive, slightly melancholic melody. Released during the height of the British Invasion's lingering influence, the recording captures the introspective mood that would become central to Stewart's career. It explores themes of existential uncertainty and the contrast between perception and reality, delivered with a vocal performance that balances warmth with a touch of wistfulness. The track remains a staple of Stewart's discography, often cited alongside hits like "A Man for All Seasons" as a key representation of his early work and his unique contribution to the genre.