I have my wonderful mum to thank for my love of Richard Hawley. Around 3 or 4 years ago, she asked me to get me one of his albums for Christmas. Now, as someone who only likes to give people CDs or books as a present- I was more than happy to buy her one of his albums.

I found out the real reason as to why she loves him so much immediately. It’s not because he’s one of the best singer/song-writers in this country, but it’s because he’s a Yorkshire lad. I went through this with her about Arctic Monkeys. I came home with their debut album when it came out- she refused to listen, “They’re from the wrong side of the Pennines!” Was what she hollered at me. It took several conversations and a few articles to prove to her that they were also Yorkshire lads. With knowing this, she bloody loves them. Funny thing is, she worships Morrissey. She said he’s the only exception.

Well it is true, Yorkshire is THE superior county. I must point out my mum is from Yorkshire, she doesn’t have some strange obsession with the county- she is from there.

Right, anecdote out of the way. I’ll discuss my appreciation for Mr. Hawley.

His voice is so soothing and his lyrics are simply wonderful. He’s a poet, there’s no doubt about it. Even if you don’t like his music (how could you not?!) just read his lyrics, they flow like poetry. I don’t want to focus on his time in the Longpigs or Pulp; I’m going to keep it about his lyrics.

The meaning of true love can be heard and felt in a Richard Hawley song, “You’re the one who sees the darkness on the edge of town. You’re the one my arms surround. You’re the thorn and you’re the crown.” This is easily my favourite lyric of his, it’s just so beautiful. He is well and truly, the last of the Romantics. His music make you feel like you are in a log cabin with only the stars and an open fire for company. To be honest, what more does one need? It’s the simple things that matter.

Without Richard Hawley, the true sense of Romanticism in music would be dead. He is just everything the younger generations need to hear. There is more to music than singing about getting drunk or yelling “I’m a freak, love me!” Nobody cares for that bullshit, it is highly irrelevant. This is why we need folks like PJ Harvey and Richard Hawley. They will be remembered for a very long time, the others won’t. I can only hope someone hears a Richard Hawley and is inspired to write something with meaning.

Aside from being a Romantic, there’s a Political side to his lyrics. One song in particular just hits the nail on the head with regard to how messed up British society is, “Those people they got nothing in their souls. And they make our TVs blind us from our visions and our goals. Oh the trigger of time it tricks you so you have no way to grow.” Taken from, Tonight The Streets Are Ours- this line just sums up how television has ruined peoples hopes and dreams. They see things on TV that they think can be achieved and ignore what they want. They force themselves to want what Society makes them want.

His last solo album, Truelove’s Gutter refers to a place in Sheffield and was also recorded in Sheffield. Another reason as to why this album is a bloody masterpiece. Remorse Code is close to 10 minutes of utter perfection. It’s so chilling, and so beautiful. It’s just more proof that songs that last over 5 minutes are actually the best. Nobody wants something that lasts 2 minutes, you want something that goes on forever and sends you into another world. Even his shorter songs have this affect on you. He’s just an insanely gifted songwriter.

Personally, Valentine is my favourite. I love the meaning behind it and the lyrics just, I don’t know. They just do something to me that just proves I’m far too sensitive for my own good most of the time. Sometimes, it’s bloody bittersweet when a song so beautiful just rips you apart. The line, “I’m scared you don’t need me anymore.” It’s too poignant for words. It always breaks my heart.

Artists such as Richard Hawley are the reason as to why lyrics are so important to me. Of course I can appreciate certain parts in songs that just blow your mind, but there is something about how a line is sung, and what is sung that just collides with your soul and comforts you. I have my mum to thank for my love for Bob Dylan, and also Richard Hawley. He’s a National Treasure.