CARDIACS – R.E.S.

From The Seaside Treats VHS tape (1984)

R.I.P. Timothy Charles Smith (3 July 1961 – 21 July 2020). Tim Smith was an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and music video director who gained attention as frontman of Cardiacs, a band he started with his brother Jim Smith.

[Verse 1] A stitch in time saves nine in time To stay alive ’cause we are so divine In my mind I can’t stop dying I wish there was no stopping me now In the hope I’m to grow old I’ve been told to keep my head down to the ground It’s like standing in the playground looking at the ground Trying not to notice all the kids around

[Chorus] The will to be kind is mine But that’s the way we all go The people subsiding are always advising That that’s the way we all go

[Verse 2] Calling is craving is letting the rain in It peers at me and is it understanding? Ha! Holding me with all its derelict charm Rushing round me and slipping but never falling — down! “Give me something I don’t need” My friend cried till his face bled really really red It stays here all my life, it fears towards me

[Chorus] A stitch in time saves nine in time But that’s the way we all go The higher the chances the higher the climb But that’s the way we all go

Is everybody happy?

[Interlude]

[Chorus] Ah but I’m lost not for words or for kindness or sympathy That’s the way we all go There’s thousands of people just like me all over But that’s the way we all go

[Outro] My hope day is forever coming closer My hopes and fears are uncommon and it’s he Who asks for me now So I’ll stay here until it’s saving my life Sing la la la la la la la I’d say