A brilliant belter of a Motown-style soul single by the revered Manchester musician and songwriter, capturing the fatal final day of the great singer in 1964, taken from Adamson’s forthcoming new album Cut To Black, which focuses on famous lives cut short and the civil rights movement. Adamson, who grew up on Moss Side, played bass for Magazine, then several other bands, followed solo career of many albums, film music and other projects, as well as the first volume of his memoirs, 2021’s Up Above The City, Down Beneath The Stars.
This song is from the point of view of Cooke, the setting is Haçienda Motel in South Central Los Angeles, 11 December 1964, when the singer picks up Elisa Boyer and ends up getting both barrels of motel manager Bertha Franklin’s shotgun. With soulful sounds, organ and gospel backing, the song was co-written with lyricist Siena Barnes, the chorus repeating Cooke’s reported last words: “Lady, you shot me!”
To explore and enjoy more by Barry Adamson, see also the other embedded links below. Out on Barry Adamson Inc.
I was high when I met her
I really should have known better
She was wild and licentious
Love by the hour’s unpretentious
She was hankering for attention
Neon drug store blessing
I was young and adventurous
With a buck to buy some brand new shoes
The stars they were fading
The high that I am still chasing
At the midnight Hacienda Blue
All my dreams had come true
Ahh Lady you shot me
Lady you shot me
I’m a man and salvation is here
Temptation’s calling me loud and clear
She light me up and blow me away
King of lost souls on my knees and I pray
Cupid’s bullet loaded in her gun
Conquest feels like redemption
Angel singing a devil’s song
Don’t wait for heaven, cos here I come
That bad apple that tastes so sweet
Back seat girl knocked me off my feet
At the midnight Hacienda Blue
All of my love won’t save you
Ahh Lady you shot me
Lady you shot me
Blood moon bathed in cheap champagne
Sunset strip swallowed my soul once again
At the midnight Hacienda Blue
All my dreams faded from view
Lady you shot me
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