One of the songs I really like by Glasvegas (one of the bands we saw in Minneapolis) is called Geraldine. It’s probably the only song ever written about a social worker. There are many images of sacrifice and salvation in it that I appreciate although there’s also a strong sense of lampooning the desire some of us have to be other people’s saviours whether they want it or not.

 

The challenge (and charm) of Glasvegas is that their Scottish brogue is so thick it’s hard to understand the lyrics – so here they are. I’ve posted the video to the left but you won’t see it in Facebook – you have to visit my blog at http://poet.spaces.live.com .

 

 

When your sparkle evades your soul

I’ll be at your side to console

When you’re standing on the window ledge

I’ll talk you back, back from the edge

I will turn your tide

Be your shepherd I swear be your guide

When your lost in your deep and darkest place around

May my words walk with you home safe and sound

When you say that I’m no good and feel like walking

I need to make sure you know it’s just the prescription talking

When your feet decide to walk you on the wayward side

Climbing up upon the stairs and down the downward slide

I will turn your tide

Do all that I can to heal you inside

I will be the angel on your shoulder

My name is Geraldine I’m your social worker

I see you

Need me

I know you do