After a brief, calming introduction, Neville launches into a rhythmic fingerpicking riff. While the main attraction is the lyrics and the depiction of addiction, the colour and phrasing of the chords accompanies this heartbreaking lament beautifully.

“Take a light roll it up/take these scars from this love of ours/try to speak with a open mind when your eyes are left so blind”. “No matter how hard you try to help someone in that situation”, explains Neville, “nobody can change those circumstances for them.”

“Take the fight, soil and blood… before it’s too late”, acts as a message to seek help and to have more support for those in a vulnerable position.

The bridge however, brings us to a place far removed from this “dark, cold place”. It brings us to a more hopeful place, expertly executed by moving to the relative major of the key. However we are unable to settle into this more optimistic space as the F minor creeps into the progression, pulling us back into the verse.

Neville’s songwriting prowess is mature, firm-footed and self-assured. What could easily be mistaken as a love song deals with a very real issue in the heart of our city and cities worldwide. Its important that issues such as these (addiction/homelessness/alcoholism) are discussed in the media and Neville’s effort in this is certainly a step in the direction of change.

-James Christopher