The Art Of Conversation by The Shambles

The Shambles' Comments:  When I lived in London, I got used to sitting next to and opposite people in trains and not speaking.  On my last visit, I was amazed to find trains full of people talking, but still not to each other.

Now I walk the streets of the city
I've never felt so alone
Everybody's talking, yes
But only on the phone
Now everybody's talking it seems
And it's good to see
The art of conversation's not dead
But they ain't talking to me

I heard a friendly voice saying "hello"
I looked to find someone I know
I turned to meet the eyes of a stranger
Who carried on talking, as they watched me go
Don't know what the phones may do to your brain
Know what they do to mine and I'm trying to explain
Not sure if you're in any danger
But they're slowly driving me insane

Now I walk the streets of the city
I've never felt so alone
Everybody's talking, yes
But only on the phone
Now everybody's talking it seems
And it's good to see
The art of conversation's not dead
But they ain't talking to me

All of these things happen so fast
Just a passing craze or will it last?
Is this what the future is bringing?
Is talking face to face a thing of the past?
Are you worried like me or do you think it's fine
To hear all of this talking, all of the time
For even now, I can hear a mobile ringing
Please excuse me….. I think it's mine

Now I walk the streets of the city
I've never felt so alone
Everybody's talking, yes
But only on the phone
Now everybody's talking it seems
And it's so good to see
The art of conversation's not dead
But they ain't talking to me

© Roger Gall 2000.