I suppose like most English people, my acquaintance with this song is through Ralph McTell - he put it it on his Streets album - so its from the years when Tony Visconti was producing his stuff. Streets was the album released in the wake of Streets of London being a hit so a very smooth production, and lots of people bought the album, and as a consequence are familiar with this song.

its strange how some very easily understandable blues (think of that Lemon jefferson one where the family are given back the body of a loved one who has died in the electric chair) and yet remain virtually unknown - whilst things like Easy Rider, matchbox, and this one , where the meaning is obscure to say the least, exercise a fascination over lots of artists.

all the best

Big Al Whittle