Journal Entry 4: Warwick Avenue

“When I get to Warwick Avenue, meet me by the entrance to the tube.” The Welsh singer Duffy released a song called Warwick Avenue that I just had to see. Knowing absolutely nothing about the area, I hopped on the tube and found my way to the subject of one of my favourite songs.



I explored the region a little bit as I listened to the song on repeat and noticed signs that said Little Venice.



Intrigued, I followed the signs in the area of Maida Vale. The area is mostly residential with Victorian mansion flats, much like those of Kensington and Chelsea. In the southern part of Maida Vale, there are two canals, thus the name “Little Venice” that is home to many houseboats. Regent’s Canal and Grand Union Canal help make up the strip that is Little Venice. English poet Robert Browning used to live there in the 1860s. Putting myself back in that time, I’d think it’d be a nice change from the bustle of the street and a kind of serenity to live on the water. But I don’t know how that would fare if one got seasick easily.


--Lyrics to Duffy's Warwick Avenue from her debut album Rockferry

When I get to Warwick Avenue
Meet me by the entrance of the tube
We can talk things over a little time
Promise me you won't step out of line

When I get to Warwick Avenue
Please drop the past and be true
Don't think we're okay just because I'm here
You hurt me bad, but I won't shed a tear

I'm leaving you for the last time, baby
You think you're loving, but you don't love me
I've been confused, out of my mind lately
You think you're loving, but I want to be free
Baby, you've hurt me

When I get to Warwick Avenue
We'll spend an hour but no more than two
Our only chance to speak once more
I showed you the answers; now here's the door

When I get to Warwick Avenue
I'll tell you, baby, that we're through

I'm leaving you for the last time, baby
You think you're loving but you don't love me
I've been confused, out of my mind lately
You think you're loving, but you don't love me
I want to be free; baby, you've hurt me.

All the days spent together
I wished for better,
But I didn't want the train to come
Now it's departed -- I'm broken hearted,
Seems like we never started
All those days spent together
When I wished for better
And I didn't want the train to come

You think you're loving, but you don't love me
I want to be free.
Baby, you hurt me, you don't love me,
I want to be free; baby, you've hurt me.

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