Tag: Slipping Away

This is a good song that got lost in the 1980s shuffle. I had known about Edmunds in 1983 because of three things…seeing Stardust and the single I Hear You Knocking that was given to me. I also remembered him with Rockpile in The Concert for Kampuchea film with Robert Plant.

Dave Edmunds released this song in 1983. I remember hearing it and something about it reminded me of ELO…there is a reason for that. Jeff Lynne produced and wrote the song. It peaked at #39 in the Billboard 100. MTV also played it in a heavy rotation.

Edmunds wanted to do something different and he tried working with Phil Collins but Collins was busy so he connected with Jeff Lynne. Lynne left his mark on the recording but it still has some of the rockabilly elements that Edmunds will bring.

It got a lot of airplay in my region at the time so I was surprised it only went to #39. Very different from his 1970 hit I Hear You Knocking I think this song showed he was able to adapt to the 80s and still retain his rock roots sound.

Dave Edmunds: “Then I thought of Jeff Lynne, because he was Mr. Techno back then and he used to make great-sounding records, although now I listen to them and they sound a bit dated. I’m a bit puzzled why I was so enamored with Jeff, but he is very creative in the studio. He can go in with nothing and right on the spot make a record. I was taken with that. This being 1983, synthesizers were coming into vogue, especially in Edmunds’ native UK. For Jeff Lynne, this was a natural progression, but for Edmunds, it was out of step with his sound – he specialized in rock guitar and simplified productions (he had recently produced the Stray Cats first album). So when “Slipping Away” emerged, featuring a prominent synth played by Lynne, many of Edmunds’ fans were nonplussed.

Edmunds did more work with Lynne on his next album, Riff Raff, but soon returned to his rock roots.

Slipping Away

I can feel you slipping away from me.
A little bit further now every day.
I’m holding on, but I can’t believe
This is how you want it to be.

Oh, you’re slipping away.
Oh, you’re slipping away.

It feels like walking down a long, dark road.
You never talk to me the way you did before.
You ride through the city with your head held high.
And all I can do is watch you go by.

Oh, you’re slipping away.
Oh, you’re slipping away.

I’m gonna give it all I’ve got to give.
I’ve got to hold on, see what tomorrow brings.
You’re slipping away, but give me one more try.
One more chance to wipe these tears from my eyes.
You’re slipping away.
Oh, you’re slipping away