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Crocodile Eyes

from Bits & Pieces by The Usual

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about

This recording was a demo mixed from production tapes as the band prepared to record their final album 'Born in a Storm'.

The song was inspired by South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (www.justice.gov.za/trc) which was advocated by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu where both Apartheid victims and perpetrators of violence could come and tell their stories and hopefully find closure. President PW Botha arrogantly refused to appear. His nickname was 'Groot Krokodil / Big Crocodile) for his cold, ruthless violence during the last brutal days of Apartheid in the 80's.

While thumbing through a National Geographic Magazine while writing the song, I found an article on Crocodiles - ancient, prehistoric creatures who have not necessitated evolution for millions of years.

The comparison was uncanny and the lyric was written.

lyrics

Crocodile eyes

Close your eyes and don’t let the sunlight in
It might make you think more clearly
And change your disguise
You dragged us down into darkness
Into your swirling world
With just enough air to breathe
So we could survive

My life flashes by in a memory
My thoughts are frozen in time
Still you say I’m too young to remember
Your crocodile eyes
I’m drowning in this river of tears
There’s no hope but I’ll still hold on
I’ll sink or surrender

Now that you’ve closed that door
We’ll never know for sure
If it’s your cold-blooded silence or fear we despise
Why does this darkness surround you?
Where is the light that you hide?
It’s only the truth that can save you
Never the lies

Still my life flashes by right in front of me
And my thoughts are frozen in time
Still I hear you say I’m too young to remember
Your crocodile eyes
I’m drowning in this river of tears
There’s no hope but I’ll still hold on
I’ll sink or surrender
Crocodile lies
I still won’t swim, but I’m treading water
As I think of the choices you gave
Sink or surrender

Close your eyes and don’t let the sunlight in
It might make you think more clearly
And change your disguise
You dragged us down into darkness
Into your swirling world
You fed us on half the truth to keep us alive

credits

from Bits & Pieces, released August 18, 2015
Written by James Stewart

Performed by The Usual

James Stewart - Vocals/ guitar
Tom Fox - Guitar/ Backing vocals
Yoyo Buys - Bass Guitar
Paul Tizzard - Drums

Recorded by Gravel and Richard Black at Street Level Studios (Cape Town)

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The Usual Cape Town, South Africa

The Usual captured the hearts and minds of South African audiences with national number 1 hits like 'The Shape that I'm in' and multi-SAMA award winning 'Like a Vision' and other chart-topping singles in the early naughties.

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