Toby: 
This song begun as I sat waiting for the bus into town in Austin, Texas on my trip to the USA in 2012. I had spent nearly all the money I had saved and was facing at least a couple of weeks living off the proceeds of my busking money. The sun beat down fiercely, and I thought of how he'd love to get behind the bus stop sign to shelter in the shade. I was very far from the green rolling hills of Herefordshire. The first line came into my  head - "Another five-thousand miles and I'm fighting for a sliver of shade"...!
Some trusted confidants have requested a lyrics sheet! So, you have the first line, here's line two and all the rest:

Could do with twenty dollars or I’m stuck in central Texas for days.
Well I pull out the case singing ‘Blowing In The Wind’,
Won’t be last time – finish, singing it again:

I’m nearly nearly broke,
My throat as dry as smoke,
But gotta play my folk,
Yeah - that’s what I want!

I dream about my real lover but for now I just take what I’m given,
People go “say you’re from England, you’ll be fed watered five days of your living”,
But people are walking past just as blank as the sun,
On my fifth song got five dollars want another one:

I’m nearly nearly broke,
My throat as dry as smoke,
But gotta play my folk,
Yeah - that’s what I want!

Well I turn up by the school run,
I’ve had it with the so-called advice,
Start playing my Beatles ‘It’s Only Love’ – forget the ‘Don’t Think Twice...’
Well it’s alright now, in fact it’s a gas,
They find me kinda charming in fact they’re throwing the cash:

I’m not getting broke and,
Feeling all the love and,
So glad that I came and,
Yeah I played with my two hands!


Nearly Broke

Toby: 
One of the first songs I wrote, back when I was still an angsty teenager. Growing up in a farming family, I have never been much of a natural at that noble trade. This song sort of satirises my own angst. 
Additional  backing vocal by Simon Knighton.

Failed The Hay Again

An adaptation of a blues-ragtime progression used by Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy and rockabilly artist Billy Lee Riley amongst many many others. Features Amelita Mercer, formerly of the Harlequin Dynamite Marching Band on backing vocals (some may have seen her perform the entire song live on tour). A song about trying to be the cool voice of reason to a person who makes bad partner choices, when you may actually want them for yourself...
First Parker & The Suitcase song to feature electric guitar, a guitar solo, and a female vocal...
 

Not Many Mans Can Dance

Parker & The Suitcase was born out of Toby Parker - singer, guitarist, harmonica player, foot tambourinist - experimenting with sitting on and banging a suitcase with a drum beater on the streets of Liverpool, whilst playing all the aforementioned, Thursday 7th March 2013. Thus the essential big-beat Suitcase sound was found.
Not deterred by the sad demise of said suitcase (replaced by solid wooden box "cajon"), Parker then had the happy addition of Eric Ng on double bass & backing vocals, added loop pedals, maracas, distortion pedals, and an expanding range of stage hats.
They have been gigging small clubs, birthday parties, weddings and small festivals, they are currently waking up the neighbours recording demo tracks, they are Parker & The Suitcase.
Please email tobydmparker@yahoo.co.uk for bookings and anything else!

Parker & The Suitcase

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