One of a handful of tracks completed last summer as part of a planned EP that has yet to come to fruition. This will be part of the "Bought and Sold" album that will be completed in the spring. 
Sometime in the summer of 2015 I began thinking about the notion of betrayal. It was highlighted when a person I once though was a friend worked me over earlier this year, leading me to formalize the lyrics. I wondered why people betray others, and while thinking about it pragmatically, I created a tale of trust, duplicity and assumed violence. The song culminates in the final verse, where the narrator recognizes the that his pupil will take the lead. Maybe it is just the cycle of life. Cynically I wonder if subconsciously I was thinking of those one-time friends who put their own needs ahead of a longtime relationship. It might be lovers, it could be acquaintances. It matters little. 

When the ending comes too song, will you steal from me?
Shattered friendship on the ground, will you steal from me?

The basics of the song were recorded live at Quiet Earth with me playing guitar at the same time Brent played his grand piano. Little editing was done on these parts as they were played live without a click track. Old school, that. The key hook is provided by Jennifer Hale, my beautiful and talented wife, who sang the harmony on what amounts to a near duet. 

Christine Newland played cello
Josh Wood crafted an unforgettable french horn motif
Brent sang and played piano
I played guitar, sang lead and harmonies.

Judas Had His Reasons

The third track on Black Heart Machine's second album, Bought and Sold, The Staircase reflects the current uncertainty we all face. Voiced by Brent Jones, it questions how we remove "the villains from their thrones." Of course, it is also powered by a funky groove, so you can dance your disenchantment away (powered by Fil Beorchia).

Music by Robert Thompson and Brent Jones
Lyrics by Brent Jones and Robert Thompson

Vocals: Brent Jones
Guitars: Robert Thompson, Roberto Lorusso
Bass: Robert Thompson
Keyboards: Brent Jones and Robert Thompson
Drums: Fil Beorchia

Produced by Black Heart Machine and Simon Larochette and Sugar Shack
Engineered by Simon Larochette

Robert Thompson 24

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