Dad and Pam took me to England summer 1994
Played in London's Shepherd's Bush
Where 5 or 6 came through the door
Went to see Will Shakespeare's yard
And on the winding way back down
We went in search of another bard
In tiny charming Swindon town
The lady at the Pack and Pay
Working behind the cashier's stand
Said, "Yes, he lives right down the way
He was in school with my husband"
My heart was in my mouth as I
Approached his humble country place
A man answered the brown front door
Spectacles upon his face
"Hello Mr Partridge
I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt
But traveling through Britain, sir
I just had to look you up
Your work has meant the world to me
A lifelong fan of XTC…"
With this he smiled and said, "Well then you must come in for coffee"
In shock, I said, "I don't drink coffee," thick as one could ever be
He smiled again and said, "Well then, you really must come in for tea"
A 30 minute dream come true of
Conversation
Inspiration
Stimulation
Fascination
The man could not have been more kind, gentle, real or welcoming
He said he got "Dear God" wrong and how women are the greatest thing
He had some pointed comments for a certain record company head
And when I pressed him further on it
Andy Partridge said:
"Stay independent
No matter what you do
Stay independent
They'll have their way with you
Stay independent
Don't ever compromise
Stay independent"
And with that we took one photograph and said our goodbyes
Stay independent
Stay independent
Stay independent