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about

This song was written back in the 70's when Elyce and I packed up and left good jobs in Montreal, chasing the dream of my "making it" with my songs in Toronto. The trouble was, without money for rent, we ended up scrambling to get by, me as a waiter, Elyce selling pens at Simpsons. Music was put aside to survive. "You're my island of peace in this blind concrete sea," about sums it up.

I arranged Refuge as a string quartet but had to add an upright bass to be satisfied after 20 odd mixes.

My son, Oliver, joins me on background vocals. He's helped me out on a number of songs over the years. (Maybe one day he'll let me release the EP I recorded with him as the featured singer when he was 7 years old!)

lyrics

Refuge - song by Elyce & Benjamin Russell (socan)

The street looks just like a set in a movie
Wet and shining in the night light’s glance
I’ve just been sprung from a late night shift
Looking for a cab but I don’t have a chance

The city’s deserted, no people, just cars
Cruising like sharks through the freezing rain
Though empty and hollow, it’s heavy as hell
The weight of this city could drive me insane

Chorus
And I long for the shelter I find in your arms
Safe from this city’s cruel lies
And I long for the refuge I find in your eyes

I don’t think I knew what heartbreak was
Till we were led here by my wandering soul
The promise I saw then now seems a mirage
Leading away from my elusive goal

Chorus

It’s raining, it’s cold, I’m tired and let down
Kept my head above water but it’s hard to do
You’re my island of peace in this blind concrete sea
I wish I were already home, warm with you

Chorus

credits

from Balance (2020), released February 26, 2021
backing vocals - Oliver Russell

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Benjamin Russell Montreal, Québec

Benjamin Russell is a multi-genre singer-songwriter, painter, graphic artist, videographer, writer living in Montreal, Quebec.

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