The Years Grow Tall
In the 2011 box set, The World Turned Upside Down, Leon stated (on p60 of the accompanying book) that he never writes the music to his songs prior to the words, but cites "The Years Grow Tall" as the sole exception. Elsewhere he has remarked on how the song resembles no other in his catalogue, although the sentiment and solemnity of the composition are highly affecting. A regretful number on the inevitable passing of time, it was recorded for I Didn't Mean It with Roy Bailey singing lead over Fiz Shapur's piano.
"It sounds to me like nothing else I've ever written." - LR (sleevenotes to Guess What They're Selling at the Happiness Counter, 1992)
Recordings
Version 1 (1988) Performed by Roy Bailey (vocal) and Fiz Shapur. Leon does not feature.
- I Didn't Mean It
- Guess What They're Selling at the Happiness Counter
- Past Masters Roy Bailey compilation