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The Ballad of Ufton Nervet
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One event, many realities
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Trash-pop, guitar rock and melodic miscellany.
Not so much a band as a bloke with a guitar and a laptop, The Smivets deliver a genre-bending blend of pop, rock, punk, prog and many other monosyllables.
Song Info
Genre
Acoustic • Acoustic Folk
Charts
#737 in subgenre Peak #5
Charts
Peak #50
Author
Steve Smith
Rights
Steve Smith
Uploaded
April 20, 2013
Track Files
MP3
MP3 4.2 MB • 128 kbps • 4:37
Story behind the song
On the 6th of November 2004 at 18:20 in the evening, the Paddington to Plymouth express collided with a stationary vehicle at Ufton Nervet level crossing in Berkshire. The train consisted of 8 coaches and 2 Class 43 power cars. The Class 43 is the famous Intercity 125 High Speed Train which is still the fastest diesel locomotive in the world, with a normal service speed of 125mph, although it would have slowed to around 100mph to take the crossing. The train was carrying 200 passengers and weighed approximately 400 tons. With no chance to stop the collision was inevitable, but it struck the car at an angle and the entire train derailed. The Driver of the vehicle, Brian Drysdale, the driver of the train, Stan Martin, and 5 passengers were killed, and over 70 more were injured. The subsequent inquiry found that no equipment had failed, no procedures had been breached and no mistakes were made. This was written and recorded for the CBC Folk music challenge April 2013. A pint o' scrumpy to Jude and Bobby for continuing this fine tradition and making us do stuff.
Lyrics
Gather you round, I've a tale to tell One not now remembered well Of one event, many realities: The Ufton Nervet tragedy 2004 November night From Paddington station's bustle and light On the famous old Great Western Line The Plymouth train is dead on time Stan Martin's driving the class 43 The fastest diesel loco the world will ever see Rocketing on through the Berkshire vale But no-one counted on Brian Drysdale In the vicious icy grip of despair Drysdale found life too much to bear So on Ufton crossing that misty night He stopped his car and turned off his lights. There was zero chance for Stan to miss Granting Drysdale's final wish But the car contorted upon impact And the entire express train left the track. 71 injured and 6 more dead Nobody ever prosecuted Brave Stan Martin and the others died But they'll get no justice from a suicide The TVP and the Railway Safety Board Investigated with one accord Trying to find some blame to bring But they couldn't find one single thing That fact is there are some risks you can't prevent There'll always be that 0.01% Whilst at Ufton Nervet a plaque now reads: "One event, many realities"
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Ken Sacco
Jul 06, 2013
excellent!
Dr. Bob's Jazz - Benefit Boppin' Quartet - JBBQ
Apr 29, 2013
This is an OUTSTANDING Folk Song, Seth!!!!! Your vocal is so expressive of the lyrical message. And the instrumentation is "just right" - especially the blend of the acoustic with the precussion. You did not let "smoke get in our eyes" with this one (ha - as per your recent astute comment on a JBBQ tune) - only "the beauty of Folk Music into our ears" - Thanks for the pleasure of this song, and the download.
Joe Hill
Apr 28, 2013
This is classical folk. A true story, very well written lyric wise, and wonderful musical composition. I really enjoyed this Steve!
Pinecats
Apr 24, 2013
Tale telling that pulls you in. Instrumentation generates a feel that fits perfect. Good dynamics and well done on all levels. excellent job on this. Liked the instrumental break alot. Kinda meloncholy like the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Keyshardy
Apr 24, 2013
You perform this so well. Serious theme put accross perfectly to music. Great work here Steve.
GinNger SparklezZz
Apr 23, 2013
wow! very dramatic with powerful lyrics!! wonderful performance, both musicaly and vocaly!!
Oddger
Apr 23, 2013
Your tunes reaaly made my day - or night, I suppose, at the CBC Folk challenge. This one follows the old tradition of taking a tragic event and turn it into a folk song, but with a very personal twist. It's just great the way you are able to make the song evolve, twist and turn to suit the dramatic lyrics. Sure loved this one - a favourite for sure!
Drumnjon
Apr 22, 2013
YOUR SOUND IS AMAZING..so peaceful... I love it ...soo cool Seth! What a GIFT! JON:):):)
Michael Bennett
Apr 21, 2013
Superb and top shelf all the way - the storyline is a very powerful one!
VMP (USA)
Apr 21, 2013
Thought provoking indeed, powerful to the max, brilliant execution, heart wrenching, fine work.
Rodrica Rudge
Apr 21, 2013
Very distressing tale, very sympathetically and emotionally conveyed. I often think a song can best put across our sense of being emotionally lost in these situations; nobody knowing who to blame, or how to handle the sense of anger or grief. Campaigners opposing the new HS2 high speed link would echo the sentiments of this song. HS2 is wrong on many levels and this song illustrates that nobody can predict when accidents occur. HS2 is an accident waiting to happen. A very thought-provoking and song, executed with a lot of passion.
Michael Duran
Apr 20, 2013
Heartbreaking tale Steve, well written and performed with skill and passion. doesn't get any better my friend