Written by Tom Robinson. This rough demo was recorded with an unfinished early draft of the lyrics and great playing from our live drummer Nick Trevisick. A later version of the song was released in 1979 on the TRB TWO album with different lyrics on the first two verses.
*Note geographically inaccurate lyric on this song: Brixton Market is not in SE3 (Bleckheath), or even SE23 (Forest Hill). But SW9
lyrics
He was always either posing of faking
Like some little boy lost in the world
He set all the teenagers aching
and broke the heart of every boy and the girl
He already lived in some danger
And for some reason that I just can't see
He fell in love with a sweet black angel
Down in Brixton Market SE3*
From South Kent country up to Cleveland
There were good times in every town
He never much wanted to leave them
But he couldn't stop moving around
He lives his life like a stranger now
And that's the way that he wants it to be
Ever since he fell in love with the sweet black angel
And he says I've got it coming to me
I'm in love with the Sweet Black Angel
And I know he's cominig after me
I've got a friend in Borstal
I've got a friend next door
I've got a friend in my own double bed
I've got a real friend in the law
I've got a friend in Jesus
But we're just good friends you see
I'm in love with the Sweet Black Angel
I know he's coming after me
I'm in love with the Sweet Black Angel
I know he's coming after me
I'm in love with the Sweet Black Angel...
I know he's coming after me
credits
from CAFÉ SOCIETY - Troubadour,
released September 1, 2023
Lead vocal: Tom / Lead gtr: Hereward / Acoustic gtr: Raphael / Piano: Tom / Bass: Nick South / Drums: Nick Trevisick / Demo engineered by Roger Wake / Remastered by Gerry Diver
supported by 55 fans who also own “Sweet Black Angel”
Quite good songs from some new inexperienced band that I've never heard but I think they have promise though really they needed to start their career say in the mid-1970's during a time of strife & hope with clashing cultures & international conflict to help inspire the tempering of this raw talent into something folkish and joecoqueresque avec a nouveau sensibility of finger pickin' geetar and riddim&blooooozzz and glued back hair, sequins, glitter, safetypins & paperhats. A good first attempt. quangobaud
supported by 23 fans who also own “Sweet Black Angel”
So much atmosphere conveyed by so few words. This track truly lives up to its title and not only that - this version features Steve Laurie and Pat Davey - two old muso friends from the eighties. Richard Hayward
Ben Wheeler uses an East German synthesizer and a Soviet flanger to create hauntingly weird yet bright and open electronic soundscapes. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 10, 2022
supported by 19 fans who also own “Sweet Black Angel”
This album has stuck with my dad for the best part of 30 years, Tom's music has a timeless quality that doesn't age and stays with his fans for decades. Adam Stephens