Alike other tracks on Damon Albarn’s 2003 album ‘Democrazy’, ‘Half a Song’ was, in Damon’s eyes, unfinished. However, Smoggy (the real Darren!) had been asking for Damon to finish it for many years. Half a Song was reworked into ‘The Ballad’ twenty-one years after initial release.
[Verse 1]
I just looked into my life
And all I saw was that you're not coming back
Oh, can't you see when the ballad comes for you
It comes like me?
But I won't be afraid
I can't seem to find you in this midnight parade
I know it's all true
When the ballad comes for me, it comes like you
[Chorus]
Up close
I fell in love with you
(I met you at an early show)
You fall, I'll fall along with you
(We travelled 'round the world together)
[Verse 2]
I just looked out to the point
Where the words, they are hitting me
In a full-on assault
Oh, can't you see when the ballad comes for you
It comes like mе?
Well, I know I can't change the timеs
I know I'm already breaking when I look into your eyes
Oh, can't you see when the ballad comes for you
It comes like me?
[Chorus]
Up close
I fell in love with you
(I met you at an early show)
You fall, I'll fall along with you
(We travelled 'round the world together)
The Ballad was written by Alex James & Damon Albarn & Dave Rowntree & Graham Coxon.
The Ballad was produced by James Ellis Ford.
Blur released The Ballad on Fri Jul 21 2023.