“Lydia Wears a Cross” is a testament to Jacklin’s time in Catholic primary school growing up while not being part of the religion, creating a disorienting time that she reflects on now in adulthood.
“As an adult, I have had nothing to do with organised religion,” she says. “So it’s kind of strange...
[Verse 1]
Seated in rows
Knees and eyes closed I felt pretty
In the shoes and the dress
Confused by the rest, could he hear me?
Lydia wears a cross
Says she’s never gonna take it off
We sit back to back
Listening to Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack
[Chorus]
I’d be a believer
If it was all just song and dance
I’d be a believer
If I thought we had a chance
[Verse 2]
Eyes to the board
Thoughts to our lord
We were praying for Princess Diana
Ms. Brown was keeping score
Vivien’s holding on
But singing every single word wrong
On the parade float
Just a child in a leotard beneath a technicolour dream coat
[Chorus]
I’d be a believer
If it was all just song and dance
I’d be a believer
If I thought we had a chance
[Verse 3]
The line up, the quiet
The bleeding heart divided
Forgive me, forgive me, forgive me
Go on, now you try it
Oh, we sung “Welcome to the Family”
Arms raised, at every assembly
Little sirens singing their songs
Where have the babies gone?
[Chorus]
I’d be a believer
If it was all just song and dance
I’d be a believer
If I thought we had a chance
Lydia Wears A Cross was written by Julia Jacklin.
Lydia Wears A Cross was produced by Marcus Paquin.
Julia Jacklin released Lydia Wears A Cross on Tue May 10 2022.