In 2010, “Don’t Kiss Me in the Bright Lights” was published in Assent magazine by Adrian Buckner, former poet Laureate for Nottinghamshire and lecturer at The University of Derby. This was followed by “The Poppyman” and “Monarchy and Masonic Madness” which appeared in City-Zine later that year.
Adrian spotted Stephen at The Quad Poetry Night in Derby. It’s held on the second wednesday of every month where Stephen performs regularly.
Steve’s first album of poetry entitled “I Looked to a Star” was released on 9th November 2012. Below you can hear “Olympia” as it appears on the album plus a live performance of “Wild Horses” from the album launch party. In addition, you can also read his first published poem “Don’t Kiss Me in the Bright Lights”.
Stephen Vaughan Williams – “Olympia”
Stephen Vaughan Williams – “Wild Horses (Live)”
Don’t Kiss Me in the Bright Lights
A Tribute to Paul Gilbert
Don’t kiss me in the bright lights,
Kiss me in the dark.
Don’t tell your friends about me,
Just take a little heart.
Take me to your warm bed
Where we will lie as one,
Away from my shop doorway
When my singing day is done.
Don’t kiss me in the bright lights,
Kiss me in the dark.
Don’t tell your friends about me
Or we will have to part.
You are twenty eight,
A woman quite serene;
I am just a street singer,
A guy of forty three.
Don’t kiss me in the bright lights,
Kiss me in the dark.
The winter frost has taken toll
And bitten my left hand.
I can no longer play a tune,
A coin I can’t command.
Don’t kiss me in the bright lights,
Kiss me in the dark.
For I’ll awake with a summer dew
And sing with the morning lark.
When you pass my doorway
And I’m no longer there,
Don’t cry out loud in anguish,
For nothing’s lost or won.
Last night another singer died,
Another addict done.
