Commentary
After leaving Polydor (‘Berlin’ was originally recorded for her shelved second album) Kirsty apparently re-recorded ‘Berlin’ in 1983 for a single on the North Of Watford label.
North Of Watford was a tiny independent label, but they went for this release in both 7” and 12” formats. ‘Berlin’ did little saleswise, but it did remind Stiff Records that MacColl was still around, and Kirsty signed for a second term at Stiff Records in time to help Tracey Ullman head up the chart with her cover of ‘They Don’t Know’. We don’t know of anyone who has ever seen this!
The (original?) version of the song was first issued on the much derided ‘Kirsty MacColl’ collection in 1985.
Lyrics
Love the sight and love the sound
I wish that I could stick around
Berlin
You never laid a mark on me
Well you’re no gent if you know what I mean
Berlin
Come and get your body fried
And see the wall electrified
Berlin
No rewards and no regrets
They’re bricked up till the kids forget
Berlin
Climb at night and see the lights
Take your aim and set your sights
Berlin
Give me the reason
There is no answer
You ask her why
She is a strange dancer
Come and get your body fried
And see the wall electrified
Berlin
Give me the reason
There is no answer
You want a reason
Blood is a reason
No rewards and no regrets
They’re bricked up till the kids forget
Berlin
Five nights, I nearly died
Park yourselves in Superfly
And watch the boys as they go by
Berlin
Give me the reason
There is no answer
You ask her why
She is a strange dancer
Love the sight and love the sound
I wish that I could stick around
Berlin
Give me the reason
There is no answer
You want a reason
Blood is a reason
You never laid a mark on me
Well you’re no gent if you know what I mean
Berlin
