Ballad of an Ordinary Man is my protest song.

A song which protests about the erosion of the principles of life that were once described as ‘rights’, only to be conveniently re-defined as merely temporary privileges by the changing of political horizons.

Photo at Dancing Ledge, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset UK

You can listen to’Ballad Of An Ordinary Man’ on ‘Pete Christie’s SoundCloud profile page

British singer songwriter | English songs | Acoustic Fingerstyle Technique

 
***
 

Ballad of an Ordinary Man

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man, trying to do the best that he can
Taught to know the value of his word, he got tossed into the theatre of the absurd
So down the road of life he makes his way, trying to do an honest job, make some honest pay
He takes his disappointments in his stride, and he smiles though he’s beaten up inside.
Sometimes he feels that he’s winning – most times he knows he’s not
Sometimes his head won’t stop spinning, most times he makes the most of what he’s got
Discontented with his lot

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man, caught up in someone else’s master plan
Tries to keep his head above the flood, feels his feet are sinking in the mud
Knows that something somewhere is bound to break, had about as much as he can take
The voice of doubt keeps whispering in his ear, but still, he will endeavour to persevere
Stumbling blindly through the fog of confusion, fighting battles he’s already lost
Treads the line between faith and delusion, another burning bridge he’s still to cross
Nothing ventured, nothing lost

Thumbing slowly through old photographs, taken when he was in his teens
He stares at faces of friends who’ve passed, and he wonders what it means…

Inst.

In the line marked “Situations Vacant”, he finds himself at the back of the queue
Down the stairs and into the basement, in the dark, without a clue,
Of what an ordinary man’s supposed to do

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man, bound to do the best that he can
Rising as the new day has begun, he will go to bed relieved that it is done.
His minutes turn to hours, months to years, he remains the product of his fears
A shadow of the man he planned to be, caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
Wonders how he’s supposed to make a difference, when every day he’s under attack
And every way is filled with frustration, one step forward two steps back
Stuck on the wrong side of the tracks

It’s a ballad of an ordinary man

 
 
***
 

‘Ballad Of An Ordinary Man’ is also available to watch on the ‘Pete Christie YouTube Channel

Derrin Nauendorf Album launch ’Distant

Empires’ with special guest

Pete Christie 

Derrin’s first studio release in four years – The album ‘Distant Empires’ is a personal journey; artistically and musically.

A great night of singer songwriter material and amazing acoustic guitar performances.

Admission £8.00

Derrin Nauendorf and Pete Christie have shared the stage many times over the years:

Mr Kyps in Poole, Dorset

‘In the Round’ at Mr Kyps event with Derrin Nauendorf, Pete Christie and Alex Roberts

Quotes about Derrin Nauendorf‘s music

“Excellent!”

Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2.

“Sheer Musical Genius”

Forte Magazine, Australia

“Blistering Guitar Skills”

Yamaha Europe

“Derrin deserves to be a major player in the music industry”

Maverick Magazine

Derrin Nauendorf blends blends blues, folk and country.

Pete Christie combines styles from Anglicana Rock and Folk, Ballads and Roots to Blues

Centre Stage

14 Queens Road Bournemouth BH2 6BE 01202 540065

by Pete Christie

“…Performed at The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers on 10th November. Ron Trueman-Border is joined here by another excellent singer songwriter- Pete Christie…”

Great to catch up with Ron Trueman-Border again!! A great British singer songwriter.
Another great night of live music on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset UK.

British singer songwriter acoustic guitarist Pete Christie performs ‘Ballad Of An Ordinary Man’ on YouTube

A song which protests about the erosion of the principles of life that were once described as ‘rights’, only to be conveniently re-defined as merely temporary privileges by the changing of political horizons.

Live Music Event performed at The Dolphin Pub, Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK

You can read more about the guitars Pete Christie uses, his guitar technique and how it is all about the quality of the music

Watch other Pete Christie videos on YouTube

pete christie at the square & compass

worth matravers, isle of purbeck, dorset

thurs 20th september 2012

a “thank-you” gig for good friends
a “hello” gig for new friends
all welcome

free entry 8:45 – 11:00

Review of Pete Christie’s performance on the Fire Stage at the Purbeck Folk Festival 2012 by Neil King Editor of FATEA Magazine.

Next up is on the Fire Stage is Pete Christie. Pete is a singer songwriter that I’ve long admired. He’s got the common touch in terms of his song writing. His songs portray an attitude of dogged determination and have plenty of character.

Some of his material definitely falls into the protest singer category, but others also have a far more personal touch, symbolising an individual’s inner struggle and their relationships with people and society around them offering a counterpoint to songs coming more about society.

Pete always gives off the vibe of a musician totally absorbed in what they are doing on stage, coming out of it to talk to the audience between songs. He plays his songs very much live, meaning that even the songs of his you think you’re familiar with may well throw you on the day. It’s also a set that sits on the cusp between night and day and that’s a good metaphor for the performance, the clarity of daylight dwindles and the uncertainty of the night begins to take hold. Issues aren’t black and white, events tend to be impacted by what’s in the shadows and Pete’s songs reflect that well.

This is a performance to savour, one to take onboard and definitely one to experience, Purbeck Folk festival has chosen it’s acts well.

FATEA offer a number of Services News & Features Reviews Releases Live Gig & Festival guide and acoustic spectrum radio show.

Pete Christie and Paul Liddell at Farncombe Cavern Surrey

‎28 September at 08:00 at The Farncombe Cavern

Paul Liddell is coming down from Sunderland. The last time we performed together was in April, in Northampton at Kontra Roots. It’s going to be a great night! We are two hard working British singer songwriters, acoustic guitarists with loop station / effects and our own unique guitar techniques.

Pete Christie
Isle of Purbeck, Dorset

Paul Liddell
Sunderland

Paul’s current album is ‘Milestones  And Motorways’: proudly a home-made and independent release.

Paul Liddell is an absolute Master of the loop station… I’m dead chuffed he’ll be my special guest at The Farncombe Cavern on Friday 20th July… REALLY looking forward to what should be a GREAT night

Pete Christie video ‘Easy Come Easy Go’ filmed at BBC Brighton

You can check out a recent Paul Liddell video

Ghost of Tom Joad – (Rage Against The Machine cover) – Paul Liddell – Ont’ Sofa

A great live music venue in Surrey

This great purpose built music venue is hosted bymusician drummer, music enthusiast and thoroughly lovely bloke Andy Moore

The sound engineer is Stuart Skyisfallin McAlpine

The Farncombe Cavern is a regular live entertainment venue, situated above the Freeholders Public House in St. John’s Street, Farncombe, Godalming, Surrey.   01483 416741

The Farncombe Cavern is an intimate and comfortable venue, with a capacity of about 110 with a mix of seating and standing.

Tickets are available for the Pete Christie live music event at Farncombe Cavern from Skiddle

£8 in advance or £10 on the door