Tough Of The Track
I nearly didn’t make it for this month’s challenge but I’m glad I got this song finished in time. It’s surprising to remember how important a part comics played when I was young. That weekly dose of your favourite comic was always a highlight. My favourite character was the the ultimate working class hero. His name was Alf Tupper, but better known as Tough Of The Track. He appeared in the comic The Victor. He was a welder by trade with little money to his name but he was a brilliant athlete and middle distance runner. No training opportunities for him and he often competed after doing a full day or night’s work. His diet consisting of fish and chips and he would often ride his bike to the athletics meetings where he came up against all the privileged toffs who did their best to thwart him from either competing or try and scupper him in the race. But Alf always won and he would shout out his victory call ”I ran ’em all”
He was an inspiration to several generations of British middle and long distance runners such as the late Ron Hill, Brendan Foster and Steve Cram.
This song is a fond memory of that time and of Alf Tupper, Tough Of The Track
I always wanted to be Tough of the Track
He was the man for me, Tough of the Track
No Ellimans Rub to ease the hurt
Bukta shorts and an old T Shirt
For Tough of the Track, Tough of the Track
No glucose drinks or training tips
Just a hot fish supper and a bag of chips
For Tough of the Track, Tough of the Track
I ran ’em , I ran ’em, I ran ’em all he cries
I ran ’em , I ran ’em, I ran ’em all he cries
He’s Tough, He’s Tough, Tough Of The Track
I always wanted to be Tough of the Track
He is the man for me, Tough of the Track
No Spalding spikes or fitness tests
Just a full time job and no time to rest
For Tough of the Track, Tough of the Track
No car to drive from place to place
Just a bike ride home after the race
For Tough of the Track, Tough of the Track
I ran ’em , I ran ’em, I ran ’em all he cries
I ran ’em , I ran ’em, I ran ’em all he cries
He’s Tough, He’s Tough, Tough Of The Track
That man, Alf Tupper he may be rougher
But he is stronger and he is tougher
Than you and me and all the others put together
He’s Tough of the Track, he’s Tough of the Track
There are several songwriters on Tist that really inspire me to keep trying to up my game in terms of songwriting. You are one of them John. Apart from the fact Alf Tupper was also a hero of mine as a kid this is an absolute belter of a song. A top three finisher surely?!!!
Love the vibe of this song and the vocal echo’s too. Effective title/hook. I liked the middle 8. Engaging high vibe song. You’ve got a good voice that is pleasing to the ear too.
Love the energy in this foot tapping song, excellent sound and production.
This is a great song, really enjoyed it.
That’s a belter of a song!!! Fair play John My foot was tapping harder than a Ford Cortina engine. Great use of the delay on the voice mate. Loved it!!!👌😁
Thank you for your kind comments Mark, Louise, Ann, Anne and Phil. I’m still chuckling at your description Phil of your foot ‘tapping harder than a Ford Cortina engine’. Brilliant!
Like I said on Facebook – I adore this song. Great rhythm, lyric, melody and vocal. I agree with Mark, songs like this make you want to improve. Love it!
Love the energy. Great song and performance! 👏
nice one – really belts along – love the guitar work too.
Wow! Brilliant John. I’d forgotten about Alf. Thank you for bringing him back to me. Fantastic guitar work and great use of vocal effects. Tidy
I remember The Victor and Alf Tupper well … certainly took me back!! Really well played and performed – enjoyable listening!
Excellent song. Great delivery. Really like the sound, it transcends the lyrics for me.
Comments on FB John. Loved this!
It sounds amazing, really clever use of effects. The references were lost on me but it still stands as a fab song. Toe tapping goodness.
I almost missed this little gem. I love it!
Brilliant song – and brings back memories of reading my brother’s Victor
Great song! Really catchy. Well delivered too
Great lively song John. I don’t know the subject matter but that doesn’t really matter. Performance is great. Gets my vote, Malster
Magnificent driving rhythm John. Thanks for introducing an antipodean to Alf Tupper, Tough of the Track. Brilliant, voted.
Yup, what they said! Guitar sounds lovely.
Absolutely brilliant song! Loved it!
Sensational! Wonderful song and delivery
Cracking song John! An absolutely belter of a riff. Fittingly it would be a great song to listen to whilst running – if I could be bothered to go!
Well that’s a belter of a song and an epic performance, John! The total package-lyrics, melody, performance, production. Ticks all the boxes and then some. I’m so glad the Talent is Timeless community has brought your music to my ears.