Hillview Heights

Come in young man
Come in off the street
Get a warm by the fire and take the weight off your feet
This is where it happens -
The scene of the crazy nights
This is the real world, Johnny Boy
This is Hillview Heights

Have you scored before or is this your first time?
If you haven't, don't worry -
Just have some of mine
Just do it like this
and sample the delights
'cause this is the real world, Johnny Boy
This is Hillview Heights

Did you like it?
Was it good?
Are you right off your head?
You can have some more - maybe tomorrow
Did you hear what I said?
Turn up the sounds
and dim the lights
'cause this is the real world Johnny Boy
This is Hillview Heights

Six months later and beggars can't be choosers
You get what you're given
in the kingdom of the users
It's funny how things change when the addiction bites
'cause this is the real world, Johnny boy
This is Hillview Heights

Should have stayed how you were
just smoking the weed
'cause now you'll have to steal or deal
to feed the need
You have to weigh up the situation
Forget the wrongs and rights
'cause this is the real world Johnny Boy
This is Hillview Heights

Look at you now - shaking like a leaf
A youth in his prime
You're looking pretty bad Johnny lad
Are you playing for time?
Send in the priest to serve the last rights
This is the real world Johnny boy
Say goodbye to Hillview Heights

__________________________________

Jegsy Dodd is a poet from Birkenhead. He had a bit of fame and fortune a couple of years ago, topping the radio 1 festive 50 chart. The poem above was performed with his band, The Sons of Harry Cross and can be found on the album, Winebars and werewolves.

Back in the early 80's, Birkenhead and it's surrounds was pretty run down. Heroin became a big problem in some parts. Hillview heights is 3 tower blocks in Moreton, and it had a reputation for housing disadvantaged people. It's now been renamed and the situation round here is nowhere near as bad as it was, although it still has it's share of problems. When I worked as a meter reader a few years back, I had to do these blocks, and it was difficult to gain entry. A knock on the door is often bad news when you've got no money.

Here's the song.