Nokia

The idea behind this song came from the expressions "once in a blue moon" and not surprisingly "month of Sundays" . its the idea of a person promising someone that one day things will be easier and that their relationship will improve. There is a slightly tragic feel to the song as deep down both of them know that the chances of that happening are that of a blue moon or a month of Sundays. After touring with Elana and Brian for a while last year, I knew their vocals would work perfectly on this track as they harmonise so beautifully.

This is a simple and straight forward love song that try's to explain the feelings of frustration and loss once a relationship is over . the opening lyrics to me some up the sentiment of the song " you're just a stones throw from me, but throwing stone could never be the perfect way to start …." i'ts the idea of someone being geographically close but emotionally miles away. i can't really explain what Josh has brought to this song. This was the first collaboration that I did for this project and really the catalyst for everything that followed. Shame Josh is such an awful guy to hang out with ….. that was a joke… he's a total legend ….. i don't want to start some sort of singer/songwriter battle like Tupac and Biggy ….. no one wants to see that !

This song was a lot of fun to do and i think it is a really nice uptempo moment. The lyrics tell a story of someone finding themselves in a weird situation and possibly falling in love at first sight (if you believe in that kind of thing …) I try to get across the mixture of excitement at seeing this person but also the disappointment in knowing that it will end any minute without ever talking to them. Boy and Bear for me are one of the most exciting new Australian bands at the moment and are ridiculously nice guys. One of the few bands that sound extraordinary both on record and live and their vocal harmonies add so much to this track. Not to mention Tim's shredding Banjo solo!

This is a very traditional country ballad. A song that I normally wouldn't write but I think it has a very nice sentiment that people seem to really relate to. The lyrics are saying not to take for granted the things you have. Kate was an absolute pleasure to work with ! it was all very last minute and as we were both busy i ended up flying to Melbourne for an afternoon to work on the song. Never has a flight been so worth while …. well maybe there were flights during World War two that were more important ….. and when they deliver aid from planes ….. and the time Rachael turned up to Ross's wedding in friends …. not that i watch friends ……. but an important flight never the less !

This is one of my favourite songs on the album. The way Matt's vocals sit with the string arrangement adds so much. I think this song lyrically is very much in the style of what i have done on other Passenger records where as a lot of 'Flight Of The Crow' is slightly more sparse. As a song writer you are always trying to create songs with an atmosphere to them. It's not a tangible thing really and not something that you can set out to achieve but i think this track has got it ….. whatever it is ….. and no , i'm not talking about the X factor !

This song was the second song that i worked on. I have been friends with Lior for quite a few years and in fact the reason I came to Australia in the first place was to support him on one of his tours. I think the song is perfect for Lior's incredible voice with the big chorus really showcasing how annoyingly good he is ……. whatever Lior, whatever ! The song always makes me think of being on a train in the north of England watching the Sun setting over hills and fields whilst maybe listening to something beautiful on the ipod ….. Ace of Base or something. I don't know why i had to ruin that moment.

I wrote this song a few years ago but its never seemed quite right for other albums and although its never said anything ( it cant cos its a song ) I know it has felt quite hurt about being excluded from other records and we've had quite a difficult friendship over the last few years as a result ( i like to think of my songs as friends …… it means i've got loads of mates …. whatever facebook says.) I was therefore delighted to get it on to this album and since then its been much better between us ... nyway , i'm really pleased to have got Gabby singing on this song, i think she has a lovely country sound to her voice which works fantastically well both on this track and the stuff she does with Dead Letter Chorus.

I wrote this song in a disgusting hostel room in cairns last year. It was about 400 degrees and i had a cold ( how does that work ?) i thought the very nature of a cold meant that you get one when you are ….. well …. cold ?!) anyway, i didn't know anyone and was feeling pretty homesick and weird. When ever i hear this song it takes me back to that time and i feel very pleased that i'm not there now. I think Jess has such a beautifully sincere tone to her voice which really makes this song work and the peddle steel adds a real sense of loneliness.

This song is really fun. It's quite different to the rest of the record as it has an almost African feel to the rhythm and guitar parts. it certainly tips the hat to Paul Simon's "Graceland" era which is one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite artists. i don't write many songs that are happy and uplifting but i think i might have possibly managed it with this one ….. maybe even one to have a little dance to ! would you believe it?! Simon and i had a real laugh recording this song and i think a bit of his "Phlly J's madness" is more than welcome on this track !

This, like travelling song was quite an old tune of mine and one of the few that i didn't write in Australia. There is not much to say about it other than i think it is one of the most honest songs that I have written. I had a fantastic time staying at Katie's place where myself, her and Cam worked on the song for a few hours and i'm really proud of how it came out . I think its a great example of what you can achieve by working with other musicians as it sounds totally different to the song i initially took to Katie. One last thing. Her voice (for anyone who walks around with their fingers in their ears) is ridiculously beautiful !!!!!

The title track of the album and probably my favourite song on the record. To me it sums up the mixed emotions of life as a travelling musician. The seemingly never ending road that at times can be an exhilarating journey and at others can feel like the most frustrating traffic jam ever. I love the sound of everyones voices on the choruses as I feel it adds real weight to the songs idea.