Summary Bio

A deeply sensitive and penetrating artist, Sue Merchant's pure and unguarded vocal delivery communicates an elegance and directness that resonates with both intimacy and candor. Describing herself always as 'just a poet with a guitar', Sue has been lead singer with several popular bands in her home county, offering a diverse repertoire and has also appeared as a solo artist, performing her own expressive compositions at many regional venues on the Folk Scene. Inspired by real people and actual events and impassioned in her most formative years by such icons as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen; it's perhaps no surprise that remnants of such powerful early influences are still reflected in Sue's song writing today. Industry Credits include * 1st Place Honours: BRIT Trust International Songwriting Contest 2006 * Billboard Honours List: World Songwriting Contest 2006/7
* 1st Place Honours: Stonewall Society Pride in the Arts Award for Favourite Female/Lesbian Artist of 2007 *Accreditation by the World Music Foundation in 2006 for Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting. We regret, Sue no longer accepts bookings for Live performances.

Pro Review

"Although her music definitely falls into the folk category, singer songwriter Sue Merchant more closely recalls the after-dark broodiness of indie goddess Nico than her reported influences of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. Like Nico, Merchant takes you on a sombre journey, one that is coloured by the spectre of death and romantic loss. It's not easy listening to music this raw and emotional. When Merchant sings, "A photograph of you hung in my dreams," on "Virginia in the Fall," you can feel the slow beat of a longing heart. Merchant is a poet, but not just with her words. Her singing itself, weaves its own black magic and you are compelled to listen to her words. Her guitar playing, sparse and intimate, paints vivid images. On the title track, Merchant haunts the ears with both her lyrics of regret and her downbeat, melancholic voice. Without any false sentimentalism or cliched lyrics, Merchant makes us weep. As with the best Leonard Cohen records, it's the type of song that you listen to with the curtains closed. There's a saturation of singer songwriters these days, especially here in the U.K. But Merchant easily separates herself from the pack with genuine talent and sincere artistry.
Our Rating 9/10 Adam Harrington
Whisperin & Hollerin"

To the Lighthouse

I can kiss the autumn breeze and I can dance amongst the leaves at your sleepy, mountain home. You will see my spirit soar and my heart beat upon your door, some still night when you’re alone. Meet me at the Lighthouse and we can rest; I love you so much more than in all our lives before, my Vita. I can trace your perfect smile upon the clouds that pass me by as I ride the Lombard Plain. In the mirrors of your mind, you will see my love unwind as you board your morning train. Meet me at the Lighthouse and we can rest; I love you so much more than in all our lives before, my Vita. (Someday in your Blue Mountains, you will see a lone collard dove, flying free. Never tethered, never bound; she will never touch the ground and you’ll remember me; you’ll remember me. Vita, can you hear your lover call; can you hear her at all? She is lost amongst the tides of the lives you’ve lived and died, dear Vita. Remember me; remember me) And so I journey across these plains to see my Venice once again and I’m missing you, my dear. Italy’s in snow; another train’s about to go and I wish that you were here. Meet me at the Lighthouse and we can rest; I love you so much more than in all our lives before, my Vita. For I love you so much more than in all our lives before, my Vita.

Water over Stone

I watch her from my windowsill, chasing butterflies and bees. She keeps them in an old coffee jar: gives them broken sticks and leaves. She hasn’t been the same since Frankie left her all alone.  Her broken heart all washed away like water over stone.  I’ve heard them say she lost her mind when the old man passed away. They say she never spoke again and wouldn’t leave his grave. They say she only looked confused when the Bank done took their home. Her hold on life all washed away like water over stone. So I watch her from my windowsill chasing butterflies and bees. She keeps them in an old coffee jar: gives them broken sticks and leaves. The men in white sit quietly by: she can’t be left alone. Her mind like mine, all washed away like water over stone.

Playtime in the City

Playtime in the City; dress yourself up; paint your face. It’s too late to drown in self-pity that the life that you lead’s a disgrace. Go dry your eyes and tell yourself lies but you’re just a girl on the game. Your pride takes the blow because it helps just to know that everyone here does the same. Why am I here in this Madhouse; the whole thing is oh so burlesque? You use and abuse til you’ve no more to lose; Oh good God, you’re not gay; you’re grotesque. Sit yourself down in some corner; you’re taking your fate all in fun. The dyke at the bar, she comes over and asks you how often you come? You know what she means; she’s being obscene; you try not to show your distain. Because you’re lonely too so you do what they do: welcome to the Scene. Why am I here in this Madhouse; the whole thing is oh so burlesque? You use and abuse til you’ve no more to lose; Oh good God, you’re not gay; you’re grotesque. Now the party’s over but you’ve still a whole night to get through. You’re stoned and you’ve blown your cover; she’s expecting such wonders of you. Your virtue is past; you’ve played hard and fast; you’ve left your self-respect at the bar and can you recall when you last cared at all? I loathe you for the whores that you are. Why am I here in this Madhouse; the whole thing is oh so burlesque? You use and abuse til you’ve no more to lose; Oh good God, you’re not gay; you’re grotesque. Playtime in the City; go on - dress yourself up; paint your face. It’s too late to drown in self-pity that the life that you lead is going No place!

The Visit

Fairy tales and wonderlands; gentle tides and shifting sands: the lady’s dream entwines with colours in her mind. Endless skies of angel hair: phoenix fly in stardust there. The lady’s dream meets mine in colours in our minds. Fly away. Fly away to magic lands with castles made of snowdrops everywhere. Fly away. Fly away to where the truth is always kind in the colours of your mind. Crystal tears of far beyond: in-betweens of lover’s songs; the lady’s dream entwines with colours in her mind. Gardens laced in orchid shades; Sapphic scenes in twilight glades; the lady’s dream meets mine in colours in our minds. Fly away. Fly away to magic lands with castles made of snowdrops everywhere. Fly away. Fly away to where the truth is always kind in the colours of your mind. Where butterflies with pure blue eyes chase the echoes of your sighs. Where unicorns play hide and seek and kiss away the tears upon your cheek.

The Harbour

Seagulls are dancing on the wash in the Harbour as the Fishing boats sail. It’s a grey, misty morning and the young men are hauling big nets over rails. An icy wind lingers; I’m wrapping my fingers in my favourite scarf. A young girl in blue jeans with melting pink ice cream: I still hear her laugh sometimes in my heart. Blue sea on a postcard from me: saying, “Lover, I wish you were here.” A bright orange sunrise is melting the dark skies and the shoreline lays bare. An old soldier’s sitting on the Pier and he’s shouting but no-body’s there. The best years of life only sacrificed like his father before him. I’d like to feel glad for the life that I’ve had but I don’t feel at all anymore. Blue sea on a postcard from me: Saying, “Lover, I wish you were here.” “Lover, I wish you were here.”

Stage Plays

Old age like Stage Plays: when you get to the end and it all starts again with a new part to play. The Star dies; children ask why but you don’t have the words to explain the absurd: not to day. Old age like Stage Plays; the roar of applause from the folks in the stalls with their ice creams on trays. Time’s called; your curtain falls to one more hooray as they whisk you away from it all. Old men, my old friends: sat in the Park from breakfast 'til dark; contemplating their ends. Sunrise disappears from your eyes: one last charade and one last masquerade: Say goodbye. Old age like Stage Plays: when they get to the part where it’s breaking your heart and the Orchestra plays. Your last lines like Vintage wine are best left to friends with the love that you send one last time. Your last lines like Vintage wine are best left to friends with the love that you send
One last time.

Those who Lose

I have climbed your Mountains and I did swim your seas; I have fought with Demons and I have still believed but you don’t keep your bargains; you don’t pay your dues. You don’t hear the cries of frightened children: of those who fail and those who lose. I have told your story and I have sung your name; I have spoke of glory and I have played your game but you don’t keep your promises; you don’t keep your truths. You don’t hear the cries of frightened children: of those who fail and those who lose. Hallowed be thy name, they said; thy Kingdom come, they said; thy will be done. I believed your teachings and I obeyed your rules; I have borne the preachings of wise men and of fools but you don’t keep your bargains; you don’t pay your dues. You don’t hear the cries of frightened children: of those who fail And those who lose. 

J' Attends

Sunday morning Lorraine, life’s in pieces from love of you. Light is dawning Lorraine; dreams were fleeting yet filled with you. It’s the same game; it’s the same game and where hides love? And where hides love? J'ai voulu vous dire que j'attendrai. A heart that’s breaking Lorraine; I can’t move now but even so. Pain is humbling my Lorraine but I can never, never let it show. It’s the same game, Oh no, the same game. And where hides love? And where hides love? J'ai voulu vous dire que j'attendrai. Night is falling Lorraine; the boys have gone now and I miss them too. Strangers whisper your name; none have faces and all are you. It’s the same game; it’s the same game. It’s the same game, dear Lord, the same game. A broken mind so torn and lame still held your face and called your name and called your name. J'ai voulu vous dire que j'attendrai;
It's the same game.

Bandit's Lament

And time flies and willows cry and babies die at their Mother’s side.  And don’t ask and don’t ask and don’t ask me why. But time flies and willows cry And babies die.

All there is

Lady takes the grey skies and she turns them blue; paints such pretty pictures in mind. Chase the clouds away and watch the sun come through; she’d hide a rainbow just for me to find. Pepe, my lady; I love you; truly I do. (Today is all there is. Today is all there is) Somewhere deep inside her, there is still the child who needs the time; needs the grace to grow but in her eyes, the fire of something lost and wild; Oh that I have come to understand and know. Pepe, my lady; I love you; truly I do. (Today is all there is. Today is all there is) And in the gentle hours I would lay with her: I’d love her til she whispered: “Love is done”. I’d hold her close and when she cried for all she’d lost; I’d make her dream of all the things to come. Pepe, my lady; I love you, truly I do. Dream such dreams in quiet tears: in broken hearts and broken years. Love is still a hallowed place where sorrow turns and hides its face. (Today is all there is; Today is all there is) And in some sad tomorrow, she will spread her wings and I’ll but turn my head and walk away. The tears I’ll cry won’t be for me, how could they be but for the tears I know she’ll someday cry for me when the lady counts the cost of being free. Pepe, my lady; I love you, truly I do. Pepe, my lady; I love you; truly I do.
(Today is all there is) 
(Today is all there is)

Fool

Four in the morning: an old Tom Cat’s calling: you can bet it’s for you. Blood on my pillow; my body is all yellow and blue. Pull up your braces and wipe the kid’s faces for school but I, I’m through loving you.  Four in the morning: the old kettle’s boiling and a row’s brewing too. You watch me undressing just to laugh at the mess that I’m in. You mock all my prizes and make all surprises un-new. And I, I’m through loving you. Four in the morning: the last snows are falling and I’m falling too. The train’s almost leaving and the kids almost waving to you. Pull up your braces; remember these faces, you fool. Because I, I’m through loving you. Because I, I’m through loving you.

Breaking Icicles

There’s a Blackbird in my Yard; he looks so cold. He’s hardly moved at all; I think he’s old. Night is falling; I hear him call from that bough. He’s breaking icicles, breaking icicles now. Sometimes late at night; I see his face. In my dream, I take to flight and take his place. The man I’m missing is gently kissing my brow. He’s breaking icicles; breaking icicles now. Like a whisper in the breeze; like a teardrop lost at sea. Like a shooting star that fell too far, he was gone.  And these old photographs and a love song’s all I have to bring him back to me. To bring him home. Like a whisper in the breeze; like a teardrop lost at sea. Like a shooting star that fell too far, he was gone. And these old photographs and a love song’s all I have to bring him back to me. To bring him home. There’s a Blackbird in my Yard; too weak to fly. And it’s breaking my heart just to sit and watch him try. Daylight’s breaking; an Angel’s taking his vows and I’m missing him now.

I can feel

I can feel. I can feel. You shout in my ear like I’m not even here, inside but I’m alive. I can feel. I can feel. You laugh at my shame when I can’t say your name and I cry but I’m alive. I can feel. I can feel. You fall from his grace when you run from this place but I; I’ll survive.

Sarah, sing me the Blues

What are you going to do now? Now your dreams have flown away; they couldn’t stay. And what you’re going through now and how your heart was left to bleed for others greed but you can pour your heart out in your songs and still belong, you’ll see.  And you can play your part out, right or wrong; you’ll still be strong to me. Sarah, sing me the Blues; Sarah, sing me the Blues. What are going to do now?  As canvas fades from blue to grey, it’s another day. And what you’re going through now; deserting friends who saw the pain, desert again but you can hold your head up high, in here with no more fear, you’ll see. And you can fly again, with wings that bind the hearts and minds of those like me. Sarah, sing me the Blues; Sarah, sing me the Blues. So what are you going to do now? You’ll write the words to take you home and sail alone. And what you’re going through now; the silver smiles that shot you down; well, they’re the clowns because you can mend your heart through open keys and still believe, you’ll see. And you can make a start with open arms and songs that charm and set you free. Sarah, sing me the Blues; Sarah, sing me the Blues.

Virginia in the Fall

I’m packing up my things and throwing caution to the winds. I’m damned if I know what it’s all been for. So I’m loading’ up my fears along with all these wasted years. I wont be needing either anymore. Oh I have to fly and try to catch Virginia in the Fall. I’ve nothing left to lose except Tomorrow and the Blues. I’ve strength enough to leave but not to stay. I’ve got a dollar in my jeans. And my old banjo from my teens and a photograph of you hung in my dreams. Oh I have to fly and try to catch Virginia in the Fall. Fly pretty Blue Jay, fly. High over rooftops. Fly ‘til your heart stops. Fly pretty Blue Jay, fly. So I’ll spread these precious wings and I’ll learn how to fly again and catch the midnight breeze to where you sleep. There’s no sound quite as clear as that lone whisper in your ear “What you haven’t thrown away, you get to keep” So I have to fly and try to catch Virginia in the Fall. Oh I have to fly and try to catch Virginia in the Fall

Virtually Unreal

Kick off your shoes and stay a while; I’ll upload some Blues and send you the file. I don’t need to know your name; I’ll love you beautifully, just the same but can’t you see you’re virtually unreal? Text me a tale, and key it in softly; of sunset and sails and dolphins and whales; make it like Bronte. I don’t need to see your face; you’re beautiful here in my cyber space but can’t you see we’re virtually unreal? Don’t call this living; this isn’t living. You’re life’s a world of make believe where no one stays and no-one leaves; don’t call this living. Your life resembles broken dreams; where you drift around in in-betweens. Woman, what are you going to do when you’re almost her and you’re almost you? Don’t call this living. So kick off your shoes and stay a while; my Draft folder’s empty and so am I and I won’t ever criticise; it took fifteen years to realise but hey, I’m free I’m virtually unreal. Hey, I’m free; I’m virtually unreal.

Hey Drew

Drew, skies here are blue. Father still asks after you. Dallas, he still writes to John, you know? Just can’t accept that he’s gone. Hey Drew, just who’s shooting who? Friends, far and few: Sundays with nothing to do. The News, they all talk of peace you know? But Drew, there’s fire in the skies To the East. Hey Drew, just who’s shooting who? The price of your pride is the friends who have died at your side, Drew. Now you carry that gun like you once did, your son; like a prize. The boy in your aim has a face; he has a name; he’s a child, Drew.  But you’ll carry his card and his bones to the yard because you’re told to. Drew, skies here are blue; Teddy has gone back to school. But the boy who once walked so tall, you know? Drew, now he just can’t walk at all. Hey Drew, just who’s shooting who? Hey Drew, What’s true?

The Game

Hey Baby; you’ve been sitting there for hours and I don’t think she’s calling today. So maybe, you could come home to stay now because I just can’t keep living this way. If you straighten that tie one more time, I’ll just die. You whisper her name in your sleep. You tell me you need me each time as you leave me. Won’t you make me a promise you’ll keep? You tell me you need me each time as you leave me. Make me a promise you’ll keep. Hey Baby, I’ve been loving you for years and I still remember that day. You swore on your life when you made me your wife that you’d never forsake me this way. Well, I’m tired of the girls and I’m tired of the games. I’m tired of the gambling and booze. And I’m tired of forgiving and so tired of living; when your love’s just a card game I lose.  I’m tired of forgiving; so damn tired of living: Love’s just a card game I lose.

Vignette from the Edge 

Time to fly; time to try; try to find Heaven before we die. Time to leave; time to believe that love holds a dream for us too. Don’t cry my darling; life makes a fool of us all. You’ll fly my darling; just close your eyes and fall. Don’t cry my darling; life makes a fool of us all. You’ll fly my darling; just close your eyes and fall. Time to fly; time to try. Life makes a fool of us all.

From Too Late

Sometimes I think that I won’t take that drink but I know me. It’s a promise I make, whilst I’m barely awake and I can’t breathe. So many Wagons and so many Dragons I’m chasing these days. The room’s full of lovers all wrestling each other: all trying to escape from ‘too late’. Sometimes I wonder, what’s lurking there under these dream states. A million lost souls, all with no place to go and they just wait. Dreams that got shattered: lives broken and battered, all ebbing away. Minds full of Demons, all screaming out reasons why none will be saved from ‘too late’ A hundred more tricks for a score, for a fix: this is madness. A hundred more miles: get a laugh, get a smile, this is sadness. In a world full of crowds, where the sounds are too loud for my ears. I swallow my pride for the silence inside I will hear.  Sometimes at night when I turn out the light and my veins burn. Trying to believe as I roll up my sleeve that my tides will turn. But so many Wagons and so many Dragons I’m chasing these days. My room’s full of Demons, all screaming out reasons why I won’t be saved. It’s too late.

In Africa

She asked me how much longer would her country be torn? The weakness getting stronger; false allegiances are sworn. In the bloody heat of night, she said; the wrong’s becoming right and all hope fades away she said, but you close your eyes as my son dies in Africa.  Mmmm I said. She asked me how much longer would power be prized? Above the thirst and the hunger: always there, in her father’s eyes. “His cattle have all gone”, she said. “The wells are running dry; the skies are spitting dust”, she said but you close your eyes as my son dies in Africa. So I listened to her story and I tried to sound sincere. And brushed aside my apathy as she brushed away the tears.“Tomorrow, if it comes”, she said; “They’ll paint my truth with lies; you’ll hear the beating drums”, she said but you’ll close your eyes as my son, dies in Africa. You’ll close your eyes and my son dies in Africa.
Mmmm I said.

The Homecoming

Mother, I miss you: I think of you all day long. And Mother, I long to kiss you; maybe sing you, your old favourite songs. But you went away, suddenly; so calmly, not even a tear. And I stood by so helplessly with words of love, you could no longer hear. Mother, where are you? You’re so close yet so far away. And Mother, I can still hear you in the echoes of all you would say. Wild imaginings or reality: I’m confused and I don’t understand. Am I touched with insanity for I still feel you holding my hands?  Mother, I remember and I shall til my own dying day. The hours I wept for the embers of a casket they carried away. And children laughing in the heavens; turned the clocks back to when I too was young. And whilst I was knelt at your graveside: your voice softly whispered,” I’ve gone home”

Madrigal

She kneels before her God and prays each and every night. This God supplies her everything; she’s living in the light. But I have seen beyond her eyes and all the pain, this truth disguises. Sad: (For thine is the Kingdom) she lived her life so lonely. Blind faith from despair; (The Power and the Glory) became her one chance only to smile again, (Forever) now and then. (And Ever) She’ll say you have to find yourself; assuming you are lost. Whatever it takes; whoever’s heart it breaks; it doesn’t matter what it costs. But I don’t feel as she does and I don’t kneel, as she must. Sad; (For thine is the Kingdom) she lived her life so lonely; bind faith from despair (The Power and the Glory) became her one chance only to smile again (Forever) now, and then. (And Ever. She’ll say your lives are many fold and with each the soul will yearn. To find the truths that lay beyond the lessons we must learn. But I don’t need what she does and I don’t bleed, as she must. Sad; (For thine is the Kingdom) she lived her life so lonely; blind faith from despair (The Power and the Glory) became her one chance only to smile again (Forever) now and then. (And Ever) For thine is the Kingdom: the Power- and the Glory: Forever and Ever. She lives in dreams of Paradise; the real is too unkind. Gentle shores through magic doors: all safe within her mind. And Oh, I tried to feel as she does but though I kneel: it’s not as she does. Sad; (For thine is the Kingdom) she lived her life so lonely; blind faith from despair (The Power and the Glory) became her one chance only to smile again (Forever) now and then. (And Ever) Some lives don’t mend (Forever) and God must comfort them. (And Ever - Amen)

 Poppy's Song

She needs no promises; life can’t always keep. And she needs no paradise; it’s there for her each night she sleeps. And she needs no wonderland or dreams that get left on the shelf. And she needs no miracle; the wonder is Poppy, herself. She knows a quiet place; somewhere others can’t reach where she knows a wiser face and language others cant teach. Where she holds her destiny so safe in the palms of her hands for she, in her quiet place; Poppy knows and more understands. She knows and more, understands.

Suzanne, I can't

Circus clowns came to town and the town flags flew. Bumper cars: fish in jars and red balloons. All on parade: funny costume: funny face. Painted smiles and Beggar’s tins like the phoney place I’m in. Suzanne, I cant. Winter rain on my windowpane: Summer’s gone. Heading home on my own: trying to write this song.  You fill my mind in every tune I try to find. Every verse ends the same just repeating your name. Suzanne, I cant. You fill my mind in every tune I try to find. Every verse ends the same just repeating your name. Suzanne, I cant. Wishing wells like sunny spells always end. Lovers part, hands on hearts: we’ll still be friends: yeah, right! But here in my rhyme: I can write that you’re still mine and when I’m tugging at your sleeve and you're asking me to leave.  Suzanne, I’ll say I cant. I cant.

 Witness

And I’d always believed in a Heaven somewhere; where someday, one day; love would wait for us there but some take it; (tis not theirs to command) and make you hate it. (tis not theirs to command) And I’d always believed if too frail for your cares; he would fly them away on the wings of your prayers but they take it (tis not theirs to command) and make you hate it but love will heal these barren lands. Live in the light; get on the path. Live in the light; get on the path, my path. (I will send Titus; I will send Timothy) Work on yourself; seek the truth; seek the truth; seek the truth; my truth. (I will send Mathew and I will send Mark)  You live in the dark; your soul knows; you live in the dark and God knows and I know. Get on the path, seek the truth; live in the light for I’m right, I’m right. (I will send the children of my Kingdom. Be not wise in thine own eyes; be not wise) and I’d always believed in a winter of time, where someday, one day, we find reason and rhyme but some take it (tis not theirs to command) and make you hate it. ('tis not theirs to command) And I’d always believed; should we stumble and fall. That day in some way, he’d be there for us all. But they take it (tis not theirs to command) and make you hate it. (But love will heal these barren lands) Live in the light; get on the path. Live in the light; get on the path: my path. (I will send Titus; I will send Timothy) Work on yourself; seek the truth; seek the truth; seek the truth, my truth. (I will send Mathew and I will send Mark) You live in the dark; your soul knows; you live in the dark and God knows and I know. Get on the path, seek the truth; live in the light for I’m right, I’m right. (I will send the children of my Kingdom. Be not wise in thine own eyes; be not wise) and I’d always believed and as a child, it’s just true. Heaven at seven is where Teddy comes too but some take it (tis not theirs to command) and make you hate it. (tis not theirs to command) Oh but now I have seen at the edge of his skies; God turned his head and said and there were tears in his eyes. “Though they’ve taken it and left you hating it. In their taking it; they are forsaking it” (I give you Titus: I give you Timothy. I give you Mathew and I will give you Mark. And I give you all the children of my Kingdom. I give you all the children of my Kingdom. You shall know again your innocence for love is all I am. Love is all I am)

                   Rhapsody