Paolo Nutini (In Concert 8-4-'10 Rah) . Poem by PAUL COLVIN

He glided through its darkness to a rapturous applause
The band, already on the stage, were there to fight his cause
And all his kilted footmen, were there to have a ball
As the young man bowed before them, at The Royal Albert Hall.

He would sing his songs to dance to, and sing his songs of love
Acknowledging his followers, high in the Gods above
To those who sat and those who stood, he merely done the same
And this famous hall erupted at the mention of his name.

He danced so slow then rocked so hard and sweated blood and tears
Performing like a veteran, three times his many years
He shuffled to calypso, played by his twelve-piece band
And the mighty Albert Hall that night, was putty in his hands.

He sang the sweetest notes that the ladies came to hear
They clapped and stood and sang along, they’d come from far and near
But then he showed why he’s the one, the mood was in his shoes
It was raw soul sung straight from his toes that powered up the blues.

He was waltzing through the London air, they loved his every move
The song and dance man struck his chords and danced within his groove
Our maestro shuffled ‘round the mike then fell onto his knees
But the voice raged on before them, he’s an army here to please.

And still they danced and sang along, jumping on their feet
I sat in awe, I couldn’t move, I couldn’t leave my seat
Three times tonight, I sat amazed, at the power in his voice
But then I got up, danced and sang and lifted up the noise.

It’s three days since I saw him and still I get that buzz
It’s not just that he’s brilliant or simply one of us
He sings songs we relate to with a voice that’s fresh and new
And The Royal Albert Hall that night, was testament to you.