Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Marillion
Label: EMI Records
Released: 1985
Length: 10:09
Rating: 4.5/5
“Lavender” was the second hit single released to promote the conceptual masterpiece “Misplaced Childhood” (1985), and it’s practically inseparable from Marillion’s biggest hit single, “Kayleigh”, since both are key building blocks of Fish’s cult concept about a lost childhood. It came close to the huge success of its ‘brother’, reaching number five on the UK charts and getting hefty support from BBC Radio 1. Lyrically and atmospherically, it’s a kindred but still different kind of love song from “Kayleigh”. While the latter’s message dealt with (failed) love affairs between grown-ups, “Lavender”, yet another unusual British female name (Sivka in Slovenian), touches on lost, romantic childhood innocence, above all the encounter with your first crush.
Structurally, it’s another excellent, high-intensity power ballad, boasting subdued pastoral touches on the piano. After a nostalgic intro, it flows into a romantic section with a superb, deeply romantic chorus, delivered by the inconsolable Scottish giant Fish. The chorus lyrics are partly inspired by the traditional folk classic “Lavender Blue”. Despite its relatively simple structure, it’s another unforgettable piece from the band, one that has easily withstood the test of time and that the listener ‘falls in love’ with after just one spin. Of course, there was a promo video too, starring Fish dressed in a Scottish kilt and a military uniform similar to the one worn by the boy Rober Mead, the hero of the “Misplaced Childhood”, “Kayleigh”, “Lavender”, “Heart of Lothian” and “Welcome to the Garden Party” covers.
The B-side of the 12-inch vinyl single also features an alternate version of “Lavender”, called “Lavender Blue”, and “Freaks”. The latter, dedicated to all the band’s fans, was later released as a standalone single in a live version. Marillion maniacs, the members of their fan club, are in fact called Freaks. Compared to most of the material from the “Misplaced Childood” era, “Freaks” is nothing special, and stylistically you could place it somewhere between prog rock and pop. It’s marked by a slow tempo, playful keyboard arrangements and a repetitive chorus.
Even though “Lavender” lives in the shadow of its more famous sibling (or sister, rather), it’s yet another dazzling jewel in the crown of the incomparable “Misplaced Childhood” brilliance. To this day, it’s a must-have fix for all the nostalgics and romantic souls out there.
Line-up
Fish – vocals
Steve Rothery – guitar
Mark Kelly – keyboards
Pete Trewavas – bass guitar
Ian Mosley – drums
Production
Chris Kimsey
Track list
1. Lavender Blue
2. Freaks
3. Lavender
