Franklin's Table

Album: Down in the Cellar (2000)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song, from Al's concept album about his favorite drink, was provisionally called "Rupert Brooke" right up until they recorded the vocals, but he couldn't find a wine reference so he opted for Ben Franklin as the central character. It was originally a sort of a desperation song by a female protagonist but morphed into a tribute to one of the true giants of history. Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) is an authentic American hero: author, diplomat, statesman and inventor, among his many other talents.
  • Al has often harped back in his songs to a long lost golden age, yearning to see Josephine Baker dance in a Paris cabaret or to tread the roads of Mediaeval Britain. Although it is doubtful if he or any of us would prefer to live in an age before computers, jet planes, modern medicine or running water, the point should be taken.

    The narrator of this song is one of Franklin's neighbors; he doesn't understand world affairs or Franklin's experiments, but he likes the wine, the roast beef and the conversation.
  • The strings on "Franklin's Table" were arranged by Laurence Juber, who also engineered and produced the album. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds

Jim McCarty of The YardbirdsSongwriter Interviews

The Yardbirds drummer explains how they created their sound and talks about working with their famous guitarists.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.