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Come to Grief: Sid Halley's Haunting Ballad of a Tragic Love Triangle

Arthur C. Clarke

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Published in Come To Grief (Sid Halley 3)

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Sid Halley's "Come to Grief" is a haunting and tragic ballad that tells the story of a love triangle gone awry. Released in 1956, the song quickly became a hit, capturing the hearts of listeners with its evocative lyrics and mournful melody. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

The Story Behind the Song

The inspiration for "Come to Grief" came from a real-life incident that Halley witnessed firsthand. While performing at a dance hall in California, he saw a man and woman arguing fiercely. The woman was visibly upset, and Halley could sense the depth of her pain. After the altercation, Halley approached the woman and offered words of comfort. As she shared her story with him, Halley was struck by the tragedy that had befallen her.

The woman told Halley that she had been in a long-term relationship with a man named Jack. They had been deeply in love, but Jack had recently started drinking heavily. His behavior had become increasingly erratic and abusive, and the woman was no longer sure if she could stay with him. Desperate for a way out, she had met another man who offered her comfort and understanding.

Come to Grief (Sid Halley series Book 3)

by Dick Francis

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1373 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages

However, when Jack found out about her affair, he was consumed by jealousy and rage. He threatened to kill her if she didn't end her relationship with the other man. The woman was torn between her love for Jack and her fear for her own safety.

The Lyrics

Halley's lyrics to "Come to Grief" paint a vivid picture of the woman's dilemma. The first verse introduces the characters and sets the stage for the tragedy that is to come:

There's a tear in your eye, my darling And a tremble in your voice You've come to grief, my darling You've made a fateful choice

The second verse reveals the woman's inner turmoil as she weighs her options:

You're torn between two lovers You don't know what to do You've got a man that you love But you've found someone new

The chorus foreshadows the tragic outcome of the love triangle:

Come to grief, come to grief Your love will be your downfall Come to grief, come to grief You'll never escape its thrall

The third verse describes the woman's decision to leave Jack and start a new life with the other man. However, Jack's jealousy consumes him, and he sets out to seek revenge:

You've made your bed, my darling Now you must lie in it Jack's on his way, my darling He's gonna get you, get you yet

The song ends with a tragic twist of fate:

So come to grief, come to grief Your love will be your downfall Come to grief, come to grief You'll never escape its thrall

Musical Style

"Come to Grief" is a classic country ballad with a haunting melody and sparse instrumentation. Halley's distinctive baritone voice adds to the song's emotional impact, conveying the pain and desperation of the characters. The song's simple but effective arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience.

Legacy

"Come to Grief" remains a beloved classic of country music. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Willie Nelson. The song's timeless appeal lies in its universal themes of love, loss, and betrayal. It continues to resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the complexities of human relationships and the devastating consequences that can arise from jealousy and despair.

Sid Halley's "Come to Grief" is a haunting and unforgettable ballad that tells a timeless tale of love, loss, and the tragic consequences of betrayal. With its evocative lyrics, mournful melody, and powerful emotional impact, the song has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. As a classic of country music, "Come to Grief" stands as a testament to the enduring power of this genre to tell stories that resonate deeply with the human experience.

Come to Grief (Sid Halley series Book 3)

by Dick Francis

4.6 out of 5