The Paragons got together in the very early 1960’s and underwent several line-up changes over the years. When they first emerged they went by the name of The Binders and consisted of Bob Andy (Keith Anderson), Garth Evans (aka Tyrone Evans), Junior Menz, and Leroy Stamp.
Known for their ska and rocksteady wizardry, they formed in Kingston, Jamaica primarily as a vocal group. I didn’t actually realise this until now, but it was The Paragons that wrote The Tide Is High – John Holt wrote it in fact! He joined the group in 1964 and replaced Leroy Stamp. Around this time Howard Barrett replaced Junior Menz, and the name was changed to The Paragons! Bob Andy left the group in late 1965 and The Paragons continued as a trio.
Released in 1967 on Trojan Records and written by John Holt, Tyrone Evans and Howard Barrett, Riding High On A Windy Day is quite a tune! It’s a little bit haunting with those wistful lyrics (see below) and a melody that completely fits the mood. It’s a real treasure with just the right balance of sorrow and sunshine – the sunshine being that one pinch of hope as the lyrics repeat “...riding my troubles away”. It sticks with you….Enjoy!
Riding on a high and windy day
Deep in the month of May
Riding on a high and windy day
Riding my troubles away
Nobody knows the pain I feel
Nobody knows my misery
I wear a smile upon my face
Anyway
And now I’m riding on a high and windy day
Deep in the month of May
Riding on a high and windy day
Riding my troubles away
I’ve got a feeling I can’t deny
I’m all alone and I want to cry
But I’m still a man and I can’t deny
My pride
Nobody knows the pain I feel
Nobody knows my misery
I wear a smile upon my face
Anyway
And now I’m riding on a high and windy day
Deep in the month of May
Riding on a high and windy day…
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