The Hill was originally written as a poem for the woman Xav was going out with at the time. It referred to how they first got together, and anyone who knows the details will see them mirrored quite clearly in parts of the song. Indeed, there are a number of words in it that were very carefully selected. The woman in question, incidentally, didn't seem too impressed with the poem.

It was first turned into a song by accident. Joe was improvising on the piano when Xav was present. Between them they refined Joe's doodlings into a pleasant piece of music, at which point Xav realised that his poem would fit quite well. Some of the words needed to be changed from the original poem, and then the music adapted a little more to suit the words (especially the "And I hope, and I pray" section).

Xav was not keen to turn The Hill into a Lovesticks song, since he didn't feel that the addition of drums and a flute or mandolin would improve it. I'm glad to say that Dave Murphy proved him wrong, with some highly suitable and tasteful drumming. It is generally accepted now that this is one of those songs that can be made to sound good with almost any arrangement.

The only other musical changes were the addition of the guitar solo at the start (originally included so that our (then) new guitarist would have something to do), an extension of the fast section at the end (my favourite bit, because I get to improvise a solo), and the addition of some great octave leaps on the bass, courtesy of Michelle.

Do you remember that day upon the hill?
When the wind blew so strongly, yet felt so still.
When I held you in my arms, to keep you from the calm,
That would make us both retreat.

If they knew, they would say that it was wrong -
A photo-romance story, a play, or a song.
But when I hold you near, you are my shield from fear.
I am so glad I found you.

And I hope, and I pray,
That the things that you say,
Are all true,
And that you really love me too.

Do you remember that day upon the hill?
When the wind blew so strongly, yet felt so still.
We will return one day, to re-enact the play,
If we're ever unsure of how we feel.