Frampton wrote the song entirely on his own. According to the artist himself, the lyrics are drawn from the painful aftermath of a broken relationship. He has described the song as a self-indulgent but relatable tale of heartbreak, noting that “we’ve all been through, unfortunately, losses and broken relationships.” The narrative centers on a marriage that collapsed due to premature commitment and emotional distance.
I saw a live performance of this song in the Tangerine Bowl (Now called Camping World Stadium) in Orlando, FL 1977. I was only 10 years old but my brothers took me along. That was the tour where Peter Frampton was making his guitar talk. Still resonates with me to this day.
This song was included on the 1973 album Frampton’s Camel. Frampton’s Camel is the second studio album by English musician and songwriter Peter Frampton, recorded and released in 1973. It was the first album that Frampton recorded in the United States. Most of the album was written in New York City. It reached No. 110 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.
Peter Frampton pursued a grittier sound on his album Frampton’s Camel. It was recorded at Jimi Hendrix’s old Electric Lady Studios. Four years later, Frampton would record there again for I’m in You.
The album shared its name with the band Frampton assembled in 1972, which was more of a group project, including bassist Rick Wills, new drummer John Siomos, and keyboardist Mick Gallagher. In fact, early editions of the LP, eight-track and cassettes all listed and denoted the album as Frampton’s Camel by Frampton’s Camel.
Track listing
All tracks composed by Peter Frampton; except where indicated
“I Got My Eyes on You” – 4:29
“All Night Long” – 3:19 (Frampton, Mick Gallagher)
“Lines on My Face” – 4:50
“Which Way the Wind Blows” – 3:32
“I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” – 4:10 (Stevie Wonder, Yvonne Wright)
“White Sugar” – 3:37
“Don’t Fade Away” – 4:39
“Just the Time of Year” – 3:58
“Do You Feel Like We Do” – 6:44 (Frampton, Mick Gallagher, Rick Wills, John Siomos)
Personnel
Peter Frampton – electric and acoustic guitars, drums, piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner clavinet, vocals
Mick Gallagher – piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner clavinet, vocals
Rick Wills – bass
John Siomos – drums, percussion
Additional Personnel
Frank Carillo – acoustic and electric guitars, backing vocals
Eddie Kramer, Chris Kimsey, Dave Wittman, Doug Bennett – recording and mixing engineers
LYRICS
“Lines On My Face”
Lines on my head from that one thing she said
She spoke of strangers that don’t sleep two a bed
Kept on trying, buying time, not waiting on fate
Somehow got the feeling that I opened my eyes too late
I saw where you came from
I called out your name, but there’s no answer
We lived on your doorstep
I made you my wife, but I don’t need that
Lines on my face while I laugh, lest I cry
Speed city, dirt and gritty, waving me goodbye
So many people, a family of friends
Trying so hard to make me smile until this heartache mends
I saw where you came from
I called out your name, but there’s no answer
We lived on your doorstep
I made you my wife, but I don’t need that
Ice in her eyes, frozen tears could never be a surprise
You can’t erase a dream, you can only wake me up
My mind is turning slower, never to accept defeat
It don’t matter where I stay, I still got a house to heat
I saw where you came from
I called out your name, but there’s no answer
We lived on your doorstep
I made you my wife, but I don’t need that
I saw where you came from
I called out your name, but there’s no answer
We lived on your doorstep
I made you my wife, but I don’t need that
I saw where you came from
I called out your name, but there’s no answer
We lived on your doorstep
I made you my wife, but I don’t need that
I saw where you came from
I called out your name, but there’s no answer
