Neutral was first released on the Viral Black album in 2017. A reworked studio version was released on the album Equals in 2018. This main post covers the Viral black version, see Other Studio Versions below for the Equals version.
Running length: 4:31
Written By: Mike Peters
Musicians
Mike Peters – Vocals, Harmonica, Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, E-bow and Electro harmonix Mel9
Smiley – Drums, Percussion and Backing vocals
James Stevenson – Electric guitar, Bass guitar and backing vocals
Jules Jones Peters – Piano and backing vocals
George Williams – Keyboards and Bass guitar
Recorded at Bethel Chapel Studios, Wales, Parr Street Studio A, Liverpool, England
Produced and mixed by George Williams. Engineered by Tony Draper and Mark Warden
Mastered by Sean Magee at Abbey Road Studio, London NW8, England
Song Notes
Other Studio Versions of the Song – reworked Equals studio version
Running time: 4:17
Musicians:
Mike Peters: Vocals, Harmonica, Baritone, Acoustic and electric guitars
Smiley: Drums, Percussion and Backing vocals
James Stevenson: Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Slide guitar, Bass guitar and backing vocal
Jules Jones Peters: Piano and backing vocals
George Williams: Keyboards and Bass guitar
Recorded at Bethel Chapel studios, Wales, Parr Street studios A and C, Liverpool, England, The Doghouse studios, Henley on Thames, England and Monnow Valley, South Wales
Produced and mixed by George Williams. Engineered by Mark Warden (Bethel Chapel and The Doghouse), Tony Draper (Parr Street) and Matt Glasbey (Monnow Valley)
Album Appearances and discography
Worldwide release:
Viral Black version: 2017 – Viral Black (catalogue number 21C089 (CD), 21C089LP (vinyl))
Equals version: 2018 – Equals (catalogue number 21C100 (red vinyl and black vinyl), 21C101 (CD))
Single Appearances and discography
Live Recordings
2017 – Mike Peters solo live version recorded at The Gathering 2017. Released on Live at The Gathering 10″ vinyl EP (catalogue number 21C090). Running time 4:29.
10 October 2018 – Mike Peters solo live version recorded for National Album Day 2018 at Parr Street Studios, Liverpool, England. Released on Mike Peters in session 2018 CD (catalogue number 21C106). Running time 4:10.
Acoustic Recordings
Viral Black in session acoustic version (2017) released on Viral black in session cd (catalogue number 21C092). Running time 3:35.
Lyrics
There’s no way out of the city
No way back from the cold
It’s only my own making
Made with my old hands
I’ve not come for deliverance
Or to mount my own defence
I’m not on anybody’s side
Except my own
I live and die as I was born into this world
Neutral
I am neutral
Nanananana
Neutral
I am neutral
Nanananana
I can’t stand in the in-between
I can’t stand to the right
Or the left of centre
Or hiding in plain sight
I refuse to take a side
I’d rather listen
To who is wrong that who is right
I’m not on anybody’s side
Except my own
I live and die as I was born into this world
Neutral
I am neutral
Nanananana
Neutral
I am neutral
Nanananana
Neutral, nanananana
Raise your hands in the name of
Raise your hands in the name of
Raise your hands in the name of
Raise your hands in the name of
I know what you’re thinking
I know what you want
I know where it’s going
We all know where it ends
I’ve not come for deliverance
I’ve not come to mount my own defence
I’m not on anybody’s side
Except my own
I live and die as I was born into this world
Neutral, I am neutral
I am neutral
Neutral, nanananan
Alternative Lyrics
Audio & Visual Sources
Video Link – Neutral promotional launch video