Help with lyrics

[lg_br]

In Picadilly Palare, the "Why do you smile when you think about Earls Court
but you cry when you think of all the battles you fight and lost" bit, what does it mean? I am not British and quite ignorant.
Thanks.

[Raphael Lambach]

Well friend, Earls Curt is a place - which belongs to Chelsea district - where people as Freddie Mercury, Hitchcok and Wilde lived.
It's all also well known for being a gay área.
The persona of the song went there to have fun, but then he realizes the life is hard

[lg_br]

Thanks Raphael!
:-)

[Amy]

In Picadilly Palare, the "Why do you smile when you think about Earls Court
but you cry when you think of all the battles you fight and lost" bit, what does it mean? I am not British and quite ignorant.
Thanks.

As Raphael said, Earls Court was a well-known gay area in the 80s. Johnny Marr lived there very briefly, too.

[lg_br]

Hmm now I see it. Thank you too Amy.
:-)