PG Music Home Forums General Discussion User Showcase NEW SONG POST: There's a Road (for my dad)

People currently talk about someone losing their battle with cancer. My dad was diagnosed with a chronic form of Leukemia about 8 years ago. He underwent chemotherapy about once per month (daily for a week) and his symptoms disappeared. He did everything he wanted -kayaked, rode his bike, swam, and enjoyed himself- until the Fall of '15 when he suddenly went downhill. He passed away in February of this year. I'm happy to say he did not battle long. He won the battle, on his own terms, for about 8 years, and then he lost. I'm glad it was not a long, slow, downhill progression. My dad was a wonderful man, although few people really knew him. He was opinionated but generally reserved, kind and sensitive but not emotionally expressive. He was not really comfortable with emotional conversations but he felt deeply, and I think I always knew how he was feeling. I remember, as a kid, when we were going somewhere as a family, and he would look at me after I was dressed and ready. He appeared stern but I could see the love and pride which he held inside. He would straighten my shirt, and lick his finger to wipe a smudge off my face, real or imagined. I remember feeling my face against his wool shirt covered belly when he hugged me. We both had many of the same interests (films, the stock market, economics, and politics) and he was my favorite person in the world to talk to. It will be a long, hard recovery (if it is possible) for me. The day after I learned his disease was taking over, I awoke with the title and the melody for that line in my head. I would love to hear it sung by Ray Charles (maybe he'll do it for my dad) or Randy Newman. Hope you like it. Comments always welcomed.

For my dad: William Leslie Johnson 11/23/27 to 2/4/16

Certainly not the most exceptional man who ever lived
Certainly the most exceptional man I ever knew

https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/theres-a-road

THERE'S A ROAD

There’s a road
That I walk past nearly every day
But I haven’t wandered off that way
Since I can’t remember when
But today
Gonna take my time and walk that way
Cause I know this sweet and sunny day
Is never gonna come again

It’s such a shame
All the time we waste inside our heads
With things we’re dreamin’ of, and the things we dread
Most of which will never be
And all the while
Still the train is runnin’ down the track
It’s never, ever coming back
And there’s so much here to see

We all arrive with nothing
Travelers on this foreign land
Create our fragile kingdoms
Like castles in the sand
We strive to reach our pinnacles
Of prominence and pride
Then lie down on the sand
To await the rising tide

There’s a road
That someday each of us must walk alone
Our lonely footsteps on the hard, cold stone
And there ain’t no goin’ back
But for now
I’m gonna wrap my arms around this place
Feel the magic of a warm embrace
Not regret the things I lack

Greg,
Beautiful song great vocal - and touching story.
Loved the lyrics, poignant and reflective.
Hope Ray is working on a version for your father now....

Greg, This is a wonderful tribute to your father. If you put your ear to the clouds, you might hear him humming along with you. He would be very proud with what you've put down here. I love the Randy Newman like chord changes. Exceptional and heartfelt vocal. Nice sparse arrangement. The writing is philosophical and poetic at the same time. This is an extraordinary song. Absolutely beautiful in all ways. Tom

Greg,

A beautiful tribute to your dad. The pain and sense of loss will always be there, but it lessens in time, and you will be filled with nothing but good memories. All of my family is gone, so I know.

Condolences and prayers coming your way.


Regards,

Bob

Greg,

I was really moved by the background story (the real love between the father and his son), the music (the lyrics, the vocal, the melody and very simple accompaniment), and so by everything.

Really great work!

Hiroshi

Hi Greg,
Exactly. Thanks for the touching background story.

Guenter

What an exceptional song for an exceptional man!!
Truly beautifully done and a credit to you - and to him.
Regards
Ian

Hi Greg,

This is a wonderful listen! As I've said a number of times before, your melodies and chord progressions are hypnotising. Without exception, your musical texture always reminds me of velvet.

AABA form is such a perfect fit for your musical journey and its celebration of your dad. I'm in awe of the lyric writing skill on show in the bridge. Your philosophical take on Life's journey is one of the most eloquent I've ever heard. I love the adjective/noun metaphor "fragile kingdoms" and the way you've used it in the simile "castles in the sand".... beautiful imagery.

My condolences on the loss of your father. When we lose people we care about, it's never easy.

Please know that I am thinking of you.

Noel

Greg,
as always, your prelude to the song really resonated with me. I could say many of the same things about my own dad, and about my son, but you said it all so well!

I love the gentle and articulate way you have of expressing whatever is on your mind... whether as lyrics in a song or as comments on someone else's.

As I listened, I imagined the voice of Ray Charles. It's as though you wrote it for him... I can easily imagine his version.

Given the topic, it seems almost inappropriate to launch into a discussion about song writing, so I'll just say that in my opinion, your song is the perfect expression of the man your dad raised you to be.

A wonderful song for one who was surely a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

Your dad has certainly got to be as proud of you as you are of him. Ray might be at the piano, I'd guess Dad is singing...

I cannot listen to this without a tear - and I've listened many, many times...

We all must find our comfort in our own time and on our own terms. I wish you that comfort, deeply.

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! (maybe your best - amongst so many "bests")

fj

Hi, Greg !


I also belong to those
who know what it is to
lose a dear relative and
I also know by experience that
the pain only lessens over time !

Please accept my deepest condolences
for your heavy loss !

Your tribute....well, what can I say,
it is one of the most beautiful ones
I´ve ever heard !

please, dear friend, take care !

Dani

Thank you Greg for this wonderful song.
Beautifully done and very easy to relate to.

The touching introduction adds great depth to the song also. Cheers.

Awesome man.

I don't know what else to say. Great lyrics, great song, great feeling, great emotion, great everything.

I salute.

You might want to post the lyrics on Soundcloud. They're awesome.

Greg,

First our true condoleances with your dad.
You definitely honoured him with this beautiful production.
One of your best we think.

Hello, Greg

As Tom said, this song is a wonderful tribute to your father.
I think it is pretty difficult to tell the story of your own family to others.
But the melody and the lyrics eloquently tell us your deep feelings.
Thank you so much for this beautiful song.

Best Regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Outstanding!

The lyrics are so very thoughtful and well put together. Knowing the backstory to the song really makes the impact of the words hit the heart of the listener.

The simplicity of the piano and cello backing tracks adds to the beauty of this song. So well done.

Loss of a parent is hard. You have my condolences. My mom left us in February 2 years ago well into her 90's.... and I still think I should pick up the phone every now and then to call.....then I remember....

A very fitting song Greg. I know he would be proud.

"Superbe" Greg.

The first time we listened we were both left speechless...what is there left to say?
There are no single lines or even verses to quote for us as they are all simply
perfectly written. So sad but still so accessible with a vocal and lyric that should
be heard by MANY. I'd consider letting this one be downloadable from SC as
there are many people for whom the song would be so meaningful.

Even if the lyric were not a wonderful tribute the vocal and melody alone are
in our opinion among your best, And your best runs all the way
through your catalog.

We are sure he will live on in the hearts and minds of many, many people.

J&B

Not much to add from what the posters above stated. Great song and performance. I do hear the Newman changes. Very effective. Lost my father five years ago. He shows up in my dreams from time to time.