For the last ten years I was the primary caregiver for both my parents. They both lived long and productive lives to the age of 96. This song is the culmination of many conversations I had with them about what they were feeling as they aged. Thanks to all that take the time to listen and sorry if it causes any tears but that comes with the territory. Tom

My fingerpicked Acoustic guitar and leads
RealTracks in song: 1759:Bass, Electric, Pop16ths Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 1596:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths Ev16 065
RealTracks in style: 1595:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Pop8thsSteady Ev 065
RealTracks in song: ~2051:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryBrent Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1725:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryBalladJohn Ev 065
RealDrums: RealDrums in Song: NashvilleEven16^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
No harmonies- light on the window dressing
Recorded in Pro Logic9
Alloy 2
Nectar2
Ozone5


http://tommyadamsmusic.com/music

http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=13020375



Who I Once Was


Got lost on my way to the grocery

Anyone they might have done the same

Now Joey wants to take away the car keys

And i can’t figure out who to blame


My days are filled with simple little problems

How to do what I have always done

I sit and stare directly at my oatmeal

Maybe it’s a lack of oxygen


i don’t know where I am

And I hope you understand
i don’t want to stay here anymore

well i’m not who i once was

but i’m not giving up

That is one thing I know for sure


i don’t know where I am

And I hope you understand

i don’t want to live here anymore

well i’m not who i once was

but i’m not giving up

That is one thing I know for sure


All my life I’ve tried to have a good time

Lately those seem all like yesterdays

its hard to look forward when I’m always looking back

even those memories fade away



My days are filled with simple little problems

How to do what I have always done

maybe i should get up and start walking

Down the road into the setting sun


i don’t know who I am

And I hope you understand

i don’t want to stay here anymore

well i’m not who i once was

but i’m not giving up

That is one thing I know for sure


got lost on my way to the grocery

Anyone they might have done the same


©2014 Thomas Adams

Heartbreaking topic, Tommy, and you sure did address it accurately and honestly.
I've been down that road with my parents, both of which are gone now. I see a lot of the early warning signs in myself already... which might not be as alarming if I didn't already know how the book ends.

My hat's off to you and anyone else who is primary caregiver to a parent or anyone else who needs constant care. Y'all are saints in my book.

Your songs are always good, and normally I would take some time to talk about the craft and technique of how you fashioned an idea into musical form... but this time all I can think of is the heart of a man who would do for his parents what you did. That's worth a lot more than being able to write a good song.

You did both.

I don't think we can add to the sensitivity of Pat's description. We too are
experiencing the same with our 90 and 93 year old mothers. Being able
to put these experiences into words and music is something that I can
barely imagine given the sadness involved. I hope this will bring some
comfort to family caregivers who may hear it and realize that they are
not alone.

And of course it is a great production, a beautiful write and the vocal
completely captures the feeling.

J&B

Beautiful and tastefully stated reality. The whole song.
This line rings a bell for me. "Hard to look forward when I'm always lookin back".
Great ending. Cheers.

Tom,

Pat stated it nicely. Bud, too... I could not do better than that. All the usual accolades apply, and yet, don't seem to really matter...

This is very special. And you are a very special person.

floyd

hi tommyad beautiful write everything just right great example of paying it forward very realistic thanks for sharing eric

Beautifully done, Tommy.

Too sad for words.

ROG.

Pat, the caretaking and songwriting are much the same in my eyes. I have learned that the reward is in the experience. Thanks for all the great things you say about the songs. Both mine and others. Best to ya, Tom
Having been aware of y'alls current situation, you know you were on my mind during the writing of this. Thanks for your care and support and know that you have mine. Tom

It's all been said, a lot more eloquently than I could.

Excellent guitar solo.

WOW!!! What a beautiful song. Amazing write and equally great delivery. The vocal and guitar are emotionally incredible. This is what songwriting is all about!! I'll be back for more listens tomorrow. Wonderful! Take care. Greg

Tommy,
What a nice song. In a sensitive way you tell about a hard reality. I smiled as I listened, seeing the story of my elders in your song. That, for a songwriter is my greatest compliment.
This is wonderful.
G
F

A very powerful write and testament to your overall extraordinary musical skills. Compelling images in your lyrics with the right feel and vibe from the backing instrumentation. Although I did not have a deep emotional connection to the story because my parents both died young, 46 and 57, I was able to connect from what I saw other families faced with aging parents. This is a good song.

Charlie

Just amazing.

Excellent in so many ways.... from the insightful lyrical word-smithing... to the instrumentation to the superbly recorded guitar to the clear and emotion filled vocal delivery.

It's sad when we have to see our parents in a situation such as this. I lost my mom just about a year ago now. She was well into her mid 90's. She never lost her sharp wit until just a few days before she passed. We all were so fortunate in that respect. I remember a month before she passed, we were setting there discussing something that happened back when my sister and I were kids. Mom chimed in... "Oh No, no, no.... that's not how it happened.... " then she proceeded to set the record straight, and she was absolutely right.

This song is such a poignant, and well written look at the issues facing all of us as we age.... and complete our life's journey. And it's done with finesse and grace.

One of your best.

Tom,

So heartfelt and relatable... Beautiful.

Bob

Great to hear some lyrics that probe the depth of our human experience. You don't hear songs like this at the Junos anymore. Wonderfully done!

Richard, Thanks for listening and commenting. The key word here is reality. My Dad really did get lost on the way to the grocery. Thanks again. Tom

Out of the many nice things you have said about my songs, this stands at top. Thank you floyd. Tom



Eric, At times I selfishly thought I was under a great burden, but I later came to understand that it was a great blessing. Even if the karma thing isn't real, it's still a really good idea. Thanks, Tom

Tommy-

Beautiful song. Right from the heart.


Regards,

Bob

Hi Tom,

I'm touched. What a beautiful song.

Guenter

Hi, Tommy !:))

Yes, it´s all been said
and I can only join in on
the superlatives ! This is
really a very touching song
so sincere so real ! The
time and situation you are
describing is slowly closing
in on us too I believe, but....
as you say we are not afraid....

Regards
Dani

Eric, At times I selfishly thought I was under a great burden, but I later came to understand that it was a great blessing. Even if the karma thing isn't real, it's still a really good idea. Thanks, Tom[/quote]

Man, that is a great place to land after what you went through. And, yes, it is really a good idea. I've spent the bulk of my adult life trying to always remember that.