To Lose Them All Again

My mum passed 10 years ago this month. Fiesty and independent, she developed dementia and fought tooth and nail to keep those qualities as her memory failed. Eventually she had to move into a care home. Though living far away,I have it on good authority that she offered nurses and doctors her opinions unfiltered and refused medication whenever possible.
The times I was able to see her I found her pretty lucid when she was at her most fiesty , so this song is the way I think she might have seen it.

Style is _RITUAL.STY (Ritual Deep Folk Groove)

RealTracks in style: 1521:Bass, Electric, PopPower4s Ev 120
RealTracks in song: ~1030:Guitar, 12-String Electric, Fingerpicking Ev 120
RealTracks in style: ~~362:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 1755:Mandolin, Rhythm Pop8ths Ev 110
RealTracks in song: 1760 Fiddle,Background Pop Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1752:Accordion, Rhythm Pop8ths Ev 110
RealDrums in style: RockRootsEv8^2-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride




To Lose Them All Again

she heard what the waves were saying
doctors said the same thing
we`ll smooth your rough edges
you`ll forget the times that sting

no don`t take them away

I want to remember how I hated the 60`s
so scared for my free range kids
how it hurt when they didn`t need me
to be their glue give them a good night kiss

I just want the chance
just give me the chance
to lose them all again

the best of times
worst of times
turning my thorns to roses
that`s a crime

did I tell you about the day
my kite caught on the angels wing
high up on the church roof
air raid ringing but I held that string

sit with me a while

let me look out the window at my stories
pain so good it makes me laugh
if they pull the pin from my wits
I`ll slip over the edge into the dark

I just want the chance
just give me the chance
to lose them all again
to lose them all again

© Robert Cordrey Dec.2017

Good writing here, Robert! "so scared for my free range kids", nice one!

My aunt also died around 10 years ago and had dementia the last 5 years or so of her life.

Was your mother English? (the reference to air raid sirens)

Robert, A very poetic and sensitive approach to a difficult subject. I also lost my mother to Alzheimer's. Such a devastating disease that affects the whole family. Best to you, Tom

What a wonderful tribute to your mom. Your lyrics blow me away Robert. So heartfelt and with such deep meaning. Super vocal and lovely backtrack... The violin was a nice touch as well

I really like how you have written this, Robert. It feels raw and real.

A story well told... and well sung/presented - with heart.

Good mix. Good job all around.

fj

Dave,
Yes, mum was very English (and had a good turn of phrase which no doubt influenced my writing). She grew up on an island in the flight path of bombers on their way to London during the Blitz.
Thanks for your listen and comments,

Robert

Thank you Tom,
That`s much appreciated coming from someone who`s been there.
My siblings saw the change on a daily basis and did more in caring for my mother than I think I would have been capable of.
One of the reasons for the write was to say something they might relate to in looking back at that tough time.
Robert

Robert

Nicely written and performed. Lost my mother-in-law to Alzheimer's a couple of years ago. Seems unfortunately common these days.

A really good song.

Peter

Wow, such a well written song! Filled with insight and knowledge.

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed your intimate portrait.

Hi Robert.
Enjoy your lyrics very much especially the waves talking.
A great song for us old folks.
Thumbs up.
Cheers.

Hi Robert,

A few quick comments. I listened to this a couple of days ago as I was coming down with the flu but got to feeling so bad I just signed off the computer and went to bed. Still feeling horrible but don't want to get too far behind on listens, particularly with all the Christmas songs being posted.

This song, in verse and music, is so real and heartfelt. I'm sure your mum would be pleased as could be. The cathartic release of such a personal song can be its own reward. But the rest of us are also blessed with this. Thank you for that. Merry Christmas.

Alan

Scott,
Thank you!
Not sure mum would appreciate the folk rock style of this; I was aiming for a kind of Fairport Convention sound she had to endure alot when I was home. I also like that background fiddle ( less busy than the solo RT`s).
I`m glad the lyrics had meaning for you.

Robert



Floyd,
I appreciate your listen and kind comments- for this song and all the constructive feedback this year.

Robert

Dear "Robertkc"

The lyrics for "To Lose Them All Again" are evocative in the sheer richness of the poetry exposed through them, and therefore striking in their imagery. I know nothing about Alzheimer's disease, but if the texture of memories lost and found could be captured in words, I'd say you translated them in the most purely emotional way possible in the context of a song.

I'm curious to know which came first: the music, or the lyrics? The style you used, _RITUAL.STY (Ritual Deep Folk Groove) moves the song along like the past into the future, and your voice is as gentle and pining as a child waiting for someone to escort him home.

"To Lose Them All Again" was a sensitive and time-distilling thing to listen to, sir.

LOREN

Peter,
Thank you. I have to admit it worries me that I might have to go down that road myself someday; "give me strength", as my mum used to say!



That`s much appreciated - especially coming from a song craftsman like yourself.



Hi Rich,
I`m glad it resonates with another oldster!
Thanks for listening and commenting.

Robert

Beautiful song with beautiful lyrics that must have been tough to write! Very good work again Robert! Thanks, Torrey

Same situation with my mother who passed three years ago. We completely understand.

Were I blessed with your lyric skills I would've attempted an expression/tribute like this.

The poetry, the heartfelt vocal and the great supporting arrangement make for a powerful statement.

Well done!

J&B

That`s very kind Alan; I`m glad you were able to have a listen and wish you a speedy recovery.
Merry Christmas to you.

Robert

Robert

Hi Loren,
The lyrics came first on this. I like that BiaB style - more folk rock than country and,as you say, it moves along nicely.
Your comment about my vocal is so true... aren`t all men still boys sometimes when they think of their mums?
Your listen and thoughtful review is most appreciated.

Robert

Torrey,
Thank you.
Having flown furthest from the nest, I did far less to care for my mother than siblings- in a way this song is to show empathy for what they went through.

Robert



Janice & Bud,
The number of listeners with personal experience of alzheimers or dementia in their families has surprised me.
Your kind comments and ongoing support for my writing has been a
source of encouragement all year; once again, thank you!

Robert

Hello, Robert

Another wonderful folk rock tune!
It seems that I am listening to a song of The Byrds which I don't know yet.
I entirely agree with Tom.
A very poetic and sensitive approach to a difficult subject.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Beautiful lyrics Robert!
And we think your mother would have loved the song.
Well done!

Rob and Anne-Marie

Hi Shigeki,
The 12-string does add that Byrds feel to the song.
I appreciate your listen and kind comments and wish you
a Merry Cristmas and Happy New Year in return!

Robert