FAWM: "Unmet"

Unmet

Liner Notes

FAWM 2026 Song 6. I guess I'm writing an album about thresholds. This is about trying to get people to accept you for who you are. #acceptance

I'm seeing this is a little more cryptic than I thought - That's good I think. It gives people a chance to find their own meaning in it. However, I wrote it from the standpoint of living up to what we believe our parents' goals are for us. The travel images are from family trips; the "work" of the second verse is about striving to meet an imagined and unachievable standard; the latter verses are about coming back together to actually compare and reconcile, and acknowledging that in some cases it may not be possible in this lifetime.

Lyrics

I’ve seen you in the airport I’ve seen you in the western sun I’ve seen you in the prairie dawn I know you’re out there still

I have covered oceans I have walked a million miles I have built and forged And never fully seen you smile

You knew me without meeting Then the moments never came I can never know you Still I answer just the same

You have been forgotten To be remembered in the strangest ways You have been neglected Til I hear someone calling your name

I will come back to you Though I don’t know how or when Tomorrow or the next day Forever, now, or then

You knew me without meeting Then the moments never came I can never know you Still I answer just the same

Comments

@oaksnprairie 5d

I am mystified by the lyrics (that’s my problem), but it’s a nice tune and sweet guitar playing.

@chrissteele 5d

Thank you very much! I just wrote a little more about the motivation for the song in the description, but I always think songs are best interpreted the way the listener wants to hear them. :)

@aeye 1w

Reading through the lyrics and listening it definitely feels like I'm doing some people watching, or at least a silent observer. Wonderful melody

@dmclingman 1w

I didn't listen yet... I'm actually in class with 2nd graders, but they are watching a orchestra video, so I'm reading lyrics and reciprocating. Loving the Canadian Flag (my wife is from Ontario)

I have this feeling of this is from the view of people watcher. Someone who just sits back and takes it all in, maybe having solutions to problems unknown, just because they observe. Like they know all of the people around, but not exactly.

@chrissteele 1w

Thank you - it is certainly something I do (a lot). Time at airports trains you that way. (And glad for the Canadian connection! I am not myself but am occasionally mistaken as one. Have spent many many months over the past 20 years in ON, NB, NS, PQ, MB, BC and especially AB)

@beacon 1w

So much mystery in this one. Brings up a lot of questions as to who these people are and what their relationship is. As always, great singing and playing.