FAWM: "As You Did"

As You Did

Liner Notes

This is about taking care of the generations that came before. A pretty classic situation for those of us sandwiched between kids growing up and then our parents getting older. This is about taking our parents' hands again when they need us. Lots of lines here specifically about the house I grew up in.

Lyrics

(verse) Sleep as long as I can, the unfamiliar familiar Reminds me of so many morns before The CSX mainline once the New York Central Passes a mile away with a thrum in the floor

Time to make my calls and check in on my people I might start my errands before its midday I long for a time when everything was quite simple Though I suppose I admit it was never that way

(ch) But here I am as the times draw near With a steady mind and eyes that are clear It's just what we do In a moment or two I will hold you upright as you once did for me

(verse) For fifty some years we’ve come to this place Rediscover our heart, remember our base Our foundation solid here where the heart lives But life is that something that finally gives

(bridge) Boxes in the basement from generations before And memories of voices who don’t speak anymore We move as we must for the ones yet to come And we pass one to one just as sure as the sun

(verse) And as we find the boxes we need for right now To bring us along to the next stage somehow To figure out the next right thing to do I will find the heart and will to be there for you

(ch) But here I am as the times draw near With a steady mind and eyes that are clear It's just what we do In a moment or two I will hold you upright as you once did for me

Comments

@rowleyjohnuk 10h

oh wow the intro descending bass line on the acoustic sets the tone! Brilliant and the chorus just cooks. Nailed it. I hear more instruments! Harmonica or pads strings even some piano!

@aeye 3d

This is a perfect explanation where my life is quickly heading. Honestly a fantastic way to put this subject into song as it seems like something that’s not talked about too much despite happening to everyone

@beacon 5d

I really like the storytelling in these lyrics, especially the verse starting "For fifty some years". A very solid keeper song!

@metalfoot 6d

This is a good and thoughtful write about that transitional period in our lives.

@jlthunder 1w

Great subject matter, your details are spot one and you guitar melody is carried out perfect. What about a little more difference (chords, picking instead of strumming) in the bridge (just a thought). Nice work..

@chrissteele 1w

Thank you - It's a good idea. The song was about a half hour old and yeah now I'm going back to try to figure out how to add dynamics in, so this is perfect.