This pulls on my heartstrings so sadly and beautifully. The gift of living next to a songwriter is that even if one has gone unnoticed by the rest of the world, we usually do. I'm sitting here in a heap of tears and grateful you were the one to bear witness to another human being with humor, compassion and your always brilliant wit. The everyday details about the state of his dealings with the neighbors, being on and off his meds, his home, the hinges, the windows and how cold Melbourne can be, painted such a clear picture of loneliness and having been overlooked, that is absolutely and unfortunately universal. Bravo and thanks, Mike!

Look, I know that, like me, you suffer from perfectionism. But if you would just release these as FAWM albums, as is, on Bandcamp or wherever, I wouldn't have to pirate them.

You do this kind of unflashy heartache so very well. It’s an incredibly realised character study, I love how you have the empathy to let us see it through the neighbour’s eyes. When you put it that way - “how do you tell?” - it becomes scarily relatable, and you see how someone ends up in a flat with broken windows or far far worse. Some mightily good chord moves, and the use of woodwind is inspired. What a song, hats off to you sir!

This is really good mate! A real songwriters song! sounds a bit trite but is like you really are telling his story in music - interesting to the end! such good observations and thoughts -its so easy on the ear

I love how this song unfolds and how you turn your small moments with your neighbor into a beautiful meditation on empathy and spirituality. ("and i can't say that i miss him/but i hope he's wound up some place warm/and safe enough/let's hope he's not out there sleeping rough" just undid me). And the clarinet is a perfect addition to the arrangement.

Terrific. So well crafted and conceived. What could have been a mordant reflection, instead delivers empathy and pathos packaged in a highly listenable format. The clarinet (?) was such a delightful surprise as were the lovely harmonies. A real winner. Yes, let's hope he's not out there living rough. Look forward to hearing more.

Another gem, Mike. I love the lyric "and i can't say that i miss him but i hope he's wound up some place warm and safe enough." I'm sure it's a thought that many of us have had after dealing with uncomfortable people. Makes me think of Jesus's words "the poor you will have with you always." Also the mentally unstable, unfortunately. I feel quite helpless when I see folks like this on the street. It doesn't feel like enough just to give money to organizations who are there to help them out. Definitely worth a word to God, if the opportunity ever arises. I love the unpredictable-ness of your music, and it's so effective here. And your compassion comes through loud and clear.

I am SUCH a fan of your songs. I love how you kind of sneak up on the bigger issues you're writing about, with quirky perfect details (and music) that sounds so natural and yet compelling. (the chord structure of the bridge is off kilter in a way that emphasizes its ideas well.) I love the change of the "word of god" to "word with god" at the end.

such a good write and delivery wondering about / considering people it's a good thing to ponder in song or reality enjoyed