LIFE IN THE TIME OF VIRUS
There remains a lot to be thankful for during this uncertain time. Pat’s daughter and her family who live on the East Coast chose to make the trip across the country. They’ve been with us a month now with plans to stay for another two. Lindsey and her husband have been working remotely for quite a while and are able to continue doing that here. The grandkids, seven and five, are alive with energy and curiosity. Each day is filled with imagination and discovery as well as a reminder of why most people have kids when they are younger.
Here's a video from last fall when The Brothers Four sang at the Katherine Hepburn Theater in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The grandkids came on stage during soundcheck.
Sound Check
REMEMBERING THE DREAM
The weekly Podcasts, Remembering the Dream, continue to tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 60’s. To know about that time is to understand the best of what this country can be. I also believe the more we know about where we came from the better chance we have of getting where we want to go. For me the goal can be summed up pretty simply. I want the last six words of the Pledge of Allegiance, “with liberty and justice for all”, to ring true for everyone. We need look no further than John Lewis who dedicated his life to making those words come alive.
STAYING CONNECTED
During these times it has been important to continue to find ways to feel and be connected.
The Song Circle is one way. I send out an mp3 of a song most days along with a bit of a story about the recording. The practice continues to be a way of staying connected with Michael Kirkland, the guy I replaced in The Brothers Four. It’s grown into something more with over 80 people part of the circle. If you are not currently part of the circle but would like to join let me know, and I’ll add you to the list.
Another daily ritual now is calling my mom in the evening. During each conversation I tell her a bit about how things are going and sing her two or three songs. Some days the grandkids add their voices. I know it’s important to me to connect with her each day and for the last thing I tell her to be “I love you.”
Here’s a home recording of a song I wrote for my folks’ 50th wedding anniversary.
ANY OTHER WAY
We’ve walked every road together
Some miles raced by some took forever
Through it all I know I never
Would have had it any other way
We had our fears and had our doubts
We took some time and worked it out
That’s what so much life’s about
Wouldn’t have it any other way
Bridge
Been just one constant in my life
And that is you and I
From now until the day I die
Wouldn’t have it any other way
Could not have known where we would go
When we started all those years ago
There’s still so much we do not know
Wouldn’t have it any other way
©Copyright 1994
Love Gives More Music
OLD FRIEND, BROTHERS TWO/TOO
Mike McCoy and I continue to stay connected by talking most every day. While we’ve shared regular phone calls at different times, the most recent iteration began three years ago when we began dealing with some serious health issues. The first time we had daily conversations was twenty-five years ago during a “dark night.” One of the songs we are thinking about recording is called “Wouldn’t Be This Day Without That Night.”
Below is a home recording of it.
There’s also a series of photos from a video shoot a few years ago. (Thanks, Al Bergstein and George Rezendes)
THERE WOULDN’T BE THIS DAY WITHOUT THAT NIGHT
That night forced me to open up
It humbled me taught me to trust
In the darkness I saw enough
To see that I was loved
Chorus
There wouldn’t be this day without that night
If not for the darkness never would have seen the light
God knows it was the worst of times I’m grateful yes that’s right
Cause there wouldn’t be this day without that night
That you would not give up on me
Gave me faith so I believed
And in the darkness I could see
Another’s face not mine not me
Chorus
There wouldn’t be this day without that night
If not for the darkness never would have seen the light
God knows it was the worst of times I’m grateful yes that’s right
Cause there wouldn’t be this day without that night
That you did not just run away
That you found reasons you could stay
And more important kept the faith
So that night could become this day
Chorus
There wouldn’t be this day without that night
If not for the darkness never would have seen the light
God knows it was the worst of times I’m grateful yes that’s right
Cause there wouldn’t be this day without that night
©Copyright 2020
Love Gives More Music
THANKS
Thank you for being part of this amazing adventure. If you haven’t signed up for the Podcast or the YouTube Channel consider doing it now. A “like” on Facebook is also appreciated.
