A songwriting group I'm in posts random news articles and prompts us to write a song based on it.
Here's the article and headline:
"He once stabbed a man seven times. Now he’s a pig heart transplant pioneer"
https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/he-once-stabbed-a-man-seven-times-now-he-s-a-pig-heart-transplant-pioneer-20220114-p59o5q.html?btis
It sounds funny, but the more you read, the darker some of the story becomes. So... here's my song based on it... let me know what you think
Oh, and please forgive my sporadic piano playing -- I'm still learning and sometimes I have to vamp!
Oh Brother, Will You Help Me?
It’s been 34 years since I saw your smiling face
with the confidence of youth behind those eyes so grey
you had your own style, but you kept our family ways
in a thoughtless act, he took it all away
We did our best to leave the past behind
You never walked again, but we never cried
We made adjustments and we changed our lives
We prayed for justice, while he just did time
Now he’s living on
he got a second chance when you had none
And the pain I carry
cuts me to the bone
Oh, brother, will you help me let it go?
It’s been 15 years since I last held your hand
I made you smile and you made me dance
Christmas in a nursing home, now we’re uncles and aunts
We tried our best, but this wasn’t in our plans
Redemption and Forgiveness are words we preach and pray
but for someone who has lost it all, I don’t have anymore to give away
Now he’s living on
he got a second chance when you had none
And the pain I carry
cuts me to the bone
Oh, brother, will you help me let it go?
@chariotbaldwin Mar 2022
love this pre chorus and chorus, wow!!!!
the song prompts must really keep you on your toes eh?
You're a very talented storyteller songwriter, can't wait to read the read of your songs tonight! the amount of thought you put into choosing your words is obvious. Keep them coming
@ktanis Feb 2022
Excellent song. It could be in a musical for sure. And very nice playing and singing . Your influences shine through.
@ofishell Feb 2022
"Redemption and Forgiveness are words we preach and pray / but for someone who has lost it all, I don’t have anymore to give away" - haunting. This is so beautifully written and performed. You say you're still learning to play piano, but I would love to be able to play that well! Such a beautiful song, and what an awesome idea for a song idea.
@andrea Feb 2022
Wow, this is a very emotional story. You have me choked up. The piano and vocals are lovey. They support the mood of the lyrics really well. I love this!
@zeekle1998 Feb 2022
Lovely piano work. The story is sad and pioneering depending on what side of the story your on. Excellent vocal performance, lots of passion coming through.
@tunecat Feb 2022
A lovely write and delivery too. Wgat can I say.. very good !
@lissielou79 Feb 2022
The story in your lyrics is really strong, I could imagine this being part of a play.
@jessicamoon Feb 2022
Beautiful storytelling! Your voice conveys a lot of emotion, and I think your piano sounds lovely…
@kenmattsson Feb 2022
Wow, this is so powerful storytelling and your vocal delivery brings the emotion through. Love the piano. Tremendous write.