Quite raw when first written during my first trip to Lismore, this is about holding on and letting go when someone you love dies. Everyone who knew Jonathan and hears this song says yes, he would be singing along too.
I was after a Toots Thieleman type harmonica solo and Mark delivered.
lyrics
V1. What am I to do, when I see you fade away? What am I to do, when I can’t get you to stay? I’d try to give you time, to see if you could still walk down the line. I’d show you the way.
V2. What am I to say, when I can’t get through to you? What am I to say, to those who love you too? I’d whisper in your ear, the day will come when it will all be clear, you’ll show us the way. I’d whisper in your ear, the day will come when it will all be clear, you’d show us the way.
V3. Instrumental.
V4. What am I to see, when our tears are falling free. What am I to see, when you can’t get close to me. I’d look into your eyes, and see the clouds are parting from the sky; you’d reach out a hand. You’d tell me sing that song, the one that lifts the heart when things go wrong. You’d sing along too, you’d sing along too, you’d sing along too.
credits
from Ancestors,
released December 10, 2018
Musicians| Vocal, backing vocal and Guitar Paul Davy| Guitar Nigel Stonier| Harmonica Mark Kelmanson|Cello Keely Hodgson| Bass Nigel Stonier| Drums Che Beresford| Rhodes Piano Nigel Stonier | Percussion Seadna McPhail|
The Alabama duo's fifth album exults in dusty Americana, showcasing rich vocal harmonies alongside blissful folk instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 31, 2024
More contemplative folk from the Minnesota singer-songwriter, sustained by raw full-band arrangements and philosophical lyrics. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 28, 2024
Irish singer-songwriter Oisin Leech's acoustic folk music is characterized by its muted beauty and intimate, solitary quality. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 16, 2024
A gorgeous journey through a kaleidoscopic array of sonic approaches melted together that feels old and new at the same time. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 5, 2024