Many years ago, my son was taking guitar lessons, and his teacher invited us to a house concert to hear Jon Vezner. Jon played a song called "Nickel Tree," about when he was a boy and used to go for walks with his grandfather. They'd always walk around a particular tree and Jon would always find a nickel in the same spot. Years later, he realized his grandfather must have had a hole in his pocket to purposely drop a nickel for Jon to find. Jon went back to the tree one time after his grandfather had passed away and found a quarter there in that same spot – inflation! As I was listening to his story and his song, I had tears streaming down my face and I didn't know why. On the way home I realized that I have no memories like that at all. I barely remember either one of my grandfathers. One died when I was almost 3, and the other when I was nearly 8, but I only saw him about once a year. I definitely don't have any recurring memories like the nickel tree! I came home after that concert, put my son to bed, and wrote this whole song in about 20 minutes, sobbing the whole while about this man I didn't know, and this relationship I never had. I still sometimes get teary when I sing it.
When Randon and I decided to collaborate on an album, this was the first song we worked on. This was the song where we discovered our sound together, which instruments would be in our band. It took a long, long time to get it right.
lyrics
Stories about grandfathers make me feel sad
I wish I remembered you, Granddad
All I have is a letter and a vague memory
We lost you when I was just three
But I'll meet you in Heaven and see you again
We can create all our memories then
We'll walk in the gardens and we'll walk on the sand
And I will hold your hand
I recently learned that you used to play jazz
I wish I remembered you, Granddad
I'd like to have heard the piano you played
The music that you made
But I'll meet you in Heaven and see you again
We can create all our memories then
We'll write music together and you'll play the songs
And I will sing along
La la la la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la
Sometimes I wonder what we would have had
I wish I remembered you, Granddad
Would I make you smile? Would you have been proud?
Would you tell me you love me out loud?
I'll meet you in Heaven and see you again
We can create all our memories then
You'll share all your wisdom and I'll take it in
When I come see you again
We'll create all our memories then
If you have a fondness for expertly wrought roots-rock with sharp lyrics and aching vocals, look no further—“Strangers” is for you. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 8, 2022
The latest from Jessica Pratt retains the sense of mystery that characterized her previous albums, adding expansive arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 6, 2019
