This is a deeply personal song for me as it deals with the passing of my uncle, Robert Gaffney, at an early age. He was an extremely positive influence on me growing up, introducing me to countless different types of music, movies, and books that would have taken a lifetime to discover on my own. He was a poet and an intellectual and his interests quickly became my interests. He was sick for a long time, on and off, sometimes better, sometimes worse, but when he passed at 42 it still felt intensely sudden. I was unable to make it home for the funeral, and as a result I missed the sense of closure such a ceremony attempts to provide. I've had this song with me for a long, long time and it feels good to finally get the chance to release it. Though we lost him early, the love that he left behind will live on forever. Thank you for listening. This one's for Bob...
lyrics
You were a good soul and you left too soon.
You were the one who taught me what it meant to be cool
Now you’re gone but you’re not forgotten.
You’ll live on through me
You played me all those indie bands.
Taught me what compassion meant and how to understand.
You showed me magic tricks and rolling stone.
And that when you’re hearts with family you’ll never be alone
Now you’ll never be alone.
The books you read, you passed on to me
And they shaped my mind and the man I’ve come to be
Then you got sick and your health started to fail
Now every night I ask myself why I wasn’t there
I should have been there by your bedside
You’d order Jamieson Whiskey
Now every toast I raise mentions your name.
This one’s for Bob...
You were a good soul and you left too soon.
You were the one who taught me what it meant to be cool
Now you’re gone but you’re not forgotten.
You’ll live on through me
credits
from Magic Tricks and Rolling Stone,
released July 18, 2016
Recorded, Produced, & Engineered by Paul Ritchie
@Insidious Sound, Neptune NJ
Vocals Recorded by Ben Rosett
@Spirit Vision Studios, Carmel CA
Mastered by Alan Douches
@West West Side Music, New Windsor NY
Ed Tang - Vox
Brad Harrison - Drums/Lead Guitar/Percussion/Backing Vox
Vic Fraternal - Keys/Backing Vox
Nick Bock - Bass Guitar
Paul Ritchie - Guitar
Beautifully played and full of moving vocal performances, the Bay Area singer/songwriter's latest is a stellar work of art. Bandcamp Album of the Day Feb 3, 2023