Listen now | Trigger warnings: grief, terrorism, Tony Blair. You might want a strong cuppa for this one, it's quite a tale. Ready? Sure? Then let’s begin.
What a beautiful song Jake! Your father was my friend, as are you, your brothers and your Mum. Colin was and is a great man. I say is because I don't believe the essence of someone ever dies and is always there if we need him. You and your family are a testament to the strength of the human spirit -- the ability to overcome tragedy and prosper, as Colin surely would have wanted.
I lost my father too. I miss him a lot. But he's still there watching over me. I talk to him all the time. I also talk with Colin a lot. He was my business partner in helping to make the world a better place. He's still helping me do that.
Yes Jake! Love the "can't refuse an invite..." Mine came from the dead mothers clubs though. I love the upbeat of it all. Thanks for sharing.
P.S. I just came off a vipassana course and listened to your album on the drive home. Watch yourself has to have been written about meditating right? And if it wasn't it also has that edge!
Great song, I feel for you. I empathise, only from the perspective of being a cancer survivor (in remission) and having used music, also yet to be recorded professionally, partly as a carthesis, and partly to help others going on similar journeys to mine. I say 'only' from the perspective that I haven't experienced a loss like yours, and I don't want to minimise your experience by sharing mine :)
Hi Jake. I am usually a lazy newsletter reader, staying firmly in my email inbox, but I listened to your song. It's really lovely, I've downloaded it for safe keeping. I remember that day so well, my Dad commuted into the city for work and 13 year old me was beside herself with worry at school. I'm sorry that that day you lost your dad, I can't comprehend that kind of shock. I didn't join the club until six years later. It's a club no one wants to be in, as a character says in Grey's Anatomy, 'You can't be in it until you're in it'... the exclusivity no one wants. But you are spot on, those fellow members offer such solidarity, and in time it definitely gets easier.
Your dad sounds like he was awesome. Mine was a Colin as well, and he was awesome too.
Thanks so much for sharing, take care and all the very best. - Catherine
Powerful song Jake. Thanks for sharing it. We all must find our own way through grief. The loss of one’s dad is a tough one. I joined the club years ago. I have passed through grief to place of longing. Longing to hear his voice again. Longing to feel his strength again. And longing to write a song that could express the depth of emotion and profound loss that I felt. I tried many times without success. Then I gave up and it suddenly came. A song can be a very personal expression of how we live in the world. It can be hard to share but also cathartic. Thank you for your courage in sharing this one. Maybe we will see you again in Canada one day. Take care,
A tough subject indeed Jake and as always you seem to know what words to use to convey you message I. Such a beautiful lyrical way 🎶 Well done Jake on another song with a powerfully strong message It made me think of my Dad and I thank you for that ❤️
Another amazing, deeply meaningful and powerful song. A very tough subject - but carthartic indeed, to share with others who have experienced the pain of losing their father. Being honest and open about feelings like this helps everyone surely? And oneself. A strong song and message!
Very moving to read. I’m part of that Club…….like there is a choice! My dear old Dad wrote an autobiography for his Grandchildren, so they could understand him when they got older. Written in his beautiful handwriting, his drawings throughout the 10 chapters that covered his life. Fascinating to read his own perspective of his life.
I joined the club during the first lockdown in 2020 courtesy of the horrible monster that is frontotemporal dementia. I am still in the OK but not really OK stage. I loved the song, so relatable. Thank you so much for sharing. E
Wow Jake, just WOW!!!... aside from it being yet again, another absolute belter of a tune, the story behind it makes it even more so. So tragic, so long ago and yet, I am sure for you it's like it happened just now. My deepest sympathies (and empathies too) for your loss.
No doubt your Dad is proud of the man and the artist you've tuned into.
I have to say it’s quite cathartic to talk through loss and despite the topic and the perception of a heavy, deep discussion/ song …I think it’s a great track and did remind me of my Dad who I lost three years ago in October, it made me smile and she’d a tear but the greatest part was sharing your story in the best way you can …FairPlay Jake …nice one.
What a beautiful song Jake! Your father was my friend, as are you, your brothers and your Mum. Colin was and is a great man. I say is because I don't believe the essence of someone ever dies and is always there if we need him. You and your family are a testament to the strength of the human spirit -- the ability to overcome tragedy and prosper, as Colin surely would have wanted.
I lost my father too. I miss him a lot. But he's still there watching over me. I talk to him all the time. I also talk with Colin a lot. He was my business partner in helping to make the world a better place. He's still helping me do that.
Yes Jake! Love the "can't refuse an invite..." Mine came from the dead mothers clubs though. I love the upbeat of it all. Thanks for sharing.
P.S. I just came off a vipassana course and listened to your album on the drive home. Watch yourself has to have been written about meditating right? And if it wasn't it also has that edge!
Great song, I feel for you. I empathise, only from the perspective of being a cancer survivor (in remission) and having used music, also yet to be recorded professionally, partly as a carthesis, and partly to help others going on similar journeys to mine. I say 'only' from the perspective that I haven't experienced a loss like yours, and I don't want to minimise your experience by sharing mine :)
Another excellent song Jake, maybe we need a sequel or a parallel - Dead Friends Club.
My son was 22 when his Dad died. You don't really "get over it", not ever.
Hi Jake. I am usually a lazy newsletter reader, staying firmly in my email inbox, but I listened to your song. It's really lovely, I've downloaded it for safe keeping. I remember that day so well, my Dad commuted into the city for work and 13 year old me was beside herself with worry at school. I'm sorry that that day you lost your dad, I can't comprehend that kind of shock. I didn't join the club until six years later. It's a club no one wants to be in, as a character says in Grey's Anatomy, 'You can't be in it until you're in it'... the exclusivity no one wants. But you are spot on, those fellow members offer such solidarity, and in time it definitely gets easier.
Your dad sounds like he was awesome. Mine was a Colin as well, and he was awesome too.
Thanks so much for sharing, take care and all the very best. - Catherine
Powerful song Jake. Thanks for sharing it. We all must find our own way through grief. The loss of one’s dad is a tough one. I joined the club years ago. I have passed through grief to place of longing. Longing to hear his voice again. Longing to feel his strength again. And longing to write a song that could express the depth of emotion and profound loss that I felt. I tried many times without success. Then I gave up and it suddenly came. A song can be a very personal expression of how we live in the world. It can be hard to share but also cathartic. Thank you for your courage in sharing this one. Maybe we will see you again in Canada one day. Take care,
A tough subject indeed Jake and as always you seem to know what words to use to convey you message I. Such a beautiful lyrical way 🎶 Well done Jake on another song with a powerfully strong message It made me think of my Dad and I thank you for that ❤️
Another amazing, deeply meaningful and powerful song. A very tough subject - but carthartic indeed, to share with others who have experienced the pain of losing their father. Being honest and open about feelings like this helps everyone surely? And oneself. A strong song and message!
Very moving to read. I’m part of that Club…….like there is a choice! My dear old Dad wrote an autobiography for his Grandchildren, so they could understand him when they got older. Written in his beautiful handwriting, his drawings throughout the 10 chapters that covered his life. Fascinating to read his own perspective of his life.
Lovely song, brilliant idea.
Thank you
I joined the club during the first lockdown in 2020 courtesy of the horrible monster that is frontotemporal dementia. I am still in the OK but not really OK stage. I loved the song, so relatable. Thank you so much for sharing. E
Still think about your dad when I see a piano in a train station or a hotel lobby, remembering him entertaining everyone at dinner parties.
Thinking of you all x
Wow Jake, just WOW!!!... aside from it being yet again, another absolute belter of a tune, the story behind it makes it even more so. So tragic, so long ago and yet, I am sure for you it's like it happened just now. My deepest sympathies (and empathies too) for your loss.
No doubt your Dad is proud of the man and the artist you've tuned into.
Jake,
I have to say it’s quite cathartic to talk through loss and despite the topic and the perception of a heavy, deep discussion/ song …I think it’s a great track and did remind me of my Dad who I lost three years ago in October, it made me smile and she’d a tear but the greatest part was sharing your story in the best way you can …FairPlay Jake …nice one.
Best
Spike