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about

I play this one using my Great Grandfather’s suitcase as a foot pedal drum. I’ve heard he was an excellent storyteller. This isn’t one of his stories. It’s just a song.

lyrics

Year and a Day:

Oh, I wish that you were here so you could see the people cheer,
So you could know that you were loved for a year and a day.
But he shot you through the brain with his heart full of pain.
‘Cause you rattled his chain, he took your memories away

I wish I knew what to say
You always knew how to pray and who to pray to

Oh, I know that I could write a better poem tonight,
one that captures the beauty and the pain.
But I’m running out of time cause they're killing me at nine.
They won’t let me live my life. They think I took yours away.

I wish I knew what to say
You always knew how to pray and who to pray to

Oh, and why can I cry those big elephant tears,
those big silvery tears to the moon.
“Don't worry love,” says your voice from above.
“You'll be with me soon you'll be with me soon.”

You always knew what to say
I wish I knew how to pray and who to pray to

credits

from It Was a Privilege to Know You When You Were Shorter, released October 23, 2020
Music and lyrics: Jonathan Townley
Sound engineer: Neil Harvey

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Jonathan Townley Kalamazoo, Michigan

Jonathan is a journalist and songwriter.He blends storytelling and gentle acoustic guitar with a casual performance style. Check out his Instagram @jonathan.townley for more music updates.

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