The Patterico Music Project: “Things I Never Said” Recorded by Jamie Woolford
It’s time for Song #8 in the Patterico Music Project. If you are a long-time reader, you are familiar with the idea. Over the years, I have asked some of my favorite musical artists to record cover versions of songs I have written. Most of those songs, I wrote in the early 1990s — about 28 years ago. This one is a little different. I wrote it in early 2018, just over two years ago. I wrote it thinking about my wife’s grandmother, LaVerne Jackson Yandell, who passed on in July 2016.
If you remember previous entries, I generally publish the lyrics in a follow-up post, but reserve the original post for the cover. All I’ll say about the lyrics at this point is that they are a tribute (and a lament about the things I never said) to my wife’s grandmother. She is one of the greatest people I have ever met. I admired her deeply, but never quite told her just how deep my admiration ran. This song expresses some of my regret in the words I left unspoken. This cover version is yet another performance by Jamie Woolford, another special influence in my life, who (to my everlasting amazement and deep satisfaction) has covered several of my previous songs. I told you about Jamie here, in my post announcing his cover of “Alien Song.” Click the play button to listen to today’s entry:
The background image you see above is a partial photographic portrait of Mrs. P’s grandmother from her younger days. Here’s a better image:
If there is someone in your life who means something to you, and they’re still around, don’t leave anything unsaid. No matter how corny or overdramatic it might seem, say those things. Say them as soon as you can. Before you lose the chance.
P.S. Here are the previous entries in the series:
I’ll post lyrics Monday, most likely.
Patterico (115b1f) — 3/27/2020 @ 8:02 amWith the contemplative subject matter of love and regret, it surprised me to hear it wed to a bright and catchy melody. I didn’t expect that. (I’ll look forward to reading the full lyrics on Monday because I usually like a quiet read of lyrics before listening to the completed work.)
As always, I appreciate your willingness to share with us that which is so personal. Exposing oneself creatively, and being vulnerable like this can be a bit nerve wracking. Kudos.
Dana (4fb37f) — 3/27/2020 @ 8:34 amReally lovely work. I can imagine Roberta Flack performing “Was it Really You?”
I’d pay good money for music like this, and somehow, I’m not surprised that it came from you. I’m just guessing that you write poetry as well and I’d love to see some of your work.
John B Boddie (286277) — 3/27/2020 @ 8:49 amThat’s a lovely song, Patterico. I’m assuming that you wrote the lyrics and Woolford wrote the music. That’s usually how it goes, between lyricist and melodist. He did a damn good job of it too, took the song and made it his own. Nice work.
Gawain's Ghost (b25cd1) — 3/27/2020 @ 9:49 amI wrote the music too, but only in a very skeletal way. The vocal melody is mine, the basic chord progression is mine, but he added so much that it’s fair to say it’s as much his song (or more so) musically as mine. If I get the courage I’ll post my own awful awful recording so you can hear the remarkable difference.
Patterico (115b1f) — 3/27/2020 @ 10:35 amI don’t think it’s corny to encourage people to let those they care about know how much they are loved (while they are still here). I think it’s hard learned, sage advice.
Dana (4fb37f) — 3/27/2020 @ 11:46 am