Story Behind The Song

A few years back, while traveling down the Blues Highway, I stumbled into a Clarksdale bar attracted by the plaintive voice of an old timey singer. He was dressed like a preacher, his face was etched with grief as he worked the upright piano and wailed about lost hope, forgotten causes, and a broken heart. Apart from him, me and the barkeep, the place was empty. It was about 4 o'clock on a sunny, mid-October afternoon. When he finished his set, I suggested we sit down for a drink. In a shadowy corner of this dusty dive bar and, after a straight bourbon or two, I asked him what he regretted most. "I didn't speak my truth 'til it was too late. Now, ain't nobody gonna listen to an old black man," he said. "I'm listening," I offered. He lowered his head so slowly it made me choke up a bit. I felt I'd hurt him. He was silent for what seemed like a long time before he looked up at me again. His eyes were wet, but he smiled warmly and put his hand on mine. "You know your truth, son?", he asked. My mind went still, I felt hollow in my chest. He just nodded his head and smiled more broadly, waiting for me to answer, maybe even knowing my answer. "I don't know a damn thing, sir," I said quietly. He finished his drink, stood up and before he walked away, he put his hand on my shoulder. "That's a fact," he said. "You and me both."

Song Description

As a child of a broken marriage that saw my father abandon his wife and four kids, I harbor some regret and rage over not having a father present in my life. But my mother, who had so much to do just to keep us going, offered guidance less by words and more by example. Even though throughout my life, I've invented my own path to understanding, I embraced my mother's belief in love, in joy, and in connecting with others. As a father of two wonderful daughters, my covenant with them has always included being present, being loving, and being straightforward about what life should be about. The Facts of life are less about birds and bees, and more about what you want to be.

Lyrics

Verse
No god looking down on me
no heaven or hell I'll see
There's no deity
Those clocks keep spinning' 'round
The world tryin' to hold you down
Don't ask for pity

Bridge
Ain't no war gonna be the last
No future gonna fix the past
It's a cryin' shame
Only chance you got to take
The rules you gonna break
To stake your name

Chorus (The Facts)
You got to know your soul
Count the cost and pay the toll
You need to live for now, baby
Figure out the why
You'll figure the how

Verse
Everything gonna up and end
Start all over again
Don't you worry
But all that life you have to live
All the love you need to give
Please, hurry, hurry

Bridge
'Cuz love is the only way
Save the living, save the day
Save yourself
It's so tender and so frail
The chance that it might fail
Cry for help

Chorus (The Facts)
You got to know your soul
Count the cost and pay the toll
You need to live for now
Figure out the why
You'll figure the how

Verse
Walk away from the all the lies
Find your bluest sky
Catch that light
Be afraid you ain't not scared enough
Double down and call their bluff
But do what's right

Bridge
Love is the only way
Save the livin', save the day
Save somebody else
It's so tender and so frail
The chance that it might fail
Cry for help

Verse
All the passion all the rage
It's time to take the stage
Play your part
Every moment, every touch
one kiss, one too much
breaks your heart

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
Lyfe Concierge Publishing	BEST SONGS ON BROADJAM	9/26/2024