86--Guy In The Back

Happy Father's Day!!

A few years ago I was playing a small coffee-shop where music isn't so much a focus as a background against which friends maintain conversation. It's tough sometimes to play to an audience that's not really paying attention. It feels like being half-ignored and mostly rejected.

But then there's that one or a couple who really connect with what you're doing. You can pick them out every time your eyes sweep that section of the room. They're making eye contact, they're singing along, they're swaying to your beat. It's that connection that keeps me playing over the din and the chatter.

So there I was playing this gig, and I look up and see him again. That guy. I didn't know his name. I'd seen him at my gigs before. He knew all my songs. He'd sing them with me. Anytime I looked over there, he was mouthing the words. And every time I tried to get back there after a show to make his acquaintance, he was gone. He'd leave right at the last note.

I wrote this song because of that guy at that coffee-shop, but over the years it's become a song that reminds me of the amazing brotherhood and support and mentoring that has blessed my life.

So this song is dedicated to the men whose love and friendship have set me this far along a road I could not travel alone. Thank you very much, all of you.

Top of the list is my Dad. If I could choose, this is the guy I'd pick:

Thompson Leo Fleary

And to all my brothers, I would list names, but then I'd forget someone and that would be unfortunate. So just know that I'm grateful to each and every one of you for the impact you have had on my life. Here's the song:

Guy In The Back

There's a face that comes to my mind in the middle of every show

A brother that I hardly know

He's there every time

When I get off-track and I got to go back to my favorite song

He'll be singing right along

He knows every line

He knows every line

This is for the guy in the back with the funky little hat and the jacket on

The brother that I'm counting on

To help me when I sing my song

When I see your face then I know that I'm in the right place

And I'm not alone

Even when you're up and gone

I'm gonna be alright

I tried to catch him at the door

Just to say to him "Hello" before he got away

And listen what he had to say

And maybe get to know his name

He said I sing cause I know what it feels like just to be a simple man

I sing because I understand

I'm singing cause I'm in the band

Yeah I'm in the band

This is for the guy in the back with the funky little hat and the jacket on

The brother that I'm counting on

To help me when I sing my song

When I see your face then I know that I'm in the right place

And I'm not alone

Even when you're up and gone

I'm gonna be alright

Here's to the brotherhood, Strong and Tender.

That's you, Strender