Over My Shoulder

[Johnbee]

I lost my Mom in 2015 and my Dad on Valentine's Day of 2018.  I miss them both terribly.  Since 2014 I also lost my brother, two of my uncles and not to mention, my first wife and my doggie.  Loss is painful.  I wrote this in 2018 shortly after my Dad passed away.  The vocal on the first was so crappy that I almost scrapped the whole thing.  A few weeks ago I thought to myself "You owe this to them.  Give the vocals another go, get them better or scrap it!"  So I did redo just the vocal track.  After about 300+ takes and some modest auto tune, I think I finally have a tune they would be proud of.  Hope you are all staying safe and well.  Please enjoy  "Over My Shoulder" 

You're not here. I can see
But all through the years you have watched over me
Now you're gone and I go on
with only these memories I cry upon
Sometimes when I'm deep in thought
I can hear your loving voice
telling me not to fear
I can't believe you're both gone from my world

And I cry out to God to give me comfort
as He holds you

The Lord has called you to His Home
and brought you a joy that you've never known
I'm so blessed to have been your son
to carry your love through my years to come
I know I'll see you again.
In the Great Kingdom of His Pure Light
No more will doubt and fear reside in my mind.
It will be filled with His Love

And I cry out to God to make me worthy
so He'll hold me

Now and then when I'm feeling low
I wonder if you're looking over my shoulder
My early years were filled with love and joy
How wonderful those memories are

You both were so right for me
Your love still exists in my memory
You gave me life. You gave me love
With all of the blessings from the Lord above
Sometimes in the height of grace
I can see your smiling face
Telling me that I'm loved
Forever in my heart you'll always be close
as I fall on my knees and thank Him for you
Till He holds me.


c 2018 John Bowen Music

John B

[hardlock]

A very moving composition and performance!

[AndyR]

WOW - so glad you came back to it and finished it.

Yep, very safe and well, and almost feeling creative!

I know what went into this, and the struggle it would have been over scrap or do the vocal (not to mention the 300+ takes struggle!)

Well done for sticking to it. And yes, I think they would be proud of it.

Excellent

[Oldrottenhead]

really moving song and performance.

[TPB]

A fine tribute they would be proud and on the three hundred takes some take just one and others take years I have a few that have been kicking around for years
Tim

[Ferryman_1957]

Wow, very impressive John, definitely worth the effort. It's a fantastic arrangement, complex but never overwhelming. Beautifully mixed and produced as well. There's so much to like but my favourite parts were the "Now and then..." section and the change after "Till He holds me" at the end, the sounds and chords you use there are really emotional.

I'm sure it's a very fitting tribute and it's clearly a labour of love that has turned out really well. Bravo!

 

[Redler]

Stunning job, again! A bit orchestral vibe on this lovely ballad. Your voice fits perfectly onto atmosphere of the song and the cellos and flute puts a good flavor to this. Enjoyable listening!

[Johnbee]

Hardlock, Andy, ORH, TPB, Ferryman & Redler:

Thanks so much.  It's nice to hear from other people that my special song was well done.  Thanks for listening.

  JB

[Hilary]

Sometimes in the height of grace
I can see your smiling face
Telling me that I'm loved

This is something really special and a wonderful tribute to those loved ones that have passed.

Be proud, I'm sure they are!

[Johnbee]

Sometimes in the height of grace
I can see your smiling face
Telling me that I'm loved

This is something really special and a wonderful tribute to those loved ones that have passed.

Be proud, I'm sure they are!

Thanks so much, Hilary.