His Final Day

[Ray Brookes]

We sent him on his way
Didn't want to listen to the few words he had planned to say
That job he loved so much; he'd soon be out of touch
Bought him a nice watch on that his final day

Some drinks we had a few
Didn't really want to know about the things he planned to do
Some twenty years or more then just walked out the door
What did we pay him for? Better get some one new

Forgotten after just a week or two
Is this what we are all looking forward to?

We heard it from a friend
That sometime later his life had faded out to a lonely end
We'd all been oh so kind, didn't leave a lot behind
Anyway we didn't mind, another Hallmark card we had to send

Forgotten after just a week or two
Is this what we are all looking forward to?

[Ted]

Took me a minute. This is dark, but I thought it was even darker.

The piano work is beautiful.

I love how that final single piano not is ambiguous – Does it resolve or not? Perfect note to end the song.

Check out Ben Folds' song "Fred Jones, Part 2" for a song on the same theme.

[StephenM]

Ray, this is a lesson in every aspect of songwriting and delivery.  The musicianship is perfect.  I am with Ted, the ending kind of stunned me (he didn't say it that way).  It felt a bit uncomfortable but after I heard this a few times and started to get what the song is about, and reading the amazing lyrics it makes sense the way you end it.  It should get our attention... and the message of the song is challenging and convicting!  That is great.
your vocals are excellent. 
another stunner.

[Ron D Bowes]

It's a Ray happy song! Not... LOL! Nice simple stripped down track with insightful lyrics, but then they always are with you ;-) Nice acoustic lead and great piano. Kewl!

[Rene Asologuitar]

*************
HI Ray,
This song is so smooth.
The guitar tone is magical, and I just love the way you played the guitar on this track.
The piano solo is a huge plus.
I am a bit sentimental on your lyrics on this song, as I miss all the things I do, when I was still working, until I retired 3 years ago.
Well done.
Rene

[Zoltan]

I think Rene got it right. This song is both smooth and magical. Is is dark? I'm not sure because there's a glimmer of hope in the sounds.

The lyrics don't have an answer. They only pose a question. The verses offer ideas, but i'd say: Heck it! Buy a Harley Davidson and off you go!

(I seem to be using "off you go" a lot today ).

[TPB]

Two are weeks to forget your name and than just a whisper in the wind retirement lol great lyrics and outstanding playing
Tim

[Trist]

Great story song Ray and the genre style you have gone for is real nice love the spanish style guitar and feel of the song, lyrics deep as the ocean and always a pleasure to read.

[maxit]

Sad sad saaaaaad .... but great