Michael was an amazing performer and a very gifted songwriter. I saw him 2 or3 years before he left this Earth.. I told him I was a busker on Church St. In Burlington,Vermont,during the intermission and with tears in his eyes, he asked me if that was not a hard way to make a living. He picked out three of his CDs and gifted them to me.. My father used to do the same thing when we went swimming. As he was entering the ocean,he would bend down and scoop a little water and bless himself.
Michael Peter Smith is a national treasure. I have been to several of his concerts and am always captivated by his genius. Thanks to World Folk Music Assc. for introducing me to this giant talent years ago.
you can feel the love for sure. I'd love to know the chords but I'll have a go at findine my way to some. Then I'd have my trilogy of Michael's old man songs, this one, Dead Egyptian Blues and The Dutchman!
Wonderful song. Reminds me of my dad, Steve Goodman's "My old man" and John Prine's "Grandpa was a carpenter." UA-cam added it to my feed just a little late to share with friends on father's day.
Such sweet and sad love. I've listened a hundred times and am always brought to tears. So thankful to have enjoyed hom face to face, voice to ear in Detroit, Michigan.
I've loved this song for so long. I saw him here in NC. He looked very similar to this. Same hat, I think! Such a story weaver and songwriter --- I'd hoped to see him again. Had see him 3 times I think, in this NC area. His performances were so appreciated.
It happens every time I listen to this song. Tears stream from my eyes! If you understand why, well,... You just do. I will learn a cover of a song I like it looks like I'm going to learn this one. Why? Cuz I met Michael one time and he gave me four of his albums, after I told him I was a street performer. With tears in his eyes he asked me:"isn't it hard?" Only someone who had done it himself, could ask that question. He died three or four years after that performance where I had seen him; one of the finest men I have ever met. I just know he has gone to that place that is so heartfeltfully sung about here.
I'm with you John - such a gem - he's as fine a craftsman of sound words and wonder as I've ever met. Glad you got to connect with him. All the best - from another former street musician - David
Panther in Michigan is another haunting creation of Michael's. As a Young Man he was strikingly handsome,. I did not see him until the very end of his life. He could pick the ever living bejezzus out of his guitar.,bu the way. I think he finger picked it!
I brought my father with me I hope that you don't mind I couldn't find it in me To make him stay behind Tonight the snow has fallen The trees are white and old Their heavy branches bending Can we come in from the cold? I brought my father with me Though it's been many years Since he'd go down to Dolan's For a shot and a couple of beers When he'd take me with him And he'd buy me a coke It surely made my day Now I take my father with me Turnabout's fair play Car trips to Pennsylvania When all of us would sing He sang Bells Of Saint Mary's And he sounded just like Bing Summer days down at the shore Remembering how he Would bless himself with foam before He'd dive into the sea There are some ways I'm just like him Some ways he was just like me And sometimes when the mirror's dim His face is clear to see Tonight the winds of heaven Blow the stars across the sky I brought my father with me I couldn't say goodbye
Michael was an amazing performer and a very gifted songwriter. I saw him 2 or3 years before he left this Earth..
I told him I was a busker on Church St. In Burlington,Vermont,during the intermission and with tears in his eyes, he asked me if that was not a hard way to make a living.
He picked out three of his CDs and gifted them to me..
My father used to do the same thing when we went swimming. As he was entering the ocean,he would bend down and scoop a little water and bless himself.
Michael Peter Smith is a national treasure. I have been to several of his concerts and am always captivated by his genius. Thanks to World Folk Music Assc. for introducing me to this giant talent years ago.
A major, under recognized , American songwriter and singer. Remarkable, vivid, soulful.
We have seen this Artist perform several times over the years. Our eyes would get wet and lumps appear in our throats . . .
One of the greatest songs ever written about fathers. Maybe the greatest. What a masterpiece. Thanks, Michael.
Robert Morgan Fisher Amen, friend.
You hit the nail on the head my friend
you can feel the love for sure. I'd love to know the chords but I'll have a go at findine my way to some. Then I'd have my trilogy of Michael's old man songs, this one, Dead Egyptian Blues and The Dutchman!
Wonderful song. Reminds me of my dad, Steve Goodman's "My old man" and John Prine's "Grandpa was a carpenter." UA-cam added it to my feed just a little late to share with friends on father's day.
I just cannot believe this beautiful respectful song honoring his beloved father. To sit there with a coke surely made his day. What a grand story.
I heard this song for the first time right after my father died. He used to bring me to the bar, and I'd have a coke. I couldn't say goodbye.
Such sweet and sad love. I've listened a hundred times and am always brought to tears. So thankful to have enjoyed hom face to face, voice to ear in Detroit, Michigan.
He was quite a singer of our collective felt truths, that's for sure!
mr.smith is a legend..what a song crafter!
I've loved this song for so long. I saw him here in NC. He looked very similar to this. Same hat, I think! Such a story weaver and songwriter ---
I'd hoped to see him again. Had see him 3 times I think, in this NC area. His performances were so appreciated.
It happens every time I listen to this song. Tears stream from my eyes! If you understand why, well,... You just do. I will learn a cover of a song I like it looks like I'm going to learn this one. Why? Cuz I met Michael one time and he gave me four of his albums, after I told him I was a street performer. With tears in his eyes he asked me:"isn't it hard?" Only someone who had done it himself, could ask that question. He died three or four years after that performance where I had seen him; one of the finest men I have ever met. I just know he has gone to that place that is so heartfeltfully sung about here.
I'm with you John - such a gem - he's as fine a craftsman of sound words and wonder as I've ever met. Glad you got to connect with him. All the best - from another former street musician - David
Panther in Michigan is another haunting creation of Michael's. As a Young Man he was strikingly handsome,. I did not see him until the very end of his life. He could pick the ever living bejezzus out of his guitar.,bu the way. I think he finger picked it!
Folks, to add some weight to this incredible song, Michael's father committed suicide when he was a teenager. I think Michael was 16.
I brought my father with me
I hope that you don't mind
I couldn't find it in me
To make him stay behind
Tonight the snow has fallen
The trees are white and old
Their heavy branches bending
Can we come in from the cold?
I brought my father with me
Though it's been many years
Since he'd go down to Dolan's
For a shot and a couple of beers
When he'd take me with him
And he'd buy me a coke
It surely made my day
Now I take my father with me
Turnabout's fair play
Car trips to Pennsylvania
When all of us would sing
He sang Bells Of Saint Mary's
And he sounded just like Bing
Summer days down at the shore
Remembering how he
Would bless himself with foam before
He'd dive into the sea
There are some ways I'm just like him
Some ways he was just like me
And sometimes when the mirror's dim
His face is clear to see
Tonight the winds of heaven
Blow the stars across the sky
I brought my father with me
I couldn't say goodbye
He's in hospice right now. I hope he goes easy.
What a legacy of love and beauty he left us. Our world is better for Mike Smith having been in it.
That was really nice!
wish I had known...had a beer with him.
Such a fine songwriter. I really like this album a lot. I even attempt to cover Little Falls on UA-cam - although Elizabeth Dark is more sadder!