I have written several songs about my father both because of the strength of our relationship and the tragic way that it ended.
It has taken me almost twenty years to be able to come to terms and coexist with my memories of him and to be able to simply enjoy his presence in my life.
On my last birthday I went to his grave and had a beautiful visit. I realized that I was, at that moment, the very same age he was when he passed. I felt a certain enlightenment as I could finally see where he was at this point in his life. As I stood there it occurred to me that he had things pretty much together. He, for the most part, was living the life he had chosen for himself. As this realization finally settled in the huge dark cloud that had coloured my thoughts of him for the past two decades finally dissipated.
Childhood memories began to surface, like reaching over the old western novel laying on the night table to grab a piece of gum, trying not to wake him after he had worked the night shift, or watching an episode of Rawhide with him as he lay stretched out on the Chesterfield. Now that the dark cloud no longer follows me I am finally able to cherish these memories, and smile and laugh with my brothers and sisters as we share our memories of Dad.
He loved westerns and especially John Wayne films.
Whatever the reason, it’s fine with me. l chuckle to myself and feel a warm rush when he visits and I can smile at long last when reflecting on the man who was my father.
I often try to imagine what it must have been like for him as a boy, a young man, a husband and the father of nine.
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Catherine Ramat
Such a beautiful song, so from the heart.
David Bruce
Beautiful. Reminds me of the classic earthy songs by The Band. Who knew the best was yet to come from Garfield.
John K.
Garfield, your sound is still as melodic as it was when I first fell in love with your band back in the 70’s at a college performance! Keep up the good sounds!!!!
Roland
I am from San Antonio and knew the Godfather Joe Anthony. He loved Canadian artist and on his show I would hear “Private Affair” by Garfield. It was a hit hear and you can ask old people like me now 55 who is Garfield and rest assured they would know. Nobody had his sound. Great to see you speaking out and reaching out. Come play in San Antonio. We still love you. Garfield, Rush, Triumph all loved in this town.
Tom Murphy
Simply amazing and I so glad he is back always wondered what happened to an amazing artist?
Tom
Back in the 1970s I saw the band many times at the Univ. of Waterloo. This voice brings back so many memories. Thanks Garfield for putting this out – wonderful song.
mallory
Those concerts at U of W were amazing. There was great connection with band and audience.
Candace Gerrior
Fell in love with this band at the Jockey Club in Hamilton Ont their music was so amazing true to life. Have every album, turned many people onto them. Last performance I seen them was at the Forge in Toronto stole his leather hat off the piano. Sorry about that but was one of the best nights of my life