We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Words of Advice from a Wayward Father

from Naked Despair by t.k. bollinger

/

about

Being a parent is a continual source of inspiration for songwriting, and while this song does not qualify as a factual account of my own parental experience, there are moments when a child gets your goat enough that you wish fervently that you were foot loose and child free once more. This led me to reflect on the messier side of parenting, and what might go through the mind of a man who leaves his child because of a dysfunctional relationship with his spouse. I feel, however difficult it might be, it is still necessary for us to see the humanity of those who perpetuate abuse. There are always reasons, though not excuses, for this, and like the wayward father protagonist in this song, we need to remember that we all make mistakes and long for forgiveness.

lyrics

Is it my place to tell you these failings that I have
That I hold inside me and I see in you as well?
A father’s hand can be safe but rough.
And a father’s command may never know when to say enough is enough.
I may be the first to break your heart
Like I was the first to hold you when it all fell apart.

I want to say that tomorrow won’t be just like today.
Everybody has to make their own mistakes.
Don’t be like me, too proud to build upon the ashes of the bridges
You burn down.

It’s not my place to tell you to believe in me or care
Since I’ve placed in your heart a weight you shouldn’t have to bear.
A father’s love should not wane or bend,
But a father’s pride can eat away inside and eclipse the good love intends.
Yes I damned myself because I broke your heart,
But I never sought to drag you through this hell and damn you too when it all fell apart.

I hope and pray that tomorrow won’t feel just like today.
Everybody has to make their own mistakes.
Don’t be like me, too proud to build upon the ashes of the bridges
You burn down. I hope you learn how
To forgive your old man.

credits

from Naked Despair, released December 1, 2013
t.k. bollinger – Voice, Guitar, Melodica.

license

tags

about

t.k. bollinger image

t.k. bollinger Melbourne, Australia

Shunning fashion and genre, master tunesmith, t.k. bollinger's songs are relatable because they examine what each of us confront in our day-to-day existence. Expressed with both sympathy and eloquence, his songs are celebrations of the joys and trials that life presents to each of us regardless of who or what we are – the universal ordinary concerns of a diverse and disparate humanity. ... more

contact / help

Contact t.k. bollinger

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like t.k. bollinger, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Attic frontman Meister Cagliostro talks heavy metal theatrics and the band's new album.
listen now