Seven years ago today, I said goodbye to a good man. His name was James (Jim) Kenny. He was (is) my father-in-law. This song was a tribute I wrote and sang for him before he died. Why? Because I didn’t want to happen what happened with my own father where, even on his death bed, we really had nothing to say to each other. My loss. Not twice.

Newcastle

Words & Music by Robert A. Rife ©March 1/03

 

Somewhere, calling out into a dark, October sky

I think I can hear a grey gull cry – Newcastle.

 

Out there is a man who, if given half a chance,

Would no longer dance this dance – Newcastle.

 

Cold now, water dripping down upon the floor,

Can this be all there is in store? – Newcastle.

 

Some day in the matter of the twinkling of an eye

A dreamer will reach to kiss the sky – Newcastle.

And I kind of wonder what brighter vision holds for one

Whose spirit stretches far beyond these walls – Newcastle.

 

Newport and the year was 1964,

a 7 pound wonder at your door – Newcastle.

 

3 souls setting out for a far and distant land,

never look back with heart in hand – Newcastle.

 

Never, ever had it in your heart to say goodbye,

The faces at home, they wonder why – Newcastle.

 

And I kind of wonder what brighter vision holds for one

Whose spirit stretches far beyond these walls – Newcastle.

 

Sometimes ya gotta wonder why you’re giving up your best,

Smudge and toil for the rest – Newcastle.

 

Some men never imagine what it’s like to have it all,

To live and to die, to risk it all – Newcastle.

 

And I kind of wonder what brighter vision holds for one

Whose spirit stretches far beyond these walls,

And I kind of wonder what brighter vision holds for one

Whose spirit stretches far beyond these walls – Newcastle.

 

Newcastle…