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…
innerwoven 