Strange Sand

by Rhys Howlett

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about

Strange Sand is for my dear departed old mate Toppo. I've written about him before (Bondi Boy on The Eagle on the Hill EP) and, with the benefit of a few years in between, I think this is a more fitting send off.
Toppo had a complicated family life. With Strange Sand I wanted to write some things I think he'd have liked to have said, but didn't, or couldn't. I think he'd like the song, especially the ending.
The artwork is based on a piece he did years ago for The New Islands, faithfully restored like an old Holden by Casey C.

lyrics

I will make amends
I don't care who's right
I will clean this mess up
I don't want to fight, anymore.
I forgive you Mama
I forgive you Pa
Wish I was still your son
But I have come too far

Gonna sleep on Strange Sand
For a little while
I don't know where to go
But I'll get there when I can
Sleeping on Strange Sand
Just a little while
Thinking about what it meant
To be your man

The New Islands are floating
On the western breeze
Trying not to look down
From up here it seems so easy
I can see that Strange Sand
I feel it 'neath my toes
Gravity can't catch me now
So I'll click my heels and go.

Gonna sleep on Strange Sand
For a little while
I don't know where to go
But I'll get there when I can
Sleeping on Strange Sand
Just a little while
Thinking about what it meant
To be your man

I just wanted to be
Your soft place to land
And I hope we can say
We did the best we can
And I ain't afraid of the dark
Cos not every shadow
Is a shark

Sleeping on Strange Sand
For a little while
I don't know where to go
But I'll get there when I can
Sleeping on Strange Sand
Just a little while
Thinking about what it meant
To be your man

credits

released February 24, 2021
Written and performed by Rhys Howlett

Recorded and engineered by Nick Russell at King's Closet

Artwork by Casey C Illustration after Phillip Edward Topham

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about

Rhys Howlett Adelaide, Australia

Songs about people, places, work, identity, hope, home, food, beverages...

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