For my Grandfather & family:

I wrote this piece to revivify memories of Andrew (aka Papa) and to work through emotions associated with the loss of loved ones. There are a number of motifs in the music used to embody characteristics and my memories of Papa.

The predominant attribute I've chosen for inspiration and direction in this song is faith. I admire Papa’s devotion to Christ and the church community. The use of organ, choir and harmonic cadence represent this aspect of spirituality. The song is titled after this characteristic - it brings me solace knowing he's regained full soul faculties in a heavenly body!

Andrew was a man of great strength, even during his final days. He would give big bear hugs, his hand shakes would crush your hands (but in a comforting way). The use of the bass featured in the upright, cello, male choir and percussion represent his physical prowess. I also included sample’s of claps/snaps in the second verse… Papa was the only person I’ve met who could snap his fingers with index and thumb.

A childhood memory that stands out was his sense of play. When he would take us (my brother and I) to the park, he would give the best swing rides. We called them under doggies, Papa would run through underneath the swing and totally launch us forward in the air - holding on for dear live in sheer joy. I've rediscovered this universal joy giving my daughter Maeve swing rides of her own. To present this, the main verse/chorus theme are played with swing time-feel.

Papa was able to evoke that sense of wonder in my childhood. He used to take us to the train tracks near our house to hopefully see a train go by - what a magical it experience it was to see the massive locomotive hurling at high speeds! While the beat I used isn't technically a 'train beat' (common in the Country genre), the upbeat climatic section on the drum set encapsulates these memories.

I wish I was better able to embody humour musically, Papa always had the best puns! When reminiscing with my Mom, she recalled the twinkle in his eyes. I was able to use mallet instruments like marimba, bells, chimes and some granular synthesis to give that twinkle shimmer!

Papa was the kind of person that would deconstruct something in order to learn how it worked, then he could rebuild it. He would build his own computers in this way. I wanted to include some kind of 'electronic computer' element to represent this, so the synthesizers and electronic percussion are a nod to this passion for technology. I think he would also get a kick out of the fact the album art was generated with artificial intelligence.

The primary chords in the song are A and D. A n' D.... Andy.... I had to haha! I used a capo further up the neck to get a piccolo guitar quality. This higher pitched guitar sound and sparse open playing in sections represent the innocence and youthful quality with all these fond memories. Sending love your way Papa!

<3