Story Behind The Song

At the beginning of my songwriting journey, (4 years ago) I spent a weekend at Bath University to 'accelerate' my learning. Whilst there, I met Gareth Bish, some 25 years my junior, and we teamed up as writing partners during the workshop. Some students were 40(!) years younger than me and, as I had only come to music late in life, their exuberance enthralled me. In talking to them during breaks, I was, in thought, transported back to my teens. What was the essence of their brightness, excitment and sheer efferecence? The answer? They were child like in their innocence, enthusiasm,hopes and dreams. The title came immediately. One youngster so inspired me I just blurted out "I once had a spark like you, don't ever let it die". From this Gareth, who was too young to have known the 60's but was suitably moved, worked with me to express all of the feelings that had lain dormant within me for years.

Song Description

The dreams I had in the sixties of peace, love and harmony have given way to a jaundiced, cynical view of life based on years of observing the commercial and political betrayal of those ideals by the very people who espoused them. This song laments my awareness of the changes we have experience but highlights the opportunity the young have to remedy things before it is too late. Whilst the child may have died in most adults, it remains very much alive in young. In essance, the song appeals to the 60's generation to rediscover their "child inside" and for the young to keep theirs alive!

Lyrics

Just because we let our good times slip away,
doesn't mean the bad are here to stay.
Our age of innocence made us sigh,
this age of cynicism makes us cry.

What I'm really trying to say is
"Never let the child in you die,
always keep the child inside alive"

We were so young and yet so old before our time.
We took no notice of the warning signs.
the days slipped by before our eyes,
how did we fall for all their lies?

They led us far astray
because we let the child in us die.
Never let the child inside you die.

Every age is a time of change
and nothing ever stays the same.
Go ahead and live today,
but don't let your good times slip away.

What I'm really trying to say is
"Never let the child in you die,
always keep the child inside alive".

The spark I once possessed I now see in the best of you,
Ignite that fire, and start anew.
Don't let your chances pass you by,
or the loss of them will make you cry.

What I'm really trying to say to you is
"Never let the child in you die,
always keep the child inside alive.
Never let the child in you die.
Always keep the child inside alive."