Did we do our Best?

hackneybloke

Get Flash to see this player.

Description

i met up with some UK macjammers the other night; Len, Dick, Bob, Chris and Steve. it was my first get-together. a very enjoyable evening. steve suggested I look at a different tuning...DADGAD...but i misheard him or made a mistake and ended up with GADGBD. then i messed around for a bit then found something i liked and this song just seemed to fall into place.
the song is about how in this 'highly-developed', capitalist, modern society - we are really bad at looking after our old people.
hope you like it.

Leave a Comment

You must be registered and logged-in to comment.

Lyrics

There’s an old man sitting on the merry go round
At the so called recreation park in this satellite town
And I wonder as he’s blowing his nose
That his mind has stopped thinking
His body is shrinking underneath his clothes

And children from nearby flats are coming out to play
With hands in pockets and heads in clouds on this cold November day
And I wonder if they see him pass by
The sound of their singing
Is gradually bringing tears to his eyes

There’s an old man’s name on a bench in a park near me
I don’t know who he is or what he did - he meant nothing to me
But I wonder as I sit down to rest
Did we really care for them took our share of them
Did we do our best

Song Stats

Hits: 2565
Comments: 48
Fans: 43
Plays: 235
Downloads: 89

Uploaded: Dec 12, 2009 - 10:00:58 AM
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2010 - 02:46:30 AM Last Played: May 04, 2013 - 04:48:15 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Song Actions

Keywords:

aged (1), old (36), care (16), (0)

Comments

lengold	lengold said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	Beautiful song, performance and production. I think you have a real talent Julian. I would have downloaded, but feel very privileged to have been sent an advance copy. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called B E A U T I F U L

guitapick	guitapick said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	Moving tune... ...and really well recorded. Sounds great... We tend to forget about our roots, a lot. Youth has replaced age in the dept. of respect. This is right on the mark... Check out my latest song called 'Cuz I Can

johnwhitehead	johnwhitehead said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	Our Best Beautiful production and singing and playing. Love the various acoustic textures and counter-melodies and how your brought each in. You create and sustain a lovely atmosphere. Found the panning a little distracting, btw. All in all, Julian, a really well done and heartfelt tune. Check out my latest song called Wandering Blues

magnatone	magnatone said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	Did We? Beautiful, beautiful work! you are putting out some fabulous songs julian - so glad you found MJ! Check out my latest song called Wave Goodbye

crissew	crissew said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	NIce folk vibe here well done vocals and harmonies. Old school sound on this one. Enjoyed it. Check out my latest song called The Devil's Argument :P

Yordbear	Yordbear said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	Message from Yordbear: Really pristine guitar work and strong well written lyrics.the fading vocal harmonies to end are immaculate. The theme of the song is something that plays in my mind on a regular cycle, and you've really brought it out! well done hackney Bloke. Y Check out my latest song called Lord Watson's Wife Escapes Through Sherwood On Horseback

Relic67	Relic67 said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	applause cool, kind of James Taylor-ish vibe but the instrumental parts are more modern sounding than that. the ideas in the lyrics are important. enjoyed! Check out my latest song called Someone Else's Thing

Feter	Feter said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	Did we do our Best? Hey this is so passionate ..your vocal so deep here ..I never imagined myself do this tuning man this is awesome the piano added something very much touchy ..the harmony at the end sounds like a true sign of a fading thoughts into depth of the mind ...excellent production and mixing ! thnx alot for sharin !!!! Check out my latest song called Roll with it

Moviz	Moviz said 1285 days ago (December 12th, 2009)
	Well... you made this old man very happy with that song and performance Julian. Wonderful lyrics and the crystal clear sounds of your lovely vocal and guitar, make this a really top performance.... love those changes on guitar and then the wonderful harmonies at the end... just love it, regards M Check out my latest song called He's The Jazzman

stevel	stevel said 1285 days ago (December 13th, 2009)
	Lovely track I really like the winsome yet melancholic feel to this, very nice acoustic playing (like the tuning!). The piano works very nicely too. Great to meet up this week...hopefully see you at the next MJ meet Cheers Steve Check out my latest song called Only Tomorrow

tempie	tempie said 1283 days ago (December 14th, 2009)
	i tell my dad that when he's too old to mow my lawn i'm going to take him "hunting". i definitely hear the james taylor vibe too. love the phrasing (ex. coldnovember day). the end reminds me alot of america. great harmonies. really swell tune. also like the piano break. thanks for the dl. Check out my latest song called Fan Fiction (Stan Lee Writes Reed Richards)

ThroughRivers

ThroughRivers said 1283 days ago (December 14th, 2009)

nice
great song here, luv the vocal harmony at the end, maybe you could have added some vocal harmony earlier in the song maybe at"with hands in pockets" around there, but thats just me.! everyone has there own style. The panning......hmmm i agree with john on this one a little distracting,but really good idea none the less, to me on first listen it sounded as if the mic was faulty,just before you start to sing it goes really quite. The guitar is awesome,luv the break in the middle, and the lyrics so beautifuly written. Your voice also is fantastic perfect for them luvly warm harmonies. Really enjoyed it. downloaded thanks!!!

Check out my latest song called Me and You

Martin_Leroy	Martin_Leroy said 1282 days ago (December 15th, 2009)
	Totally!!! Dude, I so dig your sound. Very nice!!! I love how sparse it is. So true sounding. Halfway thru the guitar lead pans back an forth - perhaps a bit too severely. I love how close the vocals sound. Good ending. Very America when those harmonies kick in. Check out my latest song called Lulu's Back In Town

ConnieO	ConnieO said 1282 days ago (December 16th, 2009)
	Our Best? This is fantastic...I think you should write more lyrics to this and make it longer. A real story it is. Love the photograph. If you get a chance take a look at my photograph for my song "If I Were Younger"...The old couple was at a bus stop in Lucerne Switzerland and kindly, graciously let me take their photo. Check out my latest song called Joey

Parichayaka

Parichayaka said 1281 days ago (December 16th, 2009)

Outstanding
Didn't count how many times I listened to this song yesterday. Such a heart-warming, down-to-earth and eye-opening song with a rarely covered theme. From a musical point of view I was particularly impressed with the perfect balance of the various elements with the middle part brightening up the entire song. We say a lot of nice things here on MJ, but this song I find outstanding in both its genuinely engaging songwriting, and flawless performance and production.

Check out my latest song called Highlands

craft	craft said 1281 days ago (December 16th, 2009)
	nice the vocals and guitar playing is so mellow.. If you had the chance add some violin and this will be perfect Check out my latest song called Valarty & AJ Craft - Burn (Alternative version)

kingbee	kingbee said 1280 days ago (December 17th, 2009)
	The best Really nice clean and simple song,,but really effective. have you invented a new tuning system? I think it was Davey Graham invented the DADGAD tuning. Anyway, lovely song with great lyrics and playing. Sorry I didn't get down for the macjams meet up. I'm hoping to get to one in the new year and maybe get to meet you cheers Check out my latest song called shadow stories

michaelkoppenheffer

michaelkoppenheffer said 1280 days ago (December 17th, 2009)

just a lovely delivery
of this song--

How you didn't break your lowest string tuning to GADGBD I don't know, but the guitar parts are pristine and reflective.

Nice balance with the voice and guitar and hint of piano, moreover. And this is a great topic for a song, matched very well with the wistful mood. I'm really impressed!

Check out my latest song called Till the Tap Runs Dry (album version)

jibes	jibes said 1279 days ago (December 18th, 2009)
	Did we do our Best? Very well done and produced. A great middle part with the Phased guitar and also the harmony on the end. Absolute mood producing song. Check out my latest song called JESSICA

drakonis	drakonis said 1279 days ago (December 18th, 2009)
	MJ Meetups are great Such a tender thought, very poignantly presented. Hits me very personally, with my father's recent passing, thinking of us all as we head that way. As always, great lyrics, excellent music, playing and singing. ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Belle Aire (for Mandolin Orchestra)

bud	bud said 1279 days ago (December 18th, 2009)
	Wonderful song - really well recorded played and sung. I like the additional elements that kick in at 1:45 or so - very tastefully handled. Makes me think a bit of Simon and Garfunkle - Bookends. My Mom passed away this year - and I can't help but ask myself the question you pose. Thanks for the fine post. Check out my latest song called fig field

Gaylen75	Gaylen75 said 1279 days ago (December 18th, 2009)
	Time Is what I need to keep up with all the great songs. This is fantastic the tone and format of the song. You have a great voice. Thanks for sharing this with me. Check out my latest song called Unravelled (Speakeasy Sway)

smokey bacon jnr	smokey bacon jnr said 1279 days ago (December 18th, 2009)
	brilliant this is really good. Very professional sounding - pristine guitar sound, nice voice and fantastic lyrics. I like the internal rhymes you get - singing and bringing. It makes for a more subtle lyrical effect than rhyming at the end of the line I think. Sorry I missed you in London! Check out my latest song called Melif

ktb	ktb said 1279 days ago (December 18th, 2009)
	Did we do our Best? from the very first couple of notes i was totally immersed. You have such a gifted voice. Everything gentle and heartfelt. Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

tokai	tokai said 1278 days ago (December 19th, 2009)
	Stunning with a gracious melody, real lyrics and the voice to carry it off. Liking the image too. Check out my latest song called electric magnetic/Sir Bass

WellOfWyrd	WellOfWyrd said 1278 days ago (December 19th, 2009)
	Nice Effect I like that it's not overcomplicated - serves its purpose well and simplicity is always key. Interesting harmony there @ ~ 3:00. Great work. Thanks for sharing it. Check out my latest song called Tensions

Sudra	Sudra said 1278 days ago (December 19th, 2009)
	Very moving... ...reminds me of that line in "The Conversation", where Cindy Williams sees the old homeless man on the bench and says, "Every time I see that I can't help but think 'he used to be somebody's beautiful baby boy.' Check out my latest song called 'Til The Freeway Ends V2

scaustrita	scaustrita said 1278 days ago (December 19th, 2009)
	Sweet The alternative tuning is sweet. Very interesting lyrics, sad story. Looks like it is a hit! Wonderful guitar work, outstanding!!! The harmony caught me by surprise, WOW. Reminiscent of "America." :: Passionate :: Check out my latest song called Thumbing My Way Back to You

racerat	racerat said 1278 days ago (December 20th, 2009)
	mistakes Happy mistakes are what half my music is made of. What a beautiful arrangement. Touching in it's message, and soothing in it's movements and passages. You have an awesome voice. The full harmonies at the end are a treat. P Check out my latest song called My Broken Sky

DWL	DWL said 1278 days ago (December 20th, 2009)
	Sorry I'm so late on this I loved the original version and this has that extra polish. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

damiengh	damiengh said 1278 days ago (December 20th, 2009)
	Strong message A beautiful but gentle prodding of a strong message for the world conscience. You have a most beautiful voice and a good sense for dynamics and space in your song construction. This one is a beauty. Check out my latest song called Tea and Scones

apb	apb said 1277 days ago (December 21st, 2009)
	Enjoyed this nice use of space, harmonies and weird tuning. Vocals are top notch and great message. Grand job. Thanks for sharing. Check out my latest song called Anyway

Bob6stringer

Bob6stringer said 1272 days ago (December 25th, 2009)

One word: Poignant
What can I say to let you know how impressive this is? It's poignant. The line that hits me is "That his mind has stopped thinking." That's going around, I'm losing family to that.

About your open tuning, funny thing: I did my last tune in DGDGBG. I didn't even know that when I recorded the thing, then I went to add bass and found out I was in some sort of G! Ah, good times. Thanks, bruv across the water.

Check out my latest song called Call Me (Turn to Me Reprise)

Willywagga	Willywagga said 1264 days ago (January 2nd, 2010)
	Wow Really like it, you have a very nice voice, I can't find much of an accent there, to connect name to voice. Very sensitive playing and touching words, Nice tuning and your playing is sweet and assured. Very sweet. Check out my latest song called The Jes on Sea Road

Hickling_Stan	Hickling_Stan said 1252 days ago (January 14th, 2010)
	Great lyrics These lyrics paint a great picture, the sentiment reminded me of "Think for a minute" by the Housemartins. had to download this one, it a quality song! Cheers Mark Check out my latest song called Elective Introspective

johnnyblues	johnnyblues said 1250 days ago (January 17th, 2010)
	Love it! Simple yet effective. Great Guitar and vocals. Very relaxing - thanks for sharing! Check out my latest song called LongBranch

Bob Rodgers	Bob Rodgers said 1249 days ago (January 17th, 2010)
	I'm late here Julian, really love this, great lyrics and the vocals are superb. Great performance and production. I like the new tuning that inspired you to write this excellent song. Bob Check out my latest song called We Can't Let It Go

michaelkoppenheffer	michaelkoppenheffer said 1223 days ago (February 12th, 2010)
	I think this song got even better while it was marinating in the MacJams archive...was just relistening and was moved to comment. Just beautiful! Check out my latest song called Till the Tap Runs Dry (album version)

caroline	caroline said 1222 days ago (February 14th, 2010)
	yum! lush! thank you! Check out my latest song called i'm a reunion maid MJRF 2010

ted23	ted23 said 1220 days ago (February 16th, 2010)
	Bow I'm sat at work secretly listening with one earphone in... This is great. I could do my work all day to this dreamy number. The guitar and vocal is perfect. Your up there! A very high level... If this came up on random on my iPod I wouldnt skip over it.... I'd hit repeat! Top Check out my latest song called Living Dead Love Song in Z minor (HALLOWEEN 2012)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 1216 days ago (February 19th, 2010)
	Applause... Very moving and with a message masterfully shared in song. Excellent work in all areas here--congratulations. Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

kassia	kassia said 1187 days ago (March 20th, 2010)
	beautiful heart-breakingly so. this is lovely and poignant and, unfortunately, so very true. This topic has always been heavy in my heart and you've very much captured those thoughts. Thank you. Check out my latest song called Greensleeves

jdholliday	jdholliday said 1148 days ago (April 28th, 2010)
	crissew is my best friend allbeit my favorite singer on here but you are giving him a run for his money to my ears, I wonder waht our 3 voices would sound like I think it would be great, another beautiful song. Check out my latest song called Please Help, Pride of NYC needs tracks!

axljfoley	axljfoley said 1106 days ago (June 9th, 2010)
	This is the shit man...how come U dnt try to put this in your next film?...great smoke tune* Check out my latest song called SpaceBalls 2(The Quest for MORE) f/ Axl J Foley, Loki, Anitek

TobinMueller	TobinMueller said 1029 days ago (August 25th, 2010)
	Excellent Really nice track. I took care of my father in his declining years. Spent lots of time with old folks. Enjoyed them immensely. Dad was my favorite human boing on earth. Your song touched me. Check out my latest song called Dignity

tmcfate	tmcfate said 906 days ago (December 26th, 2010)
	commentary i like your ability to make social commentary and the gentle way that you are able to express that. nice feel. Check out my latest song called Dark Day in December

woofer3	woofer3 said 905 days ago (December 27th, 2010)
	how did I miss this ? it's an absolute classic song, so touching and beautifully delivered. I can't imagine anyone not being moved by it. In content I am reminded of Elvis Costello's - Veronica which as Alan Partridge would say is roughly in the same ball park. Superbly written and performed. Check out my latest song called burning hitler

TvRicky

TvRicky said 586 days ago (November 12th, 2011)

Did we do our Best?
Touches me deeply, My father in=law is fighting for his life as you play. Yes I think we are a family that looks after each other. However, I realize that this is not the case with everyone. So with the inspiration from this beautifully sung and deeply felt song. I will open my eyes even more to the suffering of others. Thank you for your sincere offering to humanity,

A SincerelyZipped, TvRicky

Check out my latest song called 'Save The Children'

Fan List