I love knowing the origin story of songs. Here's the background to some of mine - when I wrote them, what inspired them, what I hope you will get from them. Some are works of imagination. Some are based on real life events. Some are a bit of both. They're all up on your favourite streaming service.
ALISON:
Remember that feeling of love at first sight? The bloke in this song does. This is an old one - I wrote it in the early 90's. It's not about me specifically - but of course it is about me…I hope it helps you remember that spark of joy you felt when you first set eyes on the one or ones you love.
CLOUDS OVER CLONBINANE:
In the summer of 2022, I'd just dropped my son off in Sydney - starting his new life far away from Melbourne. On the way home coming down the Hume - just as I was approaching the town of Clonbinane - 80 k or so from home - the clouds rose up to greet me and I just said “Clouds over Clonbinane”. I liked the alliteration - and from that came this song about coming home to a family and place that you love.
SIMPLE MINDED MAN:
1970's…grade 3…my first ever crush…I've always been this bloke. Awkward in love…This is another old one - I wrote it in 1996 when I was living in Ireland. It's for all of us who don't quite have the confidence or flair we wish for.
PRAYER
Another old one…30 years or so. I wrote it for someone I loved who was going through a tough time. I hope you can relate to it - and perhaps share it with your loved ones. It's not meant to be a religious song - though the title & lyrics suggest otherwise. For me this prayer is a wish or a hope - but it can be whatever you want it to be.
WINTER COAT
A newer one - I wrote it in 2023. It started with a chord pattern and hummed melody…and somehow the winter coat line just popped out - and it grew from there. I love the Sydney Road reference - I've lived close to Sydney Road all my adult life. But the song is about the way profound things can happen in the most unexpected places…like falling in love at an op shop.
LET ME KNOW
An old one. It was inspired by two friends - each of whom had broken up with their partners, and who were a bit bruised by that experience, and were just starting to look around again. It's a song about finding trust & giving things a go. I like the car and driving imagery - hope you do too.
OLGA & JOHN
This is the first in a series of songs aboult Olga, John & their family. They're a good family. Nothing unusual or specialy - but they're lucky. Hope you are too.