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Heartbeat

from Dear Friend by The Bombadils

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about

In keeping with the album name, Dear Friend, "Heartbeat" came about as I responded to a grieving friend who shared some very personal and difficult news over email (he lives across the ocean from us in the UK). I felt honoured that he felt inclined to share with us, I also felt a responsibility to respond attentively and sensitively, and to let him know we have space for him, so he is always welcome to open up this way if he ever wants to again. However, as I responded in email, I found that words weren't enough, and so it became the kind of song that pours out in an evening, despite the fact that I normally like to mull and let things marinate. It might be less tidy as far as songwriting goes, but it felt like the right thing - unedited and raw. Lead vocals and nylon-string guitar were recorded live off the floor, and we're singing softly to our friend as if he's sitting in the living room with us.

-Sarah

lyrics

You hoped for a baby, she never quite made it
Cried about it quietly, bewildered and afraid
To be a burden

Oh friend,
You’re a gem
Please don’t hold back again

Before I was born, my mother miscarried
As a kid I never thought of the babies she buried
My younger siblings and I were all alive
Never realized how many dreams don’t survive
Like we imagined

Oh friend, come here, come rest, my dear
Like the Beloved John, his ear pressed upon
His best friend’s breast
And he wrote of the heartbeat
He wrote of the heartbeat

The world moves quickly
Too quickly for grieving
The weight that you carry
Don’t carry it alone
The gifts that we’re given
Are given for giving
And I’ll give away my heart
As long as I’m living

Did you ever think
Of the joy
You brought your mother,
Simply with a breath?
Her love is stronger than death

Oh friend, come here, come rest, my dear
Like the Beloved John, his ear pressed upon
His best friend’s breast
And he wrote of the heartbeat
He wrote of the heartbeat

credits

from Dear Friend, released January 13, 2023
Song written by Sarah Frank
vocals, nylon string guitar - Sarah Frank
vocals, electric guitar - Luke Fraser
recording, mixing - Graeme Campbell
mastering - J. LaPointe
album art - Bee Stanton and Linda Wei-Chun

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The Bombadils Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia

Canadian Folk Music Award nominees The Bombadils bring together bluegrass, Celtic, and contemporary folk music with front- porch style and classical grace. Canadian arts journalist Bob Mersereau describes their music as "folk tunes done with musical adventure and sophistication" and Elmore Magazine calls it "an enchanting folk romp." ... more

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