Sing 'Em Good My Friend

Album: Welcome to the Fishbowl (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This haunting, vulnerable ballad was penned by Jaren Johnston and Tom Douglas. It tells the tale of an elderly man with a dying wife, who is forced to sell his beloved old guitar. He tells the buyer, who is a younger musician, "I left some songs in this guitar. Sing 'em good my friend." This is one of two Tom Douglas co-writes on Welcome To the Fishbowl that deal with aging and mortality, the other one, "While He Still Knows Who I Am," centers on a visit to a father with a failing memory.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.