This song is in response to two songwriting challenges: the first: to write a ballad; the second: to write about an inanimate object. I succeeded with the second. On this recording, finger-picking and strings are provided by Band-In-A-Box while other guitars, 'foot tapping' and vocals are provided by me.

LYRICS
VERSE 1
I was watching when they first brought you home
When you climbed to your feet, walking on your own
I saw the pain when you cut    your    knee
When you learned to tie your shoe laces at the age of three

VERSE 2
Your first day at school filled me with pride
You put your lunchbox in your case and off to school you’d ride
I saw you come home with your crayons and your picture
And showed them to your mother and described your new teacher

CHORUS
I am a painting on a wall
Nothing escapes me – I see it all
I’ve seen the highs and lows, the joy and the pain
I hope I’ve been a constant for you, time and time again

VERSE 3
Christmas Day was always such a treat for me
Your family opening presents round the Christmas tree
And Mummy cooked a roast – I could smell it in the air
After lunch you had a nap with Grandad in his chair

VERSE 4
I was there when you brought Johnny home to meet your Mum and Dad
Your father let him know the expectations he had
I saw what Johnny tried to do, when you were both alone
And the tears you cried in shame and sadness sitting on your own

CHORUS

VERSE 5
Your parents were so proud in the graduation hall
And a photo of you all next to me       up on the wall
I heard of your promotion and your transfer overseas
And when you came to visit, your parents were so pleased

BRIDGE
For many years, your life was busy – your time was not your own
Your parents would wonder if you’d call them on the phone
Your Dad was often sick, your Mum had trouble remembering
You promised them continually, but the telephone never rings

VERSE 6
You finally came back home, but your Mum and Dad have gone
This house is cold and dark     without the light you shone
You look up at me - the tears run down    your     face
You can’t see mine, but I am looking over this place.

CHORUS


Painting on a wall (BIAB mix)

I've been a guitarist since the age of 15 and writing songs since then, albeit more prolifically since 2000. I prefer strong melodies and to borrow chords to move outside of the diatonic. Usually, the song mix contains my vocals, guitars and sometimes bass, with drums, keys and other instruments auto-generated. The tracks uploaded in my Soundcloud are attempts to 'illustrate' the idea and sound I imagined when writing the songs. At best, the quality of recordings are demo quality. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!

Music lover & singer-songwriter. Many thanks for taking the time to listen.

Unless noted, all songs Copyright © Robert S. Dean.

We enjoy writing and producing Americana songs.  Janice's 2018 Americana album All Over The Map, her 2020 blues album Am I Blue Enough and her 2023 blues album Deep In The Domain are streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon,  Youtube and other platforms.  We appreciate you checking them out!

Painting on a wall (BIAB mix)

Andrew of the antipodes