John Dawson shares some of life’s most meaningful words in his new single and video Things That I Meant To Say — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
One of life’s bigger events is the birth of a child and the dichotomy that comes for parents. Dawson’s latest single reminds us to reassure them of the wholehearted love and support they’ll have regardless of what unexpected twists, turns or hurdles life has in store.
“The song essentially serves as a list of things I wanted to make sure my child knew no matter what challenges life presented to our relationship,” he says. “It is also the picture of the ideal parent I hope to be as I moved into this new adventure: an example of unconditional and unwavering love ‘until my days are done.’ Above all, I believe it’s a song that serves as a reminder to me during those inevitably challenging times of that one thing which truly matters above all else: Love.”
Things That I Meant To Say is lyrically economical, getting to the heart of the matter with an approach that recalls the late JJ Cale, Mark Knopfler or the underappreciated Tim Easton. Dawson’s guitar work is accompanied by Anthony D’Angela on drums and percussion, while bassist Manny DeGrandis helps illustrate his thoughtful words:
“Rest assured, for all it gives you,
The world can take as much.
But rest assured that it can’t take from you
What’s given you in love
Though my love for you is yours, and yours alone
Remember: Love freely shown is freely grown.”
The single easily falls alongside such parent-child narratives such as Harry Chapin’s Cat’s In The Cradle and John Lennon’s Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy), intent on making each moment count, not waiting for the right or perfect time for a parent to express their love to their child.
Things That I Meant To Say is the latest single from Dawson’s new studio album Outlier. The nine-track effort, produced by Adam Brunner, features Dawson with D’Angela and DeGrandis on songs like the reflective, folksy Life Just Came To Me, which brings to mind Ron Sexsmith at his finest. Mend In My Ways shows a simplicity few singer-songwriters can lay claim while the jazzy, roots instrumental Merry and Pippin shows another side of Dawson’s musical depth, inspired by the likes of Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, Paul Simon and Knopfler.
Watch the video for Things That I Meant To Say above, hear more from John Dawson below, and tell him what you think on his website and Twitter.
