Inspiration from “Teach Your Children”
On my way to work one morning, I chanced upon Graham Nash’s song “Teach Your Children.” I knew the 1970 song quite well, actually very, very well. The chords, the lyrics, even the harmonies — all from my teen years. That entire day, my subconscious mind was singing the song, “…teach your children, teach your parents well…” 50 years after its release, the song still sounded so fresh and so relevant.
We lost Papa in 2016, and 10 months later, we lost Mama. The whole day, I was terribly missing my parents. My mind was playing and replaying all the good memories we once had. Tears kept filling my eyes, and I knew it was time to write.
By the end of the day, I have 90% of the lyrics written and chords and tempo made up. The next day, Feb 2, I reached out to my friend Doug, to add the final melody, bridge and hooks to the chords, and presto !
What My Mother Would Say (Remembering Mama Song)
A beam of light swiftly glides the stars,
Was that lovely venus or the reddish mars?
As I gazed up and beyond the skies,
The full moon beamed into my weary eyes. (1)
I wake to dreams of Mama and me,
By her bedside, how pretty is she. (2)
School and summertime and Christmas too,
Over mountains and oceans and skies of blue.
I sat and wondered what my Mother would say
On a springtime eve on a March Wednesday.
Hurry, Papa is waiting by the door,
Dimsum, Noodles and much, oh much more. (3)
Over the years, you built the bond
Carried your family, above and beyond.
Hell or high waters, will never break,
To Mom, it just but a stroll by the lake. (4)
I still wake to dreams of Mama and me
By her bedside, sleeping beauty is she.
My comic book heroes they never grow old, (5)
Still nothing beats Mama’s pure heart of gold.
And I sat and wondered what my Mother would say
On a springtime eve on a March Wednesday.
Walk slowly, drive safely, go to bed early, (6)
Precious whispers said to your boy, your boy of sixty!
I miss my dear Mama, as I cried a tear,
My mother’s touch, lost to yesteryear.
Yet no matter near or far apart,
You will always be staying right here in my heart.
Leaving left a heartache no one can heal,
Your love and sweet memories no one can steal.
Now forever gone from my blurry sight,
Shining in my heart that is golden bright. (7)
So I sat and wondered what my Mother would say,
On a springtime eve on a March Wednesday.
As I said Happy Birthday to my dearest Mama,
Be happy — my son. I’m in the Promised Land with Papa.
Still I sat and wondered what my Mother would say,
This springtime evening of a March Wednesday.
I said Happy Birthday to my Dearest Mother.
Till I see you again, my dear Father and Mother.
I sat and wondered what my Mother would say,
This full moon evening of a March Wednesday.
I hear hallelujah in all its splendor and glory,
Singing praises and worships to our God, our God Almighty. (8)
Song Meaning
(1) Supermoon, March Full Moon will be on March 20, 2019 at 6:43 PM Los Angeles Time.
(2) By Mama’s bed… in 1962. I remembered loving my Mother more than anything in the world.
(3) On Nov 19, 2016, 2 days before Papa’s passing, Mama was rushing me to bring the family to the Arcadia Full House Restaurant for Dimsum, Noodles… That lunch, was Papa’s best meal, and soon we realized was his last full meal.
(4) The Mother. As Papa was the rock and the foundation, my Mother stands tall as the strongest pillar that held the family with love and compassion. Throughout her life, Mama played the most critical role as the authoritarian that kept things in the right places, the comforter when things go wrong, the sympathizer when life seems to be in shambles, the pacifier when contradictions flare up, and the friend that showers us with endless love.
(5) My comic book heroes. I actually thought about Matt-Matt and John John while writing this part, about how they have their own comic heroes of Avengers, Captain America, or perhaps Black Panther. And I also thought about mine and Aya’s comic heroes — Popeye, the sailor man.
(6) “Walk slowly, drive safely, go to bed early”are some of the exact words that Mama keeps repeating to all her children. It seem repetitive and sometimes annoying yet now at 60, are the words I longing to hear.
(7) Goodbye Mother. For 9 months you carried me wherever you go, in excruciating pain you deliver me into the world, nurse me and feed me and showered me with your love. As I said my final goodbye that September night, your soft fingers touched my cheek. As I kissed you to say goodbye, your tender hand wiped away my tears. Thank you, Mama. You are near even when I do not see you. You are with me, even when you are far away. You will be in my heart, in my thoughts, in my life – always and forever.
(8) Comfort and Peace. It brings much comfort and peace hearing the prayers of loved ones and knowing that Mama is now in the Promised Land with Papa. Sickness took away our body, but it will never take away our Parents soul. For I am sure, the Lord firmly holds.
Credits
- D Haines provided the final melody to my simple chords. The original piece was recorded by D Haines on vocals and acoustic guitar.
- S Giddings, played steel guitar, bass, drums on the D Haines original version.
- Moon Chew, provided the full orchestra. 1st and 2nd Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano. Moon Chew also sang lead vocal on the Chinese version.
- Anthony Donato, played percussions, and saxophone on the instrumental version.
- Elise Belisario, on vocals.
- Hermes Kwok, provided poetic translation of the song in Chinese.
Thank you all for listening. 503
