I sang this at my Dad's funeral only a few days ago 08/07/24 - it was so hard to do but I got through it, my family is from a small town in the west of Ireland called "Tuam" in the county of Galway so, I changed the last line "Tank Park Salute" to "Tuam Town Salute" to make it more fitting. There is a famous band from Tuam called The Saw Doctors and I'm friends with Leo from the band, anyways I met Leo up town one day and I said to him Billy Bragg is supporting yous in Manchester on the 06/07/24 - he was just as surprised as me cause we are both big Bill fans, I told him I'd fly over to the gig but just days before my Dad passed suddenly in his sleep, I messaged Leo and told him I wouldn't make the gig for obvious reasons, he said he'd heard the sad news and sent his condolences. I replied to Leo the day of the gig and said "If you see Billy backstage Leo tell him I love his music and it means a lot to me and that I was going to sing Tank Park Salute for my Dad at the funeral. Not too long later a message came back from Leo with a little message written from Billy saying "To Evan, keep the faith - Billy Bragg" he had sent his condolences and was honoured I'd sing his song at my Dad's funeral. After the funeral I was standing outside the church feeling so empty and drained - I looked up and there was Leo with his hand out to shake and Billy's message and signature in the other hand - I gave him a big hug, I thought Leo was gonna still be in the UK somewhere getting ready for his next gig but he had made it to the funeral, I was so surprised and happy, it's something I'll never forget and will be forever grateful. Thank you Leo, thank you Billy R.I.P Dad - I hope I done you proud, I love you.
This song is a caravan of life and love. It is an alchemist’s cave of childhood intimacy. It is swaddling and grief. It is being held and letting go, all at once. Love you Billy. Love your glorious warm lefty heart ❤️
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I sang this at my Dad's funeral only a few days ago 08/07/24 - it was so hard to do but I got through it, my family is from a small town in the west of Ireland called "Tuam" in the county of Galway so, I changed the last line "Tank Park Salute" to "Tuam Town Salute" to make it more fitting. There is a famous band from Tuam called The Saw Doctors and I'm friends with Leo from the band, anyways I met Leo up town one day and I said to him Billy Bragg is supporting yous in Manchester on the 06/07/24 - he was just as surprised as me cause we are both big Bill fans, I told him I'd fly over to the gig but just days before my Dad passed suddenly in his sleep, I messaged Leo and told him I wouldn't make the gig for obvious reasons, he said he'd heard the sad news and sent his condolences. I replied to Leo the day of the gig and said "If you see Billy backstage Leo tell him I love his music and it means a lot to me and that I was going to sing Tank Park Salute for my Dad at the funeral. Not too long later a message came back from Leo with a little message written from Billy saying "To Evan, keep the faith - Billy Bragg" he had sent his condolences and was honoured I'd sing his song at my Dad's funeral. After the funeral I was standing outside the church feeling so empty and drained - I looked up and there was Leo with his hand out to shake and Billy's message and signature in the other hand - I gave him a big hug, I thought Leo was gonna still be in the UK somewhere getting ready for his next gig but he had made it to the funeral, I was so surprised and happy, it's something I'll never forget and will be forever grateful. Thank you Leo, thank you Billy R.I.P Dad - I hope I done you proud, I love you.
That's a wonderful post. Bless you.
This song is a caravan of life and love. It is an alchemist’s cave of childhood intimacy. It is swaddling and grief. It is being held and letting go, all at once. Love you Billy. Love your glorious warm lefty heart ❤️
This is a little gem, as is the song. I never knew at the farm in Lemmington Spa.
The whole album "Don't try this at home" is a complete masterpiece - it's up there with the Queen is Dead and London Calling in my estimation.
Great to hear this interview. This song always moves me so.
Conversations with Richard Fidler ABC Australia.