This song blows me away. It's not just the storytelling, it's the choice of narrator, the point of view. If I can ever compress so much into so few minutes, I'll die happy.
I first heard this song on the radio in the 1990s (on KCRW or KPFKs Folkscene, I'm not sure which) and I recorded it off the air and have listened to it frequently since. What I am sure of is this song is unforgetable and as near to perfection as it gets.
Beautifully written & sung...thanks, James, which inspired France Benoit to create a poignant film I enjoyed at the Langham in Kaslo tonight...using only your lyrics, & her powerful images. I so appreciate the creativity of you both!
I lived in Kaslo 5 years ago but somehow missed this film. I had caught Keelaghan in Calgary in around 2001 or so, but hadn't heard of this song before today. For those who don't know, the Langham building in Kaslo, BC was used as an internment camp during the war. My mum was a guest of the Japanese government in a camp in Shanghai during the war. I guess you could call it fat camp today, cause there wasn't much to eat.
powerfull !! i wish i could encourage you to not feel like you have to outdo yourself ! ah but you know your own self !! there is avery similar cituation on bainbridge island wa. !this person also pushed her piano into the harbor before she got taken off to an internment camp !!
Every live Keelo concert is a blessing, and unforgettable. So rare to get to see him here in Utah, but I think we've seen him live at least half a dozen precious times over the last thirty years…love that man. Still never seen him with Jez, which just kills me.
I just posted a link to this on Twitter in a discussion about what is happening now in the USA with children being separated form their parents at the border. It's the same mentality.
I've read of many instruments stolen or lost that miraculously find their way back to their original player's hands - even after many decades... I can only imagine in the moments Kiri was troubled with grief (and likely anger) over having to give up her belongings and be interned due to war, if she might have had ultimate trust in the Lord Jesus... perhaps she and her beloved piano, with all the memories attached, may have been reunited someday... we'll never know. So many stories of tragedy turn to hope when patience and trust are allowed to take their course.
Been a long time since a song made me cry.
I hear Stan when I hear James and they are both just absolutely fascinatingly the best
One of my favorite James songs, along with cold Missouri water and Jenny Bryce
And Rebecca's Lament. 💔🤧😭
Song touches a chord deep inside. My mother was an internee in Slocan, BC during WWII.
I hope your mother lived a wonderful life after her hardships.
I’m in Castlegar 💕
This song blows me away. It's not just the storytelling, it's the choice of narrator, the point of view. If I can ever compress so much into so few minutes, I'll die happy.
I think of this song often ...
What a gorgeous voice and soul.
I first heard this song on the radio in the 1990s (on KCRW or KPFKs Folkscene, I'm not sure which) and I recorded it off the air and have listened to it frequently since. What I am sure of is this song is unforgetable and as near to perfection as it gets.
It is so beautiful ... so so beautiful ... It touches me deep inside
What a song! What a voice!!
My love of life used to play this for me. Thank you
He played it beautifully from the heart as well.
She consigned it to the sea
to settle the affair
WOW!!!! brilliant songwriting just in that line!
They were flotsam on the wave of war. They were no friends of mine. - some of my fave lines
he's got an immortal voice! listen to that!
hauntingly beautiful.
Beautifully written & sung...thanks, James, which inspired France Benoit to create a poignant film I enjoyed at the Langham in Kaslo tonight...using only your lyrics, & her powerful images. I so appreciate the creativity of you both!
laura martin here ~ i'd love to see this film ! is it called kiris piano ? also , do u live in kaslo ? i lived in argenta yrs. ago ~~~
I lived in Kaslo 5 years ago but somehow missed this film. I had caught Keelaghan in Calgary in around 2001 or so, but hadn't heard of this song before today. For those who don't know, the Langham building in Kaslo, BC was used as an internment camp during the war.
My mum was a guest of the Japanese government in a camp in Shanghai during the war. I guess you could call it fat camp today, cause there wasn't much to eat.
OMG Jimmy- you were SO young!
you are still amazinggggg and always will be
Thank-you again James. I never get tired of this song. Ever.
I just added this to my Facebook because its a long story of how I almost met this man.I was addicted to his music.
It's hardly the worst of addictions.
What?
I have always loved this song.
powerfull !! i wish i could encourage you to not feel like you have to outdo yourself ! ah but you know your own self !! there is avery similar cituation on bainbridge island wa. !this person also pushed her piano into the harbor before she got taken off to an internment camp !!
I had the privilege of being in that room that night
I'll bet you still get Goose pimples now
@@MikeADFirenze9 yes
Every live Keelo concert is a blessing, and unforgettable. So rare to get to see him here in Utah, but I think we've seen him live at least half a dozen precious times over the last thirty years…love that man.
Still never seen him with Jez, which just kills me.
Listen while reading Obasan by Joy Kogawa.
I just posted a link to this on Twitter in a discussion about what is happening now in the USA with children being separated form their parents at the border. It's the same mentality.
I've read of many instruments stolen or lost that miraculously find their way back to their original player's hands - even after many decades... I can only imagine in the moments Kiri was troubled with grief (and likely anger) over having to give up her belongings and be interned due to war, if she might have had ultimate trust in the Lord Jesus... perhaps she and her beloved piano, with all the memories attached, may have been reunited someday... we'll never know. So many stories of tragedy turn to hope when patience and trust are allowed to take their course.
Great song brought tears to my eyes. May be we muslims will go the same way.
I hope not! But should that happen I know that many will show this kind of courage and dignity.