When you need me, call my name
'Cause without you, my life just wouldn't be the same
If you want me come sunny skies or rain
When you need me, just call my name
Growing up our house was always filled with music. My dad would always have an album going and even now hearing certain songs will take me back to Saturdays back in Johannesburg hearing him singing along while pottering about the house.
Dad loves Bruce Springsteen and his songs have been the soundtrack to many a weekend or a good sing-song on a long run together. There is a particular favourite of his, a lively Irish vibe concert which he'll play at top volume. My mother will come to turn it down, as soon as she has gone, he will turn it back up and this goes on for hours. They're still at it even to this day however in the battle of wits, Bruce usually ends up getting a few loud turns in. (It will come as no surprise that he received a set of extra strength headphones from my mother one birthday). So it seemed fitting to honour Father's Day with a bit of the boss.
'When you need me' was released on the 10th November 1998 and appears on the Tracks Album.
This song, simple and sweet sums up my Dad. No matter what or far apart we are, he has always been there to talk, listen and make everything better for my sister and I. He will say 'right, put on your shoes, we're going for a walk/run' and we'll talk it through because we are in it together (although as am usually huffing and puffing away, usually I can only just listen, which thinking about it could have been his plan all along. Hmm) and without fail by the time we're done, the world is put to rights again. He taught me that life is like a marathon, you will have ups, downs, we are all in this together and when things get overwhelming, take it one lampost at a time.
He carries the 'when you need me' credo with him into all things - as an avid runner, his motto is to never leave a man behind and I know he has been there for many a new and seasoned runner helping them and getting them over the finish line when they've needed it.
My dad has taught me so much, from riding my first bike, dancing in the lounge (cue 80's dance moves), the importance of laughter and staying strong and never giving up. Seeing him put his mind to something and make it happen no matter what inspires me and I am still learning so much from him to this day.
So to my Dad, my Hero
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
If you miss me, I'll be there
To brush the sunlight from your hair
I'll be there to guide you when trouble walks beside you
If you need me I'll be there
And when this dirty world has been cold to you
I got two strong arms waitin' to hold you
And when those mean days come along
We'll stand together and we'll take 'em on
So if you need me just call my name
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