I wrote this song as a memorial to my younger (by 2 yrs), gospel singer brother, Billy, who recently died (11/1/16) of Lewy Body Dementia. We were quite different in so many ways and I wasn't as kind to him as I wish I'd been in our youth. He loved making people laugh, even to the point of being self-deprecating and it would embarrass me. Nevertheless, he was crazy talented and, no matter how much I would try to compose myself, he knew how to break me down and make me laugh!
Such kind remarks from whom I consider a very sophisticated songwriter. I enjoy your songs, as they have a surreal, jazzy feel. When I was a young kid (5 or 6), my mother would play Tchaikovsky or Gershwin as she’d say, “Close your eyes and tell me what you see.” When I listen to some of your songs (not all, but some), I find myself thinking about that moment in time, as I close my eyes and consider the imagery… Nice work!
May 31, 2018
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Hi Jack, it’s hard to say anything about this song, it seems like a very personal song and it goes to heart. Probably that kind of song you need to get off your chest.
June 01, 2018
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What a nice dedication to your brother, Jack! I can see you with your brother and the relationship you had with each other. I can tell you write songs just for you and not necessarily for the radio. Keep up the good writing!
June 11, 2018
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HE MADE ME LAUGH: written by Jack Speer, LV by Jack Speer, BGV by Stephanie Willis, produced by John D. Willis
It was midway through a little-league game,
You could hear the in-field chatter,
When the ump behind the plate appeared confused.
‘Cause, the game came to a stop
And the park turned into laughter,
As my little brother sang, MULESKINNER’S BLUES.
And, as I think about our yesterdays,
It’s like a visit with his ghost,
I loved him in so many ways
But, what I remember most,
He made me laugh,
When I didn’t think he would.
He’d be self-deprecating,
When I didn’t think he should.
He made me Laugh,
He always knew he could,
Whenever I needed a dose of feeling good,
He made me laugh.
It’s strange how the same old house
Can raise two different souls,
I was slight and shy; he was big and bold.
And while we reconciled our differences,
The bond we shared would grow,
As respect revealed the love that would unfold.
And, as I think about our yesterdays,
It’s like a visit with his ghost,
I loved him in so many ways
But, what I remember most,
Repeat Chorus
No pretenses, he was simply real,
I could totally be myself; that’s how he made me feel.
He made me laugh,
When I didn’t think he would.
He’d be self-deprecating,
When I didn’t think he should.
He made me Laugh,
He always knew he could,
Whenever I needed a dose of feeling good,
He made me laugh.
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Hello Jack - I find your songs very inspiring. We English just don’t write songs this way - this is from the heart, to the heart.
Beautiful songs - love the one about your mother too.
All the best, David
May 31, 2018
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Such kind remarks from whom I consider a very sophisticated songwriter. I enjoy your songs, as they have a surreal, jazzy feel. When I was a young kid (5 or 6), my mother would play Tchaikovsky or Gershwin as she’d say, “Close your eyes and tell me what you see.” When I listen to some of your songs (not all, but some), I find myself thinking about that moment in time, as I close my eyes and consider the imagery… Nice work!
May 31, 2018
0
Hi Jack, it’s hard to say anything about this song, it seems like a very personal song and it goes to heart. Probably that kind of song you need to get off your chest.
June 01, 2018
0
What a nice dedication to your brother, Jack! I can see you with your brother and the relationship you had with each other. I can tell you write songs just for you and not necessarily for the radio. Keep up the good writing!
June 11, 2018
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David Ireland
Hello Jack - I find your songs very inspiring. We English just don’t write songs this way - this is from the heart, to the heart.
Beautiful songs - love the one about your mother too.
All the best, David
May 31, 2018
No members have liked this comment.