What? You ask.
"Martin" by Zac Brown Band
I downloaded their new album You Get What You Give. And after listening to it, I am only more certain that these Georgia boys are, hands down, the most talented musicians in country music right now.
The first time I heard this song it put the biggest smile on my face. Mainly because for the first time in my life, the person that this song reminds me of is playing a positive role in my life.
Growing up, the only time my father was tolerable was when he and I avoided words and opted for playing music. And the guitar he always played was (and still is) a D42 Martin. It’s beautiful and sounds amazing. A deep cherry-chocolate back and honey top, with beautiful shell inlay around the sound-hole and on the headstock, this guitar and the sounds that emanated from it were the most beautiful parts of our time together.
One night while I was standing in his kitchen waiting for him to write the child support check, he decided to randomly let me know when he dies, everything he has goes to me- morbid, yes, and the way he said it was crass and insinuated I cared about such, or worse, expected it. I remember getting angry and telling him all I ever wanted was an actual FATHER, but if he wanted to leave me anything, he could keep his money and will me the guitars, because they were responsible for the only decent memories I had of him.
Our relationship continued down that same rocky road, and I'd resolved myself to the idea that it was destined to stay that way. BUT in some weird twist of fate, after two years of not speaking at all, and a bizarre 'Come to Jesus meeting,' we've, seemingly, started to find our way to a kind of legitimate relationship. For the past 2 months, we've actually been spending some time together once a week. It's new, and half the time I still have to calm myself down when I'm headed to his house, but... so far so good.
Though we still sit around and play music, now there's actual communication. We're getting to know one another. Now, he’s kind and encouraging rather than harsh and cruel. And every week when I walk into his house, we head into the same office, where he opens up that same navy blue travel case, and pulls out that same old Martin D42. And every week, I’m finding myself more and more thankful that this guitar we both love so much will be accompanied by pleasant memories.
Like the song says, “If you treat him well, he will last your life long.” ... I'm truly thankful my father and I are now treating each other well and creating something that will, hopefully, become as sturdy and beautiful as that D42.
I’m probably going to have this on repeat for a while.
*My blogging skills won't let me figure out how to just post a SONG, so settle for this YouTube video I found,*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCXKfatA6w
I like you.
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