Gypsy Soul Brother
(This is for Josh)
March 26, 2022
DougMaynard.com

Well, as most of you are aware, the world became a much darker place a couple of weeks ago when a beautiful young man, Joshua McVicker, left us to gain his wings and ascend to the next stage. While admittingly, I didn’t know Josh very well, I am proud and honored that I did know him, even if only for a short time. Our friendship was more casual than anything, but it was a bright spot in my life and full of moments that I will forever remember and treasure. An infectious laugh, a shit-eating grin, and just a good heart and soul that shined brighter than any darkness.

So anyhow, I wanted to do something for Josh, a tribute of sorts, and after a lot of thought and admittingly a few adult beverages, I figured it out. A song. I’ll write a song for Josh.

And then I remembered a few things. One, I’m not a singer. Two, I don’t play any instruments. Three, I can’t write music. And in fact, my musical abilities are non-existent in every sense of the word. I did karaoke nearly thirty years ago a few times, but while I enjoyed it and had fun, I don’t think anyone else did. And if Waylon ever heard what I did to his songs, he’d probably smack me upside the head and tell me, “Hoss, don’t do that anymore!”. So me, write a song? Well, what’s life without a challenge, right?

I thought for a bit about my dilemma and I could just picture Josh standing there, laughing at me, telling me to, “Do it, Dougie Fresh!”. And so, even though I don’t write music, play any instruments, sing, or have any rhythm at all in my body, I decided to take a crack at it. And here you go. I just went from the heart, heard the words and music in my head, and pictured Josh listening, nodding his head, and laughing his ass off at my frustration and attempts. Here’s what I got.

Gypsy Soul Brother

I think of you
I feel myself smile
Although everything inside me
wants to breakdown and cry
I hear that sweet laughter
I see that infectious grin
I hear your voice in my head
the best of man among men

Gypsy soul brother
All for one and one for all
The best of the best, forget the rest
Forever standing tall
Shining light into the night
just trying to rock & roll
Rock Star

I know you had your demons
I know you had your flaws
but seeing you, talking to you
so easy to forget about it all
now I sit here heartbroken
wishing you’d walk through that door
but I know you’re there watching over us
Makes me miss you even more

They say angels always appear
in the most unlikely forms
taking the shape of a little devil
you were always knocking on those doors
Help us find a path in the darkness
Back on the road and into the light
rocking hard, chase the blues away
every day and every night

Gypsy soul brother
All for one and one for all
The best of the best, forget the rest
Forever standing tall
Shining light into the night
just trying to rock & roll
Rock Star

Yeah, this one’s for you!
Keep rocking, Josh! We love ya, bro!

And there you go. Not much, but I tried. And if any of my musically inclined friends would like to take a crack at this, put it to music, and fix it up a bit, feel free to do so.

And I hope I did Josh proud here. I miss that very special and awesome young man. When you talked to him, you couldn’t help but feel better and smile. This world was a much better place for his presence and our lives were all better for his having been a part of them, no matter how small a role he played. Rest in Peace, friend.

I need to go wash my face now. Damn allergies.

Ubuntu!