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Hug with Our Heart

from Hug with Our Heart by Mad Dog Blues

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about

The chorus of this song came to me when we doing a masked photo shoot for the Mad Dog Blues double CD, Family Reunion 2020, last August. We all were joking about smiling under our masks when the line "you have to smile with your eyes" came to me. This song expresses some of my deepest feelings in regard to this pandemic, and was a challenge for me to both write and sing. Luckily my good friend and long time music partner, Jenn Cleary, stepped up to co-write this song, and I could not be happier about how it came out. I know this song will evolve and improve over time, but there is something very raw about this version. We recorded it at Mighty Fine Studios in Denver after playing a Dazzle Presents Monday Night Blues LIVE STREAM there on 12-7-20. That night was the first time the band saw or heard it, as we have not been able to get together outside anymore because of the colder weather. We got to try it out just twice before we recorded it. This band always amazes me with their skill! What a treat to be playing and writing with so many fine musicians!



“'Hug with Our Heart'. The song was co-written by Mad Dog Friedman and Jenn Cleary. Friedman also does the vocals. It opens with Big Willy Palmer strumming the acoustic guitar, Jeff Becker’s mandolin sounding like a cat scratching at the door to come in, and Mad Dog Friedman playing a fluttering harmonica. The song is full of haunting images. Best line is, 'division will crush us if we don’t act soon.' Friedman’s voice cracks with emotion throughout but especially when singing the chorus: 'Though we’ve been apart, it’s time to realize …

We smile with our eyes, and hug with our heart.' By the end, Becker’s mandolin sounds like raindrops and we are singing along with the chorus. Well done!" - from the EP review by Jack Grace, Feb.-March 2021 Holler from the Colorado Blues Society

lyrics

His eyes seem as empty as the can on his belt
with a sign on the front says anything helps.
I jump back as he reaches out
I’d like to help but I have my doubts

Framed by the pane, Grandma looks out.
Tears well up, it’s been a long drought
It’s been too long, not a soul to hold
Our hidden smiles like flowers unfold

It’s time to realize,
though we’ve been apart,
we smile with our eyes,
hug with our heart.

Three weeks on a ventilator, alone with his fear.
I hold his hand, a stand-in who’s near.
It’s the middle of the night, the hospital sleeps.
I think of my family, as cold machines beep.

Watching the crowd, we all want the same,
freedom and health, without any blame.
Division will crush us, if we don’t act soon.
Let’s come together, and sing a new tune.

It’s time to realize,
though we’ve been apart,
we smile with our eyes,
hug with our heart.

It’s time to realize,
though we’ve been apart,
we smile with our eyes,
hug with our heart.

credits

from Hug with Our Heart, released January 11, 2021
Words & music by Jenn Cleary & Mad Dog Friedman.

Mad Dog Friedman on harp and vocals
Jeff Becker on mandolin
Sean Bennight on acoustic guitar
Clark Chanslor on bass
Big Willy Palmer on acoustic guitar

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Mad Dog Friedman | Mad Dog Blues | Peddlers of Joy image

Mad Dog Friedman | Mad Dog Blues | Peddlers of Joy Lafayette, Colorado

Mad Dog writes from the moment and sings from his heart. His influences include sources as divergent as William Butler Yeats & the delta blues. His songwriting is sincere, simple & often humorous. He has recorded many solo & collaborative projects featuring his spontaneous compositions on harmonica, Native American flute & Theremin. He is also the founder of Mad Dog Blues & The Astral Project. ... more

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