Dedicated To Mama

4 Years ago today, on November 30th 2012, my mother passed away, completely unexpected, just 69 years old.

On December 6th, at her funeral, I spoke a few words to the invited about my personal memories of her.

Of course, music was a part of my speech. She went along with us to concerts and saw Prince and Bruce Springsteen. At a younger age she even visited local youth-homes. There she stood, with her children, between the punks and the skinheads, listening to (and enjoying) Raymond van het Groenewoud (a well-known Belgian artist). As I said during my speech: my mother was cool!

Directly following my speech this song was played, by one of her favorites Roxy Music (or was it really just about Bryan Ferry all along?), Psalm (off album Stranded, 1973).

Among the many talents my mother had, painting was one of them. The painting shown next to this text was made by her. She was proud of the end-result. It was to become her last (finished) painting.

As a tribute to my mother: her last paining en the lyrics to the intensely beautiful Psalm.

Psalm

Try on your love like a new dress
The fit and the cut your friends to impress
Try on your smile square on your face
Showing affection should be no disgrace

Try out your God hope He will send
Kindness from strangers on whom you depend

Try on His coat a mantle most fine
Myriad colours His harmony-thine

“Believe in me”
Once seemed a good line now belief in Jesus
Is faith more sublime Head in the clouds
But I can’t see the Lord short of perfection
I’ll try to be good

I’ll stand at His gate
I’ll wait for His sign then I’ll walk in his garden
When it’s my time

Drink from His cup
Hush now don’t you cry
His quiet waters
Will never never run dry

Nearing death’s vale
He’s here by my side
He leads me to paradise
A mountain so high

Don’t be afraid just treasure His word
Singing His praises I know that I’ll be heard

He’s gonna take you by the hand
He’s gonna make you feel so good
Open up your eyes and then you’ll see all that you should yeah

Forget all your troubles you will feel no pain
He’s all that you need He’s your everything
When I’m feeling all at sea deliverance is that distant shore
I will not be worried someday His house will be my home

For evermore for evermore for evermore for evermore
For evermore for evermore for evermore for evermore
For evermore for evermore for evermore for evermore

© Lyrics Psalm: Bryan Ferry, 1973, bryanferry.com
© Flower-painting: Lijntje Elisabeth Pel, april 2012