My Gen X Playlist: Most of All – Brandi Carlile

The first time my father shook my hand as an adult was one of my favorite days. The handshake was more than a transition from a father/child to father/son. I felt acceptance, equality, respect and love. Thereafter, whenever I’d see my father, we would always greet and say goodbye with a warm handshake. These were the greatest gifts.

Handshakes can be a little tricky. You don’t want it to be too soft or too firm. You certainly don’t want a fish handshake. Those are the worst. My handshake with my father was firm with the right amount of warmth. They were always accompanied with a smile or pat on the shoulder. My father passed away almost six years ago and that’s one of the things I really miss – our handshakes.

I haven’t seen my father in some time
But his face is always staring back at me
His heavy hands hang at the ends of my arms
And my colors change like the sea

Yes, OK. I really like Brandi Carlile. Her song Most of All is a song about parents. It makes me think of my dad.

“Your parents are your first love, and they won’t always be here. They’re going to leave you, and there’s a very important lifelong forgiveness that needs to take place about that concept.”

– Songfacts

I’ll never forget hearing this song for the first time. Sitting in a crowd of people . . . bawling my eyes out. I had just lost my father. You just get it. And I’m so thankful to have an outlet in your music to allow myself to feel those emotions, that are often pushed to the back. Thanks for the raw beauty that is your music.

– YouTube comment by farnzyshmarnzy722

This song is incredibly beautiful. The grief comes pouring out of me when I hear it. I look like my dad, and miss him, too. Such heartfelt and intelligent words. Grief is praise for love. Beauty as strong as a tree.

– YouTube comment by JJJulesToo

When you write something that resonates so deeply with so many people, that’s a gift. Thanks for sharing it with us, Brandi.

– YouTube comment by jensuru

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

I haven't seen my father in some time
But his face is always staring back at me
His heavy hands hang at the ends of my arms
And my colors change like the sea
But I don't worry much about time lost
Cause I'm not gunning for the dreams I couldn't find
He told me how to walk the best that I can
On the road I left behind

And most of all
He taught me to forgive
How to keep a cool head
How to love the one you're with
And when I'm falling through the distance
And the pushing comes to shove
To remember what comes back
When you give away your love
Give away your love
When you give your love away
Give away your love

I haven't heard my mother's voice in a while
But her words are always falling out my mouth
My mind and spirit are at odds sometimes
And they fight like the north and the south
But I still care enough about the way
Of the heaviness through which my heart is tethered
She taught me how to be strong in saying goodbye
And that love is forever

But most of all
She taught me how to fight
How to move across the line
Between the wrong and the right
And when I'm turned out in the darkness
And the pushing comes to shove
To remember what comes back
When you give away your love
Give away your love
When you give your love away
Give away your love

Give your love away
When you give your love away
Just remember what comes back to you
Give your love away
When you give your love away
And remember what comes back to you

I haven't seen my father in some time
But his face is always staring back at me
His heavy hands hang at the ends of my arms
And my colors change like the sea