“Grandfather“ is comparable to a pleasant boat ride along a canyon river, with current (tempo) changes that are easily perceived but not dramatic and with scenario that is continuously beautiful, then spectacular during one section. The ear-catching section begins at 3:36, when lyrically layering is added to a comforting trumpet to elevate the texturing to its maximum.
The track from The Ground Floor begins peacefully as childhood memories are described. The sound of children can be heard in the background. A little more than a minute (1:17) into “Grandfather,” the tempo increases and a string instrument (cello, probably) plays a progressively important role. Another minute into the song, the trumpet enters and its calm demeanor contrasts brilliantly with the increasingly passionate vocals during the lyrical layering. For the final verse, “Grandfather” returns to its original tempo.
The Ground Floor is the performance name of Will Cunningham. Will is from Los Angeles, but has lived in Sydney, Australia for the last couple of years. He is the only member of The Ground Floor, so he plays all the parts.
“Grandfather” by The Ground Floor
Lyrics of “Grandfather” by The Ground Floor
We wore each other’s blood
On the shirts we owned when we were children
We shared our mother’s womb
But slept in different rooms when we were children
The scent of a lemon tree
Tethers my mind to the soil
Of our Grandfather’s garden
Where none of our harvest could spoil
You were the only one
Who understood me
Back when we were children
I never told you then
You were the stronger kin
When we were children
When we wept ever silently
Over the handwritten letter
From our Grandfather’s jail cell
Swearing that he would be better
When we wept ever silently
Over the handwritten letter
From our Grandfather’s jail cell
That finally brought us together
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers [Repeated 6 times]
(So let’s bleed together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)
(Let’s bleed together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)
(Let’s be together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)
(Let’s bleed together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)
We'll gathered for dinner
When all of our families were stable
With our Grandfather seated
Back at the head of the table
