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Back to the Sun

by Joshua Blum

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about

This track accompanies an upcoming novella called "Empty Hands" set in the world of "The Thirteenth Hour" (set during Chapter 9 of the novel, to be exact).

This is a military march that's sung during one scene of the novella. It's told from the perspective of a father talking to his coming-of-age son, hoping to instill a little wisdom onto the next generation. I envisioned the father as being someone who normally would not get involved in conflict or violence but does not shrink away from it, either, if the cause is right. He may have been a military veteran himself or seen first hand the ugliness that comes with war or human aggression and wishes for something better for his child.

Keeping your back to the sun in a duel, by the way, is advice that can probably be found in a lot of cultures, but for this song, I was referencing Miyamoto Musashi's "Book of Five Rings," in which he talks about trying to get your opponent angled so the rays of the sun can temporarily remove sight to give you a tactical advantage.

Learn more about the creation of this track in episodes 181 - 184 in The Thirteenth Hour podcast on itunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and other podcasting platforms.

lyrics

When I was a boy
My father would say
Life is too short for the fighting man’s way
But if it should come
And if war it should be
Then be the best soldier
To defend your country

Stand tall, yes, my son
Keep your back to the sun
May your steel keep its edge
And its point by your head
If Luck is a Lady and keeps your aim true
Here we will be
Right here waiting for you.

credits

released February 26, 2019
lyrics, percussion, synthesizer, flute, and vocals - Joshua Blum
recording and mixing - Joshua Blum

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Joshua Blum Pennsylvania

Author, illustrator, occasional songwriter, and fan of 80s fantasy and scifi movies.

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