The Boy And The River

[ezekieljazz]

Hi Billy
The Faith Brothers song The boy and the river has been one of my favourite songs since I first heard it many many years ago. I have often wondered if the song was inspired by a personal experience or from a literary work.
What made me think about it was that I saw a book for sale called River Boy about a girl who's grandfather is dying. The book was released after your record, I believe, and I did wonder if the inspiration for the book had come from your song!
Anyway. it's such a great song I would love any background info on it. Thanks very much,
Chris

[billyfranks]

Chris,
I am glad you like the song, it is probably one of the most personal songs from my collection. The based on the leaving of my own father when I was 7 years old. I lived in an old slum building that backed onto the river thames just by Battersea Bridge. (...and the river ran by my bed). One of the great rewards of writing honestly is how much it helps to move on from troubling times.
I too love the song but haven't performed it for some time. I have a gig tomorrow, 11th November and your note has inspired me to include it in my set.
Best wishes,
Billy