Old Man of Madison

by Freda Leask

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about

This song was written after a chance meeting with a man in Madison, Georgia whilst on holiday. He belonged to a slave family, picking cotton in the fields around the area. He said: 'I own them cotton fields now,' 'you can be something or you can be nothing, what are you going to be?' An inspiring conversation that led to this song about life, second chances and reaching potential.
Hope you like it.
Freda

lyrics

Old Man of Madison
Original by Freda Leask

The view is standing clear through the tall trees of spring
The bluebird's callin' she's ready to sing
And she's got wings, she's willin' to fly
As a voice in the wilderness calls

Something or nothing what will you be?
Go somewhere or nowhere at all
Something or nothing, what will you do?
Old man of Madison, I'm listenin'

Life's crowdin' in like the leaves of July
The view's obscured and time's askin' why?
Step into the sunshine, take a dance in the rain
And the tall trees of springtime will come round again

Something or nothing what will you be?
Go somewhere or nowhere at all
Something or nothing, what will you do?
Old man of Madison, I'm listenin'

Something or nothing what will you be?
Go somewhere or nowhere at all
Something or nothing, what will you do?
Old man of Madison, I'm listenin'
Wise man of Madison I'm listenin.'

credits

released April 18, 2024
Vocals - Freda Leask
Backing Vocals - Jonathan Ritch
Guitar - Freda Leask
Lead Guitar - Kris Drever
Double Bass - Seth Travins
Percussion - Tim Matthew

Produced by Kris Drever, Tim Matthew & Freda Leask
Recorded at Mareel Recording Studio, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland

Photography- Alva Sim @icnewthings
Artwork - Freda Leask

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about

Freda Leask Scotland, UK

Singer songwriter from the musical Shetland Islands.Her work varies from folk songs inspired by the Shetland environment and history to compositions with a more rootsy, american- style.
A keen collaborator, with a love of harmony, drawing influence from classic country, folk music and gospel ... more

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