We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Joe Franklin

by Brian Diller

supported by
agumowski
agumowski thumbnail
rudypanucci
rudypanucci thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $2 USD  or more

     

about

I wrote this in the late 1980's when the Ride was performing. We recorded this at Gorby's Recording Studio a few months before Steve Burgess and I both moved to Nashville. The lyrics were influenced by the transient population gathered at Manna Meal, a feeding program in my hometown, Charleston, WV. I was imagining the stories of some of the guests. It was also inspired by Bill Dunn, nicknamed "Aqualung,"who lived on the streets of downtown Charleston

lyrics

Joe Franklin drank a lot of memories, he drank a lot of goals.
Every night he let that river wash away more of his soul.
He always had a reason, if you ever asked him why,
I could have sworn that man, he had a ghost behind his eyes.

Sometimes he'd talk of visions, that came to him in dreams,
How he'd walked on 7 continents and swam in 7 seas,
He'd talk of taking wrong roads, that left him high and dry,
And when the light was right, you'd see the ghost behind his eyes.

He always kept a bottle in the pocket of his coat,
He said it kept him company and kept away the cold.
He said, "We all need something to cling to, to get us through the night,"
You could almost hear the whisper of the ghost behind his eyes.

Joe Franklin slipped into the void, he fell between the cracks,
He faded like the writing on the back of a photograph.
He finally crossed the river, he crossed the Great Divide,
At night I pray he laid to rest the ghost behind his eyes.

credits

released July 17, 2023
Written by Brian Diller. Performed by Steve Burgess-Bass Guitar, Brian Diller-Guitars and Vocals, Dave Pearcy-Keyboards, Greg Wegmann-Harmonica, Jeff Woolley-Drums. Produced by Jim Kranz, Michael Lipton and The Ride. Photo of Bill Dunn by Tom Hindman. (Thank you, Tom!)

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Brian Diller image

Brian Diller Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Diller has been a professional musician since the late 1970's. He has shared stages with Eddie Money, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Pure Prairie League, Orleans and the legendary Ray Charles. His songs have been included in the films, "Strangest Dreams," and "Chillers." He has been a regular performer at the Bluebird Cafe and a featured performer/writer for the acclaimed NPR show "Mountain Stage." ... more

contact / help

Contact Brian Diller

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Brian Diller, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now