A EULOGY TO BILL WITHERS (1938-2020).
I thought I ought to write some rhyme,
acknowledging that over time,
Bill and I have shared a name,
which may have brought us both some fame.
Whilst Bill’s fame was on the stage,
mine was on the written page,
and he had talent with his songs
while I was busy righting wrongs.
I had a great respect for Bill,
and now he’s dead I have this still,
for all his music will live on
long after Bill is dead and gone.
I admired Bill because
in his early life he was
not from a privileged descent
and yet, he made that great ascent.
From a poor start, he did not stop
until he rose right to the top,
and through his songs he took control,
expressing himself through his soul.
For him, singing was a career,
where he created atmosphere,
and mesmerised by mellow voice
people listened out of choice.
I loved the way his mellow sound
encompassed me and would surround
me with a sense of contentment
whilst listening to his sentiment.
The fact that we both shared a name,
did not mean we were the same,
but if we had been in some way
then I would think that was okay.
B. Withers 2020
I thought I ought to write some rhyme,
acknowledging that over time,
Bill and I have shared a name,
which may have brought us both some fame.
Whilst Bill’s fame was on the stage,
mine was on the written page,
and he had talent with his songs
while I was busy righting wrongs.
I had a great respect for Bill,
and now he’s dead I have this still,
for all his music will live on
long after Bill is dead and gone.
I admired Bill because
in his early life he was
not from a privileged descent
and yet, he made that great ascent.
From a poor start, he did not stop
until he rose right to the top,
and through his songs he took control,
expressing himself through his soul.
For him, singing was a career,
where he created atmosphere,
and mesmerised by mellow voice
people listened out of choice.
I loved the way his mellow sound
encompassed me and would surround
me with a sense of contentment
whilst listening to his sentiment.
The fact that we both shared a name,
did not mean we were the same,
but if we had been in some way
then I would think that was okay.
B. Withers 2020
