Another Top 10….A Song about Marriage
Phil Murray’s song ‘On Golden Sands’ has been on Broadjam’s Australian Top 10 in both February and March 2013. Another of Phil’s songs, ‘You’re My Reason’, subject of an earlier Media Release, is currently Number One on that same chart.
Two songs in the charts at one time is something special!
Below, Phil tells the story behind his latest success: ‘On Golden Sands’.
“Later this year, my wife and I will celebrate 40 years of marriage. Marriage gets a lot of bad press at times possibly because so many don’t survive. This song highlights the benefits of those that do survive.
Writing this song took me back to our courting days. We lived in Brisbane then but loved to spend time on the idyllic beach at Fingal, just over the Tweed River into northern New South Wales.
On sunny days, the pristine clear water and wide sandy shore spoke of the idealism of that ‘in love’ time. So, I chose this image as the metaphor for life-long relationship.
Of course, all marriages have their ups and downs. Hollywood-style ‘perfect’ relationships that are sometimes presented, rarely, if ever, exist. Instead, we might hope that the ups will outweigh the downs.
But part of the secret of success is to look on the downs as times of learning and growth. Making adjustments in response to the other demonstrates respect and love. So, it contributes to building a lasting relationship and also develops us personally – incremental change that often goes unnoticed. This doesn’t always come easily, but it’s worth it in the end – though it takes two to tango!
While there is much more to marriage, this particular issue of learning from difficult times is the theme of ‘On Golden Sands’. Looked at in this way, lasting marriage can be seen as a continuation of that idyllic phase of being ‘in love’ – that time ‘On Golden Sands’.
Nevertheless, I must confess that I can see this more clearly in hindsight than I did along the way. Such is life, as they say!”
THE SONG: Listen to the song ‘On Golden Sands’ on the MUSIC page of this website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE: Purchase the CD ‘Never Too Late’ via the MUSIC page of this website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
ENQUIRIES & COMMENTS: Email Phil via the CONTACT page of this website. Phil would love to hear from you.
For more detail consult the ABOUT page of this website.
Major Successes for Phil Murray’s Music
As 2013 gets underway, songs from Phil Murray’s debut album ‘Never Too Late’ have scored some major successes.
Phil entered seven of the songs from his album in the prestigous 2012 UK Songwriting Contest. The results were announced just before Christmas. Amazingly, all seven of Phil’s entries were Semi-Finalists in their respective categories, putting them in the top 15% of around 6,000 entries.
Two songs, ‘You’re My Reason’ and ‘Yours Truly (That April Day)’ just missed out on Finals berths, putting them in the top 3-5%.
In addition, ‘You’re My Reason’ has been on Broadjam’s International Top 10 Chart for Pop – Easy Listening since September 2012.
Phil said: “I’m over the moon with these results! They’re a great start to 2013. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support and wish you all a happy and rewarding 2013.”
THE SONGS: Listen to the songs on the MUSIC page of this website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE: Purchase the CD ‘Never Too Late’ via the MUSIC page of this website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
ENQUIRIES & COMMENTS: Email Phil via the CONTACT page of this website. Phil would love to hear from you.
For more detail consult the ABOUT page of this website.
Song Story….Having No Regrets!
Phil Murray’s song ‘Never Too Late’, the title track from his debut album, contains an underlying life message about having no regrets. Here is Phil’s take on the song:
“My song ‘Never Too Late’, like most of my songs, has a surface story as well as an underlying life message.
The surface story stems from a teenage memory. In passing one of my cousins on the street, I failed to acknowledge her and was, quite rightly, severely reprimanded on the spot! At that time of life, I was shy of the opposite sex, even my relatives!
Now, the songwriter’s maxim is: ‘Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story’. So, I turned this situation into a romantic story about lovers whose relationship is severed because of such a petty incident. Regret consumes him subsequently because his love for her remains. So, years later, he returns to apologise for his youthful error and the relationship is restored – a happy ending!
The underlying message is meant to be more general. How often do we postpone things we should have said or done until, sometimes at least, it’s too late? We are left then to live with the consequences and wonder “if only…”
My debut album ‘Never Too Late’ is a case in point. For years, I had been writing songs and hoping that one day I might record them so that others beyond my immediate reach could hear and enjoy them. Family responsibilities prevented this.
Late in life, the opportunity finally presented itself. At first, I wondered whether I’d left it too late and whether it was worth the effort at this late stage. Then I thought: ‘What if…?’ and decided I didn’t want to die wondering.
So here I am. I still don’t know if the album will succeed; but I’m pleased I tried. I have no regrets.
This is why ‘Never Too Late’ was chosen as the album’s title. Win or lose, it’s never too late to try!”
THE SONG: Listen to the song ‘Never Too Late’ on the MUSIC page of this website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE: Purchase the CD ‘Never Too Late’ via the MUSIC page of this website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
ENQUIRIES & COMMENTS: Email Phil via the CONTACT page of this website. Phil would love to hear from you.
For more detail consult the ABOUT page of this website.
‘You’re My Reason’ in Broadjam’s Top 10
Great news about Phil Murray’s song You’re My Reason from his debut album Never Too Late.
You’re My Reason has been placed in Broadjam’s International Top 10 for the Pop – Easy Listening genre.
In addition, You’re My Reason has reached the Top 10 in Broadjam’s Australian Top 10 for all genres.
When asked about this achievement, Phil said: “After all the hard work, it’s great to receive recognition both at home and abroad. But more importantly, I’m pleased others are finding some meaning and enjoyment in my songs – because that’s why I write them.”
THE SONG: Listen to You’re My Reason on the MUSIC page of this website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE: Purchase the CD Never Too Late via the MUSIC page of this website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
ENQUIRIES and COMMENTS: Email Phil via the CONTACT page of this website. Phil would love to hear from you.
For more detail consult the ABOUT page of this website.
A Song for Fathers’ Day
This year in Australia, Fathers’ Day is celebrated on Sunday 2 September.
Phil Murray’s song ‘My Wish for You’ from his debut album ‘Never Too Late’ offers a reverse twist on Fathers’ Day, expressing a father’s love for his children. Here is the story behind the song.
“Traditionally, in our and many other cultures, men have tended to be less expressive of their feelings than have women. So, though a father’s love runs deeply, it is often not expressed as freely as is a mother’s love and can be seen as less intense. I don’t think it is.
The songs on my debut album, ‘Never Too Late’, are about relationships of different kinds. As I was finalising the song choice for the album, I realised that I had not written a song about the relationship I share with my children. So I decided to correct this. ‘My Wish for You’ was the result.
‘My Wish for You’ is based on my own experience of fatherhood and expresses the love I feel for my children – which I’m sure other fathers share. The song has two threads.
The first recalls the joys of watching my children grow and mature, the pain of letting them go and the admiration I feel for whom they’ve become and what they’ve achieved as mature adults.
The second acknowledges something that we can so easily take for granted: the unconditional love our children offer us, especially in their younger years. Even when we get it wrong, they forgive us so readily and shower us with their love.
During the busy and stressful years of raising children, it’s hard to find the time to sit back and enjoy the journey. But when it’s over, we can see both of these threads and realise how amazingly fulfilling parenthood is.
For the fathers (and mothers) out there, I hope this song expresses something of the love you feel for your children. And, since we are all children, to everybody who listens, I trust it also speaks of your parents’ love for you.
Happy Fathers’ Day to all Dad’s on Sunday 2 September!”
THE SONG: Listen to ‘My Wish for You’ on the MUSIC page of this website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE: Purchase the CD ‘Never Too Late’ via the MUSIC page of this website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
ENQUIRIES and COMMENTS: Email Phil via the CONTACT page of this website. Phil would love to hear from you.
For more detail consult the ABOUT page of this website.
A Song of Friendship for Friendship Day
Monday 30 July 2012 is International Friendship Day – though it is sometimes celebrated on the first Sunday of August (5 August this year).
Phil Murray’s song You’re My Reason from his debut album Never Too Late highlights the importance of committed friendship in difficult times. Here is the story behind the song.
“A work colleague of mine was the happiest person you could hope to meet. She had the most welcoming and engaging smile that made strangers feel immediately at home. I remember the first time we met – I felt valued and special. She had a way of making you feel you were the only person who mattered at that time.
One evening, at a conference dinner, I found myself sitting opposite her. During our conversation, she suddenly became quite serious. For some reason, she decided to tell me a very sad personal story about the tragic death of her husband in an extraordinary accident, leaving her with their first child – still a baby.
As well as having to cope with her loss, she had to deal with a very public investigation into the tragedy including her husband’s part in it. In addition, as the investigation unfolded, she was hounded by the media for her reactions.
In telling me the story, she relived the tragedy and its aftermath, breaking into tears several times. She didn’t seem to care that we were surrounded by our colleagues who certainly noticed and must have been wondering what was going on.
At first, I felt somewhat embarrassed. But she needed to tell someone and I was the one who happened to be there. So, I ignored those around us and gave her my undivided attention, listening intently to her story. Indeed, I felt privileged that she trusted me enough to tell me of this deeply personal experience.
When I returned to my room that evening, I thought how incongruous it was that a person who always looked so happy could harbour such a tragic experience behind her lovely smile. You would never guess. But it also highlighted how important it is to be attentive to those around us so that the burdens they carry can be lightened. I recall thinking: “You were the reason I was here tonight” – a realisation that prompted the song ‘You’re My Reason’.
Friendship Day 2012 is a great time to try to be more conscious of the needs of those around us. Sometimes, all they need is a listening ear. Be a friend!”
THE SONG: Listen to You’re My Reason on the MUSIC page of this website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE: Purchase the CD Never Too Late via the MUSIC page of this website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
ENQUIRIES and COMMENTS: Email Phil via the CONTACT page of this website. Phil would love to hear from you.
For more detail consult the ABOUT page of this website.
A Song of Encouragement for Victims of Domestic Violence
Following is Phil Murray’s message about the story behind his song ‘Someone Out There’ from his debut album ‘Never Too Late’.
“She was quite beautiful, but at times presented a tough exterior, leaving the impression of being somewhat unapproachable.
She was highly professional and business-like, preoccupied with her business activities, the success of which seemed to be her single-minded focus.
We had known each other for some years as business acquaintances whose paths crossed only occasionally. At a personal level, we were almost strangers.
I don’t know what it is about me that encourages people to open their hearts to me, but this happens from time to time. Maybe I have an honest face, though I like to think that people find me trustworthy. It’s a special privilege that I have come to treat with the utmost respect.
In any case, for some reason and quite unexpectedly, one evening she decided to tell me about her disastrous, abusive marriage. I was shocked to hear of the sustained violence she had suffered over many years before she plucked up the courage to leave.
As we talked, the tough exterior dissolved and, for the first time, I glimpsed the genuinely lovely person within.
Sadly, such were the psychological and emotional scars from her ordeal, she had been unable to establish a stable relationship with another man though she yearned for this.
The story of this personal tragedy played on my mind for some days. As tends to happen with me, deeper reflections stimulate the creative juices and find expression in song.
‘Someone Out There’ was the result. In writing this song, I tried to offer encouragement to the victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Understandably, abusive relationships shatter confidence in ways that can have lasting effects. But thankfully, most people are not abusers. Indeed, there will be someone out there who will love and respect you for who you are.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, I hope you find this person and learn to trust again.”
THE SONG: Listen to ‘Someone Out There’ on the MUSIC page of Phil’s website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE: Purchase the CD ‘Never Too Late’ using your PayPal Account or Credit Card via the ‘Buy Now’ button on the MUSIC page of Phil’s website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
A Song for Mothers’ Day (Sunday 13 May in Australia)
Following is Phil Murray’s Mothers’ Day message regarding his song ‘The Things You Meant to Me’ from his debut album ‘Never Too Late’.
“My song ‘The Things You Meant to Me’ was written in my mother’s memory.
While the primary focus is on my own mother, the song is also a reflection on motherhood more generally – some aspects at least. Perhaps I’m biased, but I always thought my Mum embodied many of the qualities mothers are renowned for the world over.
My Mum belonged to the last generation of mothers who were mostly full-time mums. She gave her all to her family. She seemed to work all the time and rarely complained about it, accepting this as her role in life. Yet, she was always there for her children – always the heart of the family. We benefitted enormously from both her dedication and availability.
She had many talents that in some ways went begging because of her endless home duties – they could have been applied in various professions. Sadly, she missed such opportunities.
She had amazing patience and was always attentive and understanding – the one we went to when something was troubling us. She would have made a great counsellor.
She was astute and intelligent and, when we were at school, she loved helping us with our homework. Even when the subject matter was new to her, she had a way of working through things that taught us how to resolve issues ourselves. She would have been a great teacher.
But it was her gentle way, already evident above, that was to make the biggest impression on me in the long run. She often exhibited an unquestioning acceptance of what was beyond her control. Even when she opted to intervene, her approach was tenderly challenging and coaxing, allowing scope for us to respond freely and willingly – and hence, to learn and grow.
Such qualities made her my wonderful, gentle Mum. Sadly, I never told her I valued these things. Even when I said my last goodbyes, thanking her for being such a wonderful Mum, I didn’t identify the qualities that made her so. But I think she knew – mothers do, don’t they?
On this Mothers’ Day, I hope this song brings back warm memories of your Mum too, even if her qualities differ from those of my Mum. If she is still with you, tell her what she means to you while you still have the opportunity.
And…happy Mothers’ Day to all you Mums out there! ”
THE SONG
You can listen to ‘The Things You Meant to Me’ on the MUSIC page of Phil’s website – see the words on the LYRICS page.
PURCHASE
The CD ‘Never Too Late’ can be purchased using the ‘Buy Now’ button on the MUSIC page of Phil’s website which also has links to digital distributors (eg, iTunes).
Song Story for April: ‘Yours Truly’, My Dad & ANZAC Day
Below is Phil’s song story for the month of April – a touching story about his Dad’s dedication to ANZAC Day.
See the words of Yours Truly (That April Day) on the LYRICS page and listen to the song clip on the MUSIC page of Phil’s website.
SPECIAL ANZAC DAY OFFER
Maybe you’d like to honour a veteran you know with a small token of appreciation – by giving them a copy of Yours Truly (That April Day).
To assist you, any purchase of the CD Never Too Late using the ‘Buy Now’ option on the MUSIC page by ANZAC Day 25 April 2012, will receive a refund of AUD$4.00 – effective price AUD$17.95 (inc. GST & shipping) – no more to pay. PLEASE NOTE – REFUND WILL OCCUR SUBSEQUENT TO FULL PAYMENT.
PHIL’S MESSAGE
“My song Yours Truly (That April Day) records my Dad’s dedication to ANZAC Day.
Anthony (Tony) Murray served in the 26th Battalion, 2nd AIF in Rabaul and Dutch New Guinea in WWII. After the war, he attended every Dawn Service and ANZAC Day March wherever he was until age and infirmity stopped him. He never forgot his fallen or returned mates.
My Dad passed away on the day after his 86th birthday in January 2008. During his eulogy, I read a verse from a poem he wrote on his retirement in 1985. The poem traced his working life and the verse I read expressed strongly his feelings of pride in his war service.
When ANZAC Day came around that year, it didn’t seem quite the same. I watched the March and felt immense grief when the Last Post was played. I remembered Dad’s old war stories and the way he loved showing us his service medals, handling them with reverence.
I awoke one morning, about a week later, with a tune in my head to the words of that verse from Dad’s poem. The song poured out over a few days – much more quickly than usual – so quickly, that it was tempting to think of it as Dad’s gift to me – strange, as he considered himself “tone deaf”! Dad’s words became the chorus of Yours Truly (That April Day) – an authentic expression of a digger’s feelings of pride in having served the country he loved.
I experienced a distressing moment when I was writing the last verse of this song. I realised that it had never occurred to me to thank my Dad for his war service, the very thing that gave such meaning to his life and the single thing he was most proud of. I felt very sad and ashamed. How well did I really know my Dad if it took his death to make me think of this?
This song almost didn’t make the cut of my album Never Too Late as it differed from the others. But I wanted it there for two reasons. First, I wanted to record this tribute to my Dad for all to hear. Second, though I didn’t thank my Dad, I hoped that, through this song, I, and maybe many others, could thank those who, even today, show the same dedication to us all.
I chose the title Yours Truly partly because Dad referred to himself in this way in his words that are the song’s chorus. But also, I thought, what better way of describing the self-sacrifice veterans show for us all – the penultimate way of saying: “We are truly yours.”
While my Dad was proud of his war service, he did not glorify war, all too conscious of its terrible impact on everyone involved. In keeping with this, I offer this song, not only for my Dad and others who have served in war, but for all who have suffered its dreadful effects.”
This Month’s Song Story: Isles of Green & St Patrick’s Day
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day on 17 March, below is the story behind Phil’s song ‘Isles of Green’ and its Celtic connections.
“My song ‘Isles of Green’ from my album ‘Never Too Late’ is a celebration of my Celtic heritage! St Patrick’s Day on 17 March is a perfect occasion to tell the story behind the song.
On visiting Ireland, Scotland and England, the lands of my forebears, I discovered my Celtic heritage, about which I knew very little.
Anyone who has experienced the vast, overwhelmingly sunburnt Australian landscape will know why the lush green summer landscape of those northern isles would make such an impression – becoming the metaphor for describing that heritage in song.
There were two components to the experience that affected me profoundly.
First, in County Clare, Ireland, I experienced an intense sense of belonging – of being home. In the bustling streets of Ennis, birthplace of my great grandmother Mary Ward, I listened to the conversations in the streets, bars and cafes, and unexpectedly found an identity in the attitudes and expressions. Somehow my Celtic heritage lived on in me. Strolling along Main Street in the little town of Miltown Malbay, birthplace of my great grandfather Michael Murray, I felt as if I knew the place – as if I’d been there before. When we drove north towards Galway, inexplicably, I felt home sick and wanted to turn around and go back.
Second, in Glasgow, Scotland, I met relatives of my Scottish grandmother, Marion Lind. Despite the century of separation between us, we experienced an immediate affinity. It was like meeting old school friends after a 20 year absence – picking up where we’d left off. We now maintain regular contact and, somehow, in knowing them, I know myself better.
Back in Australia, I delved into my family history and the cultures of my ancestors. I was shocked to learn of the poverty they left behind and that my great great grandfather, also Michael Murray, died a pauper in the workhouse at Tulla, County Clare in 1869. I was amazed at the immense risks some took and sacrifices they made in emigrating alone in their teens to Australia (as early as 1881), never to see their homelands, and in some cases their families, ever again. I felt so proud of the lives they built in Australia and immensely grateful for the lifestyle that this ultimately gave me – one they could not have dreamed of.
Isles of Green is the way I chose to honour my ancestors – perhaps it will remind you of yours too – Celtic or otherwise. On St Patrick’s Day I remember them and their sacrifices.
So, happy St Patrick’s Day – a day of fun but, for me, also remembrance and gratitude!”
SONG CLIP & LYRICS
See the words of ‘Isles of Green’ on the LYRICS page and listen to the song clip on the MUSIC page of Phil’s website.
