Fadein/Fadeout

Album: The Stories We Tell Ourselves (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Jonny Hawkins sings about the bond between a father and son. The father brought his son into this world (Fade In") and his son will watch him die ("Fade Out").

    He said:
    "Son, I have watched you fade in
    You will watch me fade out
    I have watched you fade in
    You will watch me fade out
    When the grip leaves my hand
    I know you won't let me down"


    The father will rest easy when he passes away, knowing that his son will continue his legacy.
  • Guitarist Mark Vollelunga came up with the original idea for the song when he and his wife agreed on the name of their son: Fenix. He said: "I can only hope that my fire continues to burn in him long after I fade out - the same fire my father passed on to me. May we all remember our parents and never leave words or feelings left unsaid. Don't let it be too late."
  • When Jonny Hawkins sings the song, he thinks back on his childhood before lost his mom to cancer. "I think about how my dad taught me to throw a ball," the Nothing More vocalist said. "I think about how my mom taught me to tie my shoes. I think about how my dad would always say 'hard work pays off,' trying to teach me a lesson while I was focused on a video game, too young to care."

    Hawkins added: "I think about the first moment I realized that they wouldn't be here forever. I think about how thankful I am."
  • Blue October violinist Ryan Delahoussaye contributes strings to the track.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Billy Gould of Faith No More

Billy Gould of Faith No MoreSongwriter Interviews

Faith No More's bassist, Billy Gould, chats to us about his two new experimental projects, The Talking Book and House of Hayduk, and also shares some stories from the FNM days.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Concert Disasters

Concert DisastersFact or Fiction

Ozzy biting a dove? Alice Cooper causing mayhem with a chicken? Creed so bad they were sued? See if you can spot the real concert mishaps.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.