Memories of Grandparents Through Songs: 'Last Night on the Back Porch' and 'Buy Dirt'
Music has a remarkable ability to bring back cherished memories, especially those associated with loved ones who have passed away. For me, these memories are intricately woven into the fabric of songs that I cherish, especially those that were played and sung by my beloved grandparents. Two particular songs, 'Last Night on the Back Porch' and 'Buy Dirt' by Jordan Davis, stand out as poignant reminders of my grandparents and the time we spent together.
Grandmother's Guitar and 'Last Night on the Back Porch'
My maternal grandmother had a natural musical talent. She played the guitar occasionally and often serenaded us with her renditions of folk songs, but one particular tune stood out: 'Last Night on the Back Porch'. The words resonated deeply with me:
"I loved her on a rowboat and I loved her on a yawl.
I loved her at the fairground and I loved her on the mall.
I loved her in the springtime and I loved her in the fall.
But last night on the back porch I loved her best of all."
Every time I hear this song, I am flooded with memories of sitting with my grandmother on our front porch, listening to her share stories and strumming the guitar. Those moments were precious, filled with a sense of love, warmth, and deep connection.
Grandpa's Ranch and 'Buy Dirt'
When it comes to family traditions, my grandparents' ranch is certainly one of the most vivid and cherished. My grandfather had a sprawling horse ranch, and during my summers, my older sisters Lori and Tracy and I would stay there for a few weeks. Riding was a passion for Lori and Tracy, and they quickly became expert riders, while I was more of a loper, as my father humorously put it.
Tragedy struck when my grandpa passed away. My grandmother continued to maintain the ranch for a while with the help of the ranch hands, but one day, she fell and passed away as well. It was a very emotional time for my entire family. My mom, as the only child, inherited the ranch, but the realities of running it and selling off the horses and animals soon became apparent.
After the auction, we begged mom to keep the ranch. She had a hard decision to make, considering her hectic schedule managing her modeling agency and dabbling in real estate and car dealerships. In the end, she decided to sell the ranch, which was a significant blow to my sisters and me. However, we were able to keep the horses my grandpa had given us when we were teenagers: Dusty, Pandora, and Comanche.
The Legacy of Uncle Ian
Ian Tyson, a Canadian country singer, was a good friend of my grandfather, often visiting the ranch and helping out. After my grandpa's passing, Ian wrote a song titled 'Buy Dirt' as a tribute to the MC Ranch in Oregon, which was also auctioned off. This poignant song is a reminder of the delicate balance between family traditions and the realities of life.
Family Traditions and Bonfires
Our family would often have singalongs around the bonfire, and Uncle Ian would pull out his guitar. These moments were filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of music. 'Last Night on the Back Porch' and 'Buy Dirt' continue to be a part of our family legacy, serving as a reminder of the love and laughter shared with our grandparents and the unbreakable bond we share as a family.
Conclusion
Music can be a powerful tool in preserving memories and connecting us to our loved ones. 'Last Night on the Back Porch' and 'Buy Dirt' are just two examples of how songs can bring back cherished memories. As we honor the legacy of our grandparents and the traditions they have left for us, these songs serve as constant reminders of the love and joy they brought into our lives.
If you have similar songs that bring back cherished memories of your grandparents, don't hesitate to share them in the comments below. Let's keep the memories alive through the power of music.