Way back in 2020 – early 2020 when things were still happening – I was asked by a friend, Jane, here in the village, if I would write a song for her husband Neal’s 70^th birthday which was coming up in 2022. I said I would and in spite of everything that’s happened between then and now, I did manage to meet up a few times with Jane and their daughter to gather stories and photos, upon which to base my ideas. I did finish the song in time for his birthday this year, and with their photos, and Jamie and I singing all the parts along with the computer providing accompaniment, made this video.
I’ve done a few of these commissions now, learning about a person’s achievements and piecing something together that suits their tastes and celebrates them in some way. It’s a very cheering and rewarding task, I must say.
Anyway, below is the song: Blah-De-Blah-De-Blah, Papa-Moose!  Most of the lyrics and the title will mean nothing to anyone else, but everything in there is based on stuff that the family told me, and there is a prominent bass guitar part, because bass guitar is what Neal plays in his band, The Claptones.
Maybe one day The Claptones, or some other group of pals will play and sing the song in real life with Neal, but in the meantime, here’s the video I made:

Other, similar songs commissioned for for the significant events in people’s lives in recent years are: When I Was A Pilot and The Dowie Bride O Yarrow