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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A Graduation Anthem For Moving On

Singer-songwriter Tom Rush. (Muffett/Flickr)

Singer-songwriter Tom Rush. (Muffett/Flickr)

Ever since folk singer Tom Rush recorded his version of Murray McLauchlan’s “Child’s Song” about a young man leaving home, it’s become not only a concert staple for Rush but also a part of many graduation ceremonies.

Rush tells Here & Now‘s Robin Young that when he first heard the song it bowled him over.

“I knew that I had to sing it but I couldn’t get through it from top to bottom for about six months,” he said. “I had to toughen up so that I didn’t burst into tears…somewhere around the third verse.”

Rush says after more than forty years, “Child’s Song” is still one of his favorites of all time. He gave us a performance last May and we revisit that conversation.

This segment originally broadcast in May of 2011.

Other stories from Tuesday's show

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

  • Kbeaudoin

    I first heard this when I was 15 and loved it.  I am 55 now and it has a whole new meaning  as a mother of a 36 and 34 year old sons.  Tom Rush still rocks!!!!!!!

  • bklvr

    Thanks
    a lot for the parking-lot moment. That’s not the same as a
    driveway moment, when you stay in the car to hear the end of a segment.
    It’s when you have to stay in the car until you can stop crying before
    you go inside. sheesh
     

  • Blasthoff

    I’ve been listening to Tom for 47 years. Its funny how he  seems almost  like an old friend now. We seem to have aged at the same rate. LOL

    I’ve listened to a lot of music over the years and Child’s Song has to be one of the most sensitive songs I’ve ever known. It strikes tones at various stages in life. Tom has a  simple but very special “feel” for this as he also had for several Joni Mitchel pieces

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