I am at loss how I came across Old Pine by Ben Howard, but I’m sure glad I did. It’s as though it could have belonged on the movie soundtrack Leave no Trace (2018) or co-joined a Richie Valens acoustic number at Woodstock. It did feature on the Sky1 TV series Starlings.
Old Pine is from British singer-songwriter Ben Howard’s debut studio album Every Kingdom. It feels pure, spiritual and a little bit hidden; like the morning light creeping through the stillness.
[Verse 1]
Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags
I’ve come to know that memories
Were the best things you ever had
The summer shone, beat down on bony backs
So far from home, where the ocean stood
Down dust and pine cone tracks
We slept like dogs down by the fire side
Awoke to the fog where all around us
The boom of summertime
[Chorus]
We stood
Steady as the stars in the woods
So happy-hearted and the warmth
Rang true inside these bones
And as the old pine fell we sang
Just to bless the morning
Similar to the ending song of Leave No Trace – Moon Boat which featured here July 6, 2023: Old Pine crafts emotions about life, the choices we’ve made, good and bad. It’s a mixed feeling of nostalgia, sadness and happiness. His debut studio album Every Kingdom which Old Pine appears reached number four on the UK Albums Chart and was certified triple platinum.
Howard began writing songs when he was eleven. In an interview with American Songwriter, he stated that when he was a kid he started playing guitar because he liked to put words together and make stuff up. “I was quite an imaginative little kid I guess. So your standard little love songs turned into your standard adolescent love songs. I think you start getting your own take on things when you’re a late teen. That’s when everything changes’.
Reference:
1. Old Pine (song) – Ben Howard
2. Ben Howard – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Great song…video very cool!
I’m delighted you like it Tom. I hope life’s treating you well.
Matt, I’ve been struggling a little. That clean break is happening. I know it’s best but I just am down. Thoughts of her are driving me crazy. I am using all of my tricks to stay sober. So far I’m alright but I am weak…..
I’m sorry to read about your struggles. Have you got someone to talk to about it? This is where AA might help me if I felt alone in the fight. Stay strong, friend.
Actually I knew and you said a clean break was needed. I have cut her out of my life. My mind is another story. But as I’ve told you I am stubborn. If I caved and drank she would win. I can’t have that lol thanks for the kind words Matt….
I said outright, a clean break was needed????
If that’s true, that’s some gall right on my part there lol
I here you friend, about the mind being another story. Mine is all over the shop.
You kinda said it and I knew it but doing it is something else. It’s the mind thing thats hard. I pray to God, don’t let me think about her. It’s easier every day a little. Matt, sometimes I believe I’m fine, then I’m a mess a minute later.
The only thing that clears my head space are my kids. Without them I’d be in the cuckoo’s nest. Off to my son’s football training and Halloween shin-dig. Have a good one buddy. Be strong in that space!
Lol I was thinking only my Dog clears my mind. Sounds like fun. Football and Halloween. I love both! Hope it was fun.
I used to own a dog but it got on my nerves since it could sense my own anxiety and was a nervous wreck around me. It was a vicious circle haha. Crazy, but true.
Regarding football and Halloween: Watching my son play was excellent, the rest was not so good. I’ll leave it at that. But thanks for asking Tom. Do you guys do the whole Halloween festivity thang?
Yeah Halloween is big here. Saw people in costumes at the grocery this morning. Vicious Circle…Lou Reed….he says You’re caught in a vicious circle. Surrounded by your so called friends. Stay strong Matt…
When I was in my native Australia (pre 2009) we didn’t celebrate Halloween. I hear its become more popular there. My kid’s football coach (you see we call ‘soccer’ football here) had the halloween wig on this weekend past. That was cool.
Speaking of Lou Reed, I was listening to a song called ‘Satellite of Love’ on the weekend. I could have sworn it was a Lou Reed song, but it was by Australian – Martin Plaza. (but Lou Reed did do it!!!??). Have you heard the Martin Plaza version? You’re going to hate me, but I prefer Plaza’s version.
I’ve heard that. Also a version with Bowie Elton John among others including Pavarotti! Love that song!! I watch Soccer here and NFL. My Dad and older Brother are going out for Halloween. I want to go but I can’t trust myself. Booze will be flowing lol crazy world 🌎
I didn’t know all those artists did Satellite of Love. I hope you were able to get through Halloween unscathed. I didn’t do anything. I watched the World Series.
They did a video together of it. I was tempted last night but I overcame it lol. I watched the World Series too. It is somehow soothing..
I’m glad you didn’t give into temptation. I’ve been on the wagon (again) for a little bit, but I’ve been reluctant to go back to AA. I feel like a failure having relapsed on the weekend.
Game 5 last night was a fantastic pitcher’s duel. Who do you go for in MLB Tom?
It’s all right that you slipped up. That doesn’t make you a failure. You realized it, confronted it. Just a blip. That was a great game. My team is the Detroit Tigers. Over the years they have been good and bad. They have been bad for the last decade. Stay strong Matt! It’s always a challenge.
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I’m feeling pretty good, so I’ll approach my demons tonight by twaddling along with my tail between my legs.
I’m definitely not very familiar with he history of the teams in the MLB. What got you onto Detroit. Is that where you’re from? My goal has always been to see a MLB game in each team’s stadium in a regular season and visit ‘Field of Dreams’ in Iowa. When I win the lottery, that’s what I’ll do.
I live about an hour out of Detroit. I have always been a fan since I was a little boy lol. Field of Dreams is cool.
We typically get the Latin commentary here in Colombia, but for the WS just passed, I heard the US english commentary which was a real blast. You been to Field of Dreams?
I have always wanted to go there. Never have though.
I hope you do.
Apart from the Baseball stadiums and the key Bob Dylan landmarks, Field of Dreams is high up on my list. Just about tops.
Maybe someday. I haven’t been on many vacations lately lol.I am embroiled in a messed up situation with my Son now Matt. It never ends. He is out of control.
That’s tough to read about your challenges with your son. How old is he again? How do you mean out of control?
It’s funny how my 13 year old boy, (although he’s part way through the cave they enter) is the lesser of my worries at the moment. My 8 year old daughter is the one I’m having the hardest time with. But she’s still my angel.
It must be hard. Those ages. That is funny about your boy is less stressful. I come from a family of all boys. Girls are different. I can tell you are an excellent Father. It will work out because you are there for them. My Son. Difficult story. I didn’t meet him until he was 40 years old. His vengeful, spiteful bitch mother punished me through him. Messed everybody up. I tried to have a relationship with him. He is damaged by his mom and her screwed up family. He is lazy and I believe he’s into some unsavory criminal activity. Matt I don’t talk to much about it. It’s embarrassing. My Father says I didn’t raise him so it’s not my fault. But I feel guilty. Terribly. That is probably the main reason I’ve been drunk of and on for years lol. My Son actually kinda scares me. I believe that bitch has made him believe I owe him for her mistakes. I have added extra lights and cameras around my property. I feel worse about this than that girl I love. Hard to swallow. Thanks for listening Matt. Felt good writing this down in words.
You didn’t meet your son until he was 40 years old? Huh? You mean 4 yeh? My ex wife in Australia used my daughter against me. I haven’t spoken to Johanna in 20 years or so. She doesn’t want a relationship with me.
Ouch, I’m sorry to read that about your son and his suspected involvement on the wrong side of the law. I don’t blame you for not wanting to talk about it. Wow and your needing extra protection around your home.
I also am reluctant to talk about losing my daughter. It’s too painful, man. I’m glad you feel better now because you were able to express some of your thoughts about this stressful and tense matter. I hope things can improve with your boy, if that’s at all possible. Cheers.
Thanks Matt. It did help getting some out to you. Yeah it is hard to talk about. And actually he was already 40 years old. This B$#<s is twisted dishonest lying conniving scheming C%#@. She did everything to F me. From claiming another man as his father. To spreading lies about me. Just a tragic story. The kid never had a chance in that nest of vipers. I was only 22, I gave up. Then decades later everything came out. And here I sit shell shocked lol. I have been trying to write it down, that's going slow. Thanks Matt for listening. It felt good writing this. Between this and my relationship problems I need all my strength to leave the Scotch in the bottle lol