I think, like many artists do, that writing can be a kind of therapy. I simply feel better after putting my feelings into a song. And this song, Back On Your Life, is a special kind of therapy for me. Last week a former student and now friend gave me a call and asked to meet with me. Hadn’t seen my friend in four or five months, but that wasn’t that odd — life happens and we all get busy. When we met up it was absolutely, painfully clear that my friend was profoundly, terminally ill. I wish I could say there was an upside to this, but there isn’t. That meeting really was a last goodbye.
I had been working on Back On Your Life for a few years now. Yes years and I could never finish it. This song isn’t really about my friend — it’s about Sonya and me and about getting older. But I will always be thankful that the meeting with my friend gave me the sense of purpose to complete the song.
This version of Back On Your Life is a demo with my very less than stellar vocals. Maybe I’ll re-record it with a “real” vocalist. Maybe not. Either way, I’m happy it’s done.
Here are the lyrics:
Verse 1
So some of our dreams were broken
Some lost, some unspoken
Don’t need to know
What the hurt surely shows
That this was all we had to give
Pre-Chorus
Look away
For a moment
Look away
And you’ll be looking
Chorus
Back on your life
Back on your life
Verse 2
Today I look at
Could have beens and should haves
With more life behind me
Than there is in front of me
But that was all I had to give
Pre-Chorus
Look away
For a moment
Look away
And you’ll be looking
Chorus
Back on your life
Back on your life
Verse 2
When the time arrives
To say goodbyes
You need know
That I loved you so
And I’ll miss you always
Pre-Chorus
Look away
For a moment
Look away
And you’ll be looking
Chorus
Back on your life
Back on your life
Chorus Out
Back on your life
Back on your life
Jamie Bonk 
I’ve never in my life received updates of any artist, nor have I ever signed up for them or have I ever been a member of a fan club etc…So this interesting feeling of being kind of inside the process and listen to a song of yours is impressive. I feel like the fly on the wall of a studio while a rising star is on the verge of greatness….of course time will tell, and of course I’ve liked other compositions of yours more, but the fact that this is new to me is…..well……a new feeling. I’ll pray for your friend and the end of his journey, and wish you and your wife continued happiness and contentment. I continue to listen, with anticipation and hope that maybe one day I can hear you live, and hope that one day I may be able to take a lesson….Thank You Very Much for your sharing. Dave Ponce
David… Thanks so much for your comments — really does mean a lot to me!
Rest in peace Ed. You were a good friend, a great person and a wonderful musician.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/03/19/toronto_lawyer_makes_posthumous_plea_for_assisted_suicide.html