Above is a song and collection of my thoughts in the wake of last week’s Boston Marathon tragedy. Today’s moment of silence passed and with it so many mixed emotions – grief, fear, resolve, and guilt all rolled into one. I can’t believe it was only a week ago that we stood at mile 25 in the sunshine and cheered on friends and strangers as they pushed their bodies to the limits.

I moved to Boston in 2009 and although I have always enjoyed the city, I viewed it as a temporary move. As a southerner I abhorred the frigid winters (and the nearly as frigid “spring”) and the city can have a way of making you feel like an outsider even if you’ve been here for years; with its byzantine winding streets that change names at whim, mysterious accents, and unwritten codes of conduct. Over time I grew to find my place here and to love the Celtics and yes even the Red Sox (sorry Rangers), but it still never felt like home.

Today while listening to the memorial service, memories were brought up of all of the small things I’ve seen people do in past week to help each other in a difficult situation. Neighbors passing along information and checking on each other, the burst of applause and impromptu street party after the second suspect was apprehended, the way I saw friends and colleagues racing into harm’s way to try to help and protect their fellow citizens.  Today I felt overwhelming proud to call Boston my home.

I came home and wrote this song straight down on paper pulled out my phone and recorded it. I don’t know if it will bring you comfort or catharsis. I know it hasn’t for me, but it has started the healing process. I’m going to leave it here for you to listen if you’d like. I’d encourage you to give money and support to those who need it and I’d encourage you to fight fear and to let love carry the day.

Last Week

I know that things won’t be the same as they were last week

I used to feel strong and brave now I feel small, scared, and weak

I know that things won’t be the same as they used to be

Even if I don’t say it that’s what they took away from me

Brothers and sisters clasp your hands in mine

Raise your voices together and fill this holy shrine

In the square of this city that I never wanted to be in

But I’m never leaving

Because now I know, Boston you’re my home

I know that things won’t be the same as on that bright April morning

Thousands of people everywhere and me so happy to join them

We raised our voices to celebrate

What our friends and neighbors were capable of

We found that hate can obliterate but it can’t outlast love

Brothers and sisters clasp your hands in mine

Raise your voices together and fill this holy shrine

In the square of this city that I never wanted to be in

But I’m never leaving

Because now I know, Boston you’re my home

My friend and all around amazing musician and visual artist Dan Blakeslee designed the picture below. Visit his Hearts For Boston site to donate to the relief effort. We were at the marathon on Monday but I am happy to report everyone in the Coman household is safe and accounted for. We have friends in the hospital, we have friends who witnessed unbelievable carnage, and we know our lives won’t be the same. We will carry on and we will stay strong. Thanks to everyone who checked in on us and our thoughts and prayers are with those who were at the finish line.

Very excited for the upcoming For the Sake of the Song Roadshow this March! We’ll be bringing the series on the road to some of the Northeast’s most renowned venues and pairing with some of the best songwriters from Philadelphia, NYC, CT, RI, and more! See below for full dates …

For The Sake of the Song Roadshow

Mar. 24th – Johnny D’s (Somerville, MA) Tribute To Gram Parsons

feat. Mount Peru, Bryan Pero & Tired Horses, Patrick Coman & Lo-Fi Angels Buy Tickets

Mar. 27th – Tin Angel (Philadelphia, PA)

feat. Kyle Swartzwelder, Liat, Patrick Coman, John Colvert, & Amy Alvey Buy Tickets

Mar. 28th – Acoustic Cafe (Bridgeport, CT)

feat. Brian Dolzani, Patrick Coman, John Colvert, & Amy Alvey

Mar. 29th – Local 121 (Providence, RI)

feat. Patrick Coman, John Colvert, Mark Kilianski & Amy Alvey

Mar. 30th – Perks and Corks (Westerly, RI)

feat. Patrick Coman, John Colvert, Mark Kilianski & Amy Alvey

Mar. 31st – Jalopy Theatre (Brooklyn, NY)

feat. Alec Gross, Julie Kathryn, Patrick Coman, John Colvert, & Amy Alvey Buy Tickets

Howdy friends here’s a first look at tune that will be appearing on our forthcoming album. This one’s called “Better Days” and features lead vocals from the lovely Michelle Vanas! Enjoy:

Better Days (Live at Club Passim)

See below for a great video we put together at For the Sake of the Song during our tribute to Van Morrison. It was a blast!

This Sunday join us for our January edition of For the Sake of the Song! This month we’ll be paying tribute to THE godfather of country music Hank Williams with featured artists Susan Cattaneo, The Grownup Noise, and Sam Otis Hill & Co. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door (pick them up online here).