Coming from the southern part of Australia, Glen Naylor has released “A Five O Clock Shadow,” a song about the universally tragic theme of war casualties.
Naylor knows about this subject far better than most: her own husband is a disabled combat veteran. Additionally, her father and grandfather fought in World Wars I and II respectively.
Naylor, who also has much experience with children’s music, draws on her rather extensive country background for this new release.
“A Five O Clock Shadow” is the first song in a while I’ve heard that begins with a drum roll. The huskily tender voice of the song’s co-writer Chris Wilson soon takes the forefront. A simple acoustic guitar ditty in the background contributes an eerily soft touch. However, the main instrument soon becomes a harmonica, adding an endearingly folksy element.
The lyrics begin innocently enough: “Down by the old fishing hole we climbed the apple trees.” Not too long ago the song’s soldiers were mere children: “We played little tin soldiers with muddied cherub faces / And never imagined one day we’d really be in trenches.”
The chorus, “We were too young for a five o clock shadow,” provides an apt objective correlative to convey just how young so many of these ill-fated soldiers were.
Another theme involves paying respect to the fallen: “Never close the book, never close the book / Remember who we were.”
It is ironic that such a calmly-paced, musically gentle song would address the chaos and horrors of war.
To purchase “A Five O Clock Shadow,” visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-five-oclock-shadow-single/id620930650
For more listening opportunities and information on Ms. Naylor:
http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=167308#!audio
It is also worth noting that Ms. Naylor was previously interviewed by Skope. To check up on that, visit: http://www.skopemag.com/2010/08/27/glen-naylor-says-to-stoli-who-you-calling-grandma
Ray Cavanaugh – owleyesgatsby@yahoo.com
