Me & the Chief

This is a song I started to write as a senior in college, about my dear late grandfather, Donald Staszczyk, called "Donnie Doochie" or "Chief" by the neighborhood folks.  Feels so great to have finished it today, and to play it on the upcoming tour!

"Me and the Chief"

by John Schmitt

I would sit in Church when I was 9
Praying about things to pass the time
Apologizing for little stuff
Like playing gym too rough

So narrow-minded
So undivided
I trusted I would be safe
I worried about small things
Like venial sins and baseball swings

And my Grandpa would take me to Amish Country
My Grandpa would take me to Amish Country

I remember he was sick
I remember all those days
Sitting in the lobby of the Buffalo VA
Staring up at the ceiling
Saying 'don't take him away'...

Cuz my Grandpa would take me to Amish Country
My Grandpa would take me to Amish Country

The Chief he died in the Spring of '91
And left behind 4 daughters and a son
I didn't bear his name, I wouldn't try
To lift such a heavy name so high
Some Daddy's get off easy
When their kids turn out alright
Some Daddy's never get to say goodbye
 

My Grandpa would take me to Amish Country
My Grandpa would take me to Amish Country

Welcome back, Unrelenting Anxiety.
I see you've come to mess me up.