Bernard Fanning - Departures (Blue Toowong Skies)

"My Dad died at the beginning of 2011 which coincided with the biggest floods Brisbane has seen. This was something that loomed pretty large for me over the whole writing period of 'Departures' and I suppose a song like this was bound to come out. The lyric is talking about the place in Brisbane where I grew up. Toowong, a near city suburb that my Dad also spent his childhood in and ended up being buried in, along with my older brother, who I now happen to be older than. " Bernard Fanning. Taken from the forthcoming new album 'Departures', out Friday 7 June.
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[gibboweee]

I live in Toowong and I lost my father and brother when i was young.
The floods came and we lost everything . The Mud Army formed
and helped me . People say we have no culture up here but for
every person who showed up with a broom and a mop was proof
of the culture we have hear in Toowong . I feel yout loss Bernard
I truly do .

[michelledeboar]

Makes me smile and cry at the same moment

[zenboy]

sitting here at work listening to this over and over. missing my dad and crying like a mofo. very few artists can elicit this kind of emotion in me. Bernard you are one of the finest musicians i have ever had the pleasure to watch and listen to. the vulnerability and sentiment in this song is staggering. a masterpiece. thank you

[janhamilton]

One of my favourite people. Great sony Bernard.

[simonclark]

Still makes me cry.
My younger Brother is my best mate.
Feel for anyone who's lost theirs..

This song is a masterpiece of expression. Eternal.

[melmatho]

Love the old home clips, the "beautiful truth". Cant listen without thinking of those family dearly departed. A real tribute and so Australian. Bernard YOU surround those of us that love YOU.

[DeeMaree]

Beautiful Bernard... great movies too. Memories of an innocent time x

[auslaner]

I lost my dad in 2001 and my mum in 2009... Not a single days passes where I do not think of them... Their beauty and their unconditional love they had in their hearts for my sister and me. I miss them so... Thank you for sharing something so personal... It helps with the pain that is so gradually fading... but never the love we shared. Sincerest condolences about your father.

[benklatt]

I was lucky enough to see him perform this song a month or so ago in Toowoomba and Bernard's Mum was in the audience, was a great moment, for such a touching song.

[wesmcgregor]

my older brother passed away suddenly just over 3 weeks ago. He was 43. This song resonates too well.

[ben]

mate, people call me a typical hardass truck driver who dont show my feelings, but this song my friend brought a tear to my eye...absolutely awesome.

[bitshuffler]

Mine passed away in April 2011 a little further north - Glenmorgan near Roma. It was both yesterday and a thousand years ago. :(

[echoblue]

Classic Bernard.  Soulful, touching and authentic. Thank you for sharing part of your heart with us during your darkest times.

[MhocCoinnich]

Sit back and soak this up, every heart-wrenching line. Haunting lyrics with a musical backdrop to match.

[Kenoath]

Music/Songs are at there best when they are able to transcend the human experience and be something to everyone. Love, unrequited love lost, life, death the journey  be it joyous or meloncollie we all live it. You Mr Fanning have a gift and should anyone chose to listen it's all laid bare in your songs I admire your bravery to expose those parts of yourself that most hold close and fail to share, Thank you. 

[picstavins]

What a unique, stunning voice... makes you glad you are able to simply listen to such artistic brilliance - some make music... and some live it in your soul.. I dedicate this song to all you who hurt..all who hate the way your life has disappointed you time after time... for all your disillusionment and pain... let this beautiful song wash it in love...

[mpierlejewski]

Bernard, I am the same age as you and have lost my brother and Dad too. Your song is so poignant, it helps me to express my grief. Thank you so much for writing it.

[rzamorauk]

His music and singing moves me deeply!

[Semillion]

My Dad died November 18th 2011 Toowoomba Queensland Australia, after the floods. I wonder if God called many Dad's home that year:=( I miss my Dad like I cannot describe and this song is touching and wonderful. The words mean alot to me. Thankyou. One day we will all be together again in paradise.

[dieseldog]

I was sent here by one of your fellow countrymen who is also a Jackie Evancho fan as am I. He just posted the link in her chatroom. I hear the pain in your voice Mr. Fanning. My deepest condolences to you.