A tribute to my granduncle..

Few weeks ago, I recorded a song named Dance With My Father. It was meant to be a tribute to my granduncle, and I recorded it on the week that he died.

It was one tough song that I had to record because I couldn't take it. Whenever I sing out the lyrics, especially the stenzas at the second part, I simply couldn't take it and cry. It kept reminding me of my aunts weeping and mourning over my granduncle. It was a sight that was unbearable.


I was choking and I kept coughing and coughing. Despite many retakes, I must say that my cover of this song is not perfect. I'm fully aware of the mistakes I've made, especially certain notes which was hard for me to reach and it was evident I was straining my voice. But I've tried my best to control my emotions and focus on singing.


Dance With My Father is a beautiful song by the late Luther Vandross, and I hope that my rendition will do some justice to him and the song as well. Please understand that the direction of the original singer and me is different in the sense of approaching the song. I've also changed some of the tunes according to my own liking as well.





Granduncle, this is for you...





Dance With My Father - Luther Vandross


Dance With My Father - James Ho



Lyrics





Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence

My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then

Spin me around 'til I fell asleep

Then up the stairs he would carry me

And I knew for sure I was loved





If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever end

How I'd love, love, love

To dance with my father again





When I and my mother would disagree

To get my way, I would run from her to him

He'd make me laugh just to comfort me

Then finally make me do just what my mama said

Later that night when I was asleep

He left a dollar under my sheet

Never dreamed that he would be gone from me





If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever end'

Cause I'd love, love, love

To dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door

And I'd hear how my mother how she cried for him

I pray for her even more than me

I pray for her even more than me





I know I'm praying for much too much

But could you send back the only man she loved

I know you don't do it usually

But dear Lord she's dying

To dance with my father again



Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream