From the recording One More Drop
Tamiko was gifted a shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese lute) that had once belonged to her great-grandmother, and this songs tells the story of how that instrument helped her connect with her heritage.
Keeping with the family connection of passing music from generation to generation, Tamiko's two daughters, Kata and Mori, helped record backing vocals and violin, respectively, on this track.
by Tamiko Rothhorn (2019)
Tamiko Rothhorn | lead vocals, ukulele
Austin Kaufmann | vocals, electric guitar
Tim Patterson | bass
Dan Moreno | percussion
Mori Rothhorn | violin
Kata Rothhorn | vocals
Lyrics
Though I’ll never hear you play,
This old instrument has found me
After being tucked away,
Like forgotten stories you never passed on,
And your children’s children stopped,
Stopped singing the songs.
Tonight will you keep me company
As I listen for your melody.
And meet me in the space between
The history and me.
If I could reach you through these strings,
I’d like to know the answer to so, so many things.
Did you sing about the cherry blossom trees?
And did you have calloused fingertips like me?
Tonight will you keep me company
As I listen for your melody.
And meet me in the space between
The history and me.
Did you strum alone at the end of the day?
And did your tired eyes ever cry when you played?
Was your smile the same - the same as mine?
Did your husband think it was all a big waste of time?
Tonight will you keep me company
As I listen for your melody.
Carry me upon these strings
With the wisdom of your whisperings.
And meet me in the space between
The history and me.
Meet me in the space between
The history and me.