Goodbye stranger it’s been nice
“Goodbye Stranger” — Supertramp, “Breakfast in America”
Hope you find your paradise
Tried to see your point of view
Hope your dreams will all come true
You know you’re starting to have more years behind you than in front of you when the parade of artists who pass away are the ones that you’ve been huge fans of pretty much your entire life.
So it is with Rick Davies who was a founding member and lead vocalist for the band Supertramp.
Of course, everyone’s probably got a favourite Supertramp track in mind and I’d be shocked if less than 90% of people being asked what it is would name “The Logical Song”.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that choice whatsoever…it’s a fun song to sing along with and easily the most popular of the four tracks that charted from the “Breakfast in America” album.
But when it came time for the tribute to Rick during the Zamboni intermission, two other tracks from that album were the ones that I was spinning that evening…”Take The Long Way Home” and my favourite Supertramp track of all time…”Goodbye Stranger”.
I will confess that I struggle mightily with the high notes in “Goodbye Stranger” which is why I’m usually alone when I’m singing along with that track spinning on WFOX. That way, I only have to worry if the windows are open and there are witnesses about… 😉
Fortunately, the noise of the Zamboni as well as having the scorer’s booth completely to myself is why I was singing that song loud, proud, and occasionally amongst the high notes.
Here’s hoping Rick found his paradise and with all of the beautiful music that he was a vital part of creating and performing, I have no doubts that he did.
