2025 Competition Entry:

Sweet Dreams, Caroline by John Guy Barwick

Genre

Pop

Co-writer(s)

no

Performer(s)

John Guy Barwick – vocals, guitars, keys
Jode Haskins – bass
Drums (midi)

Description

An offering of understanding and prayer for grace in the face of loss.

Bio

I began playing guitar at age 11. Formed garage bands with friends in middle and high school. Played gigs in college. Received some college radio airplay and music was featured in a compilation of NC bands in the ’90’s. About 15 years ago, I sold all my instruments and recording equipment save for my Strat and Fender Twin and didn’t play or write for about 10 years. I picked it back up in 2021 during Covid and my wife’s cancer battle. I’ve been writing ever since. My debut EP “Coastal Chase” launches 01/15/2025 and features performances by members of Third of Never, The Veldt, and The Mayflies (USA).

Lyrics

Sweet dreams, dear Caroline
In your pretty dress
Signed my name in the ledger
Showed up in my Sunday best
Loss doesn’t expire
hard not to give in
Like trying to keep
A candle lit in a hurricane

We’re all walking on a wire
Saying our prayers
For the grace to accept the things
That can’t be changed
So close your weary eyes
Rest your troubled head
I hope that each
Bad memory is replaced

All at once
You put them down
The ton of bricks
You carried around
Falling stars and blurring lines
Sweetest dreams, Caroline

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