2012 – electronic – 2:22

Programme Notes

Whenever I compose, I frequently take breaks. And when I do, I’ll often read news online to clear my mind. As was the case on July 3, 2012, when I came upon an article outlining the passing of the actor, Andy Griffith. This moved me to the point that I dropped everything that I was doing and wrote, produced and sang this short track all on that very day.

On the surface, you might think that my admiration for Andy Griffith would be odd. But growing up, I would watch reruns of the Andy Griffith Show daily after school. The setting of 1960s Mayberry somehow captured my attention. I loved the caring of Aunt Bee, Opie was fun, and Andy always looked out for everyone. I guess that’s what we all want – to be happy and secure. That’s what this show did so masterfully.

My electronic composition here is quite industrial, I doubt that this would have been Mr. Griffith’s cup of tea and I have no idea what motivated me to take this stylistic approach. I did include a banjo sample though! Listening to the piece now, I could see how some might find it mocking of a sad event. For the record, this was never the intent. Andy Griffith was a person I genuinely admired and I was sad to see him go.

– Frank Horvat

Lyrics

Andy
Why did you have to go?

– Frank Horvat