Jeff Carl "Fly" (Jeff Carl LIVE)

This past November 17th 2011, I was devastated to learn of the death of a young Liberty University freshman, Hannah Williams, who was tragically killed when struck by a train while stargazing with some friends. Though I did not know her personally, both my littler brother, Ryan, and his good friend Tommy Tran were very close with her.

Having recently returned to Lynchburg from almost half a year of travels across the country, my little brother Ryan had planned a show for me that he could invite his Liberty friends to in downtown Lynchburg. Just days before the accident, Hannah Williams was overheard saying she was really excited for the concert. Once I heard this, I immediately knew I wanted to somehow dedicate the show to her.

As word began to spread that there would be a tribute show for Hannah, a buzz started growing. Not just around Lynchburg and Liberty University's campus, but word got all the way to Hannah's family as well. A mere couple days before the show, I learned that Terri Williams (Hannah's mom), along with some other family, would be attending the show on December 2nd. I decided that I wanted to rework an old song of mine, "Fly", as the main tribute to Hannah. I had originally written the song back in 2007 when my grandma passed away, and I knew it would be a natural fit in this scenario as well.

When I began "Fly" during the show, an instant silence took over the room, everyone somberly reflecting upon the life of their friend Hannah. Not even half-way through the first chorus, the horrid screeching of a nearby train hitting its brakes made its way through the window of where the concert was being held. Once people started realizing the horrible coincidence, someone eventually shut the window, but not without having left everyone with their hearts in their throats. The haunting coincidence of the timing behind that moment created the most emotional, awful, beautiful energy among the almost 200 people in the crowd.

What transpired was what this video documents, and I hope that this footage can mean something to the so many people who loved Hannah immensely.

I didn't know you, Hannah, but thank you for wanting to come to my show, and while I don't have the proper words to make sense of why this awful accident happened, I know that the beauty of your life will soak the memories of everyone who knew and loved you. Now spread your wings...and fly. - Jeff Carl
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This video was made possible through the creative video efforts of some friends of mine: Simon Asher Reinert, Thomas Fisher, and Ryan Carl. Thanks guys!

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LYRICS:

V1: Not all fallen petals have fallen beauty.
Some, they last for all time,
A color too pure to be erased,
A love to sure to be replaced.
One of a kind.

CH: Farewell, goodbye, but this will not be the last time.
Know that our love will be flying with you.
In the morning trees, in the moonlit meadows,
In the afternoon breeze, in the dew-soaked petals,
You'll be there by our sides in a star's twinkle. Now, fly.

V2: Not all heroes will be remembered.
Sometimes, lives, they become lost,
But you will remain sewn in our hearts.
Your smile will last, never too depart,
And now we cry.

BR: Sometimes life seems it will never end,
Each trial ending with a pain-filled dead-end,
And though we fight so hard, and we lose a friend,
We all know that we will see you again.

BR2: Spread your wings, and fly.
Spread your wings, and fly.
Come on now, let's fly.
Come on now, let's fly.

END: Farewell, goodbye.
Farewell, goodbye.
Farewell, goodbye.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Fly
• Jeff
• Carl
• jeffcarl
• Hannah
• Williams
• death
• memory
• love

[Physcimaniac31]

Hello Jeff... this is a wonderful tribute. What a talented musician you are. God Bless!

[jeffcarl]

@Physcimaniac31, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. :)

[martinthegreat92]

I rarely comment to a video but honestly I've been subscribing you for two years now. Youre one of my inspiration in music. Your originals tells how artistic and talented you are. You always touch our hearts. I will definitely buy a ticket of your concert no matter how much the price. Just keep the music going. You'll be discovered. 

[jeffcarl]

@martinthegreat92, wow, you are so nice. Thank you so much for your interest and insight. I hope you continue to stick around, as I have lots of music in mind for the year to come!

[iamryancarl]

@partonace I don't normally respond to troll comments, but this song was dedicated to our friend, Hannah, who was killed in a train accident. Please show some respect.

[partonace]

if you, mr. carl, want to improve - you should move your ass and not just fish for compliments.

[partonace]

02:10 to 02:13 "man i am bored" - could´ve been at a laibach concert, could´ve played cod 1, could´ve laid my chick, could´ve learned physics, could´ve had some beers. and now i have to listen to this kind of music where the artist loses selfcontrol. ah! could´ve listened to billie holiday or could´ve watched "morning glory" with katharine hepburn. but no i am torturing myself with this.

[jitterbugdance]

this song is amazing. keep it up

[fabulouscoat]

Saw you play last night in Lynchburg. You did a really great job, Jeff!

[marcfernandomusic]

His voice reminds me of Glen Hansard from Once.