There’s a song on Gene Murphy’s latest CD that’s a tribute to the lost souls of Maple Ridge.
Titled The Love and Unloved, the lyrics paint a familiar picture of life at corner of Lougheed Highway and the Haney Bypass.
“A soul with his shopping cart story… the homeless staring at the big church door…a shelter next door to a liquor store.”
Murphy was inspired to write the song after passing through the downtown core, a journey that made him wonder “could that be me?.”
The Remnant is Murphy’s second solo CD and a tribute to blue-collar, working class struggles, an oeuvre that’s a testament to his faith.
“The backdrop is how faith plays out in the midst of those struggles,” says Murphy. “ It points to a time where traditional values were more ingrained.”
Murphy began his musical career as a member of The Rockin Edsells, an act that opened for The Blasters, The Shakin’ Pyramids and the BopCats in the eighties. The Edsells evolved into a more electrified roots rock band called The Last Wild Sons who opened for Bachman-Turner Overdrive, the Kentucky Headhunters, Colin James and the Cowboy Junkies. Murphy’s most recent musical endeavour was a country gospel blues band called the Knitting Club.
Murphy sees music as a vehicle to effect change.
“I always wanted to make a difference in the world since I was very young and I think that always has been in my songwriting,” he says in an interview with Light Magazine.
“I discovered along the way that the best way to help someone is to help them discover the God of the universe. So I take my songs out into the world.”
• Gene Murphy will perform during Earth Day celebrations on Saturday, April 26 at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge. More at genemurphymusic.com. For Earth Day events, visit their page on Facebook.