It’s no secret that we at Indie Top 39 have a serious soft spot for Berlin-based singer/songwriter Bar Dog. Ever since we first heard ‘For Old Times’ Sake’, we’ve been following his budding career, and at the end of last month he released his incredible, touching new single called ‘Don’t Follow Me’. The tune is a haunting, soul-stirring duet that features New York-based singer/songwriter Rosa Tu, who adds her signature warmth and depth to the song. Along with Bar Dog’s low, Nick Cave-esque baritone, the pair weave a sombre tale in the form of a conversation between a man and his deceased wife. “Don’t follow me, stay behind for a while,” sings Tu. “It’s beautiful here, and I want you near, but it’s not yet the time.” Dedicating the track to his grandmother, who passed away in 2019, Bar Dog has created a timeless song that lives within you long after you’ve finished listening to it.
‘Don’t Follow Me’ is a moving, soul-stirring, and utterly beautiful tune from two ridiculously gifted musicians.
INDIE TOP 39
What does the song mean to you?
I love duets and I especially have a soft spot for conversational lyrics. And mostly I feel blessed to have found such a stunning singing partner in Rosa Tu. Her voice is so pure. Like a clear mountain river flowing through a peaceful landscape. Or like a soft wind whispering through the treetops. In a way this part was written for her. The song will always hold a special place in my heart. Songs like this don’t come often. It is one of those precious gems that makes you wonder what actually made you deserve receiving such a treasure.
Tell us about your creative process and how the song came to be?
I wrote this song about seven years ago after an important relationship fell apart. The breakup felt like death to me and I was very down for a long time. However, this person was still important to me, so I tried to write a song that reflected the absoluteness of the situation, but was also full of hope and tenderness. The result was a dialogue between a man and his deceased wife. Both are aware that they now live in different worlds and it is no longer possible to live together. They let go of each other and go their separate ways. And maybe one day they will meet again, united on the other side.
What do you hope to achieve with this song?
I hope that the song will help to be a comfort for people who have experienced loss and grief. I think it is important to always be aware of the transience of our existence and to direct our attention from the distraction of the material world to God and the invisible spiritual realm.
What are your favourite lyrics in the song?
“Time’s just a word When love is a bird Flying south But this bird will not return This bird will not return”
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Now you can listen to all the 39 songs in one place, right here on Spotify!
This coverage was created in collaboration with Musosoup as part of the #SustainableCurator movement.
