I wrote this song about a Minnesota eaglet named Harmon who found himself in peril early in life but was visited by a friendly and caring community of human beings who chose to give Harmon a fighting chance. Unbeknownst to Harmon this all played out online in front of a live audience and it was a sight to see! With a story so heart-wrenching, heartwarming, inspiring and full of love's endless capacity to transform how could I not write a song about it?! Many thanks to my friend, Rob Scott, for his magnificent harmony contributions at the choruses, his subtle but effective (and affective!) harmonica and invaluable production assistance! Also a tremendous thanks to the folks at Broadband Corp for their very kind permission to add Harmon's voice to the mix! The song was recorded and produced using GarageBand with Takamine and Alvarez guitars, a Yamaha DGX-305 keyboard, and various percussion instruments. Single cover art (pencil drawing inspired from photo) by me.
I lovingly dedicate 'Harmon' to my late Mom and Dad for, without them, I would not have been here to write this song.
Harmon's story:
Harmon is the surviving eaglet of a pair. Kirby, his sibling took a bad tumble over the nest one Monday and did not survive. By Thursday of that week Harmon managed to get his right leg and wing stuck in nesting material including fresh mud from recent rains that subsequently weighed down his right side and preventing his young, still weak body from getting any leverage to correct himself. Over a 24 hour period Harmon was immobile and struggled to free himself. Mom and Dad seemed to sense something amiss but were at a loss to free their young one. Through the services of the Minnesota Bound Eagle Cam, The Raptor Center, the Minnesota DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Broadband Corp. and a caring social community Harmon was freed from his predicament and had injuries tended to. Harmon was given food and rest and then returned safely to his nest within 48 hours. The next 24+ hours waiting in hope for his parents to return and resume nurturing their baby was excruciating but in the end nature's joy returned as the family was reunited. His story inspired this song.
George Watts
2012
NOTE: A portion of the proceeds of 'Harmon' will be donated to The Raptor Center in St. Paul, MN
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