I wrote this song from my 1994 album, “Paid Vacation” about how I perceived (and still perceive) the way America treats its elderly. Which is, for the most part, pretty badly. I had been to many Asian countries where the elderly are respected and embraced for their wisdom and experience, and not simply tossed away into nursing homes. I also had an incredible relationship with my maternal grandparents, and couldn’t fathom treating them that way.
One day I got a call from the head of video at my label who said he’d been approached by Kiefer Sutherland about shooting a video for the song. Apparently, Kiefer had heard the song and totally loved what I was saying, and was also branching out into directing videos. I met with him a few days later and we shot the clip very soon thereafter. Kiefer was a total pro and I loved working with him.
The song was somewhat of a hit in Europe but in the US, at the last minute, my label switched to “Way She Loves Me” as the album’s second single, and this video never got American airtime. Glad to spotlight it for you now.
16 Comments
this is one of my fave songs
So nice to see such a clear version of this video- I have an old VHS tape with it on it, and I never got to read the text at the end. So beautiful. I was raised by my grandparents, so it strikes quite a chord with me in a lot of ways. Thank you so much for sharing.
You are the man….everything you write and sing turns to gold….you are perfect in my eyes…I have been a fan since day one in Hollywood at the Rainbow Room I think?
I absolutely love this video and especially the concept behind it. I am 50, and my Dad is 74, and have an awesome relationship. I was raised in the era where you respected your parents, and I still do to this day. I could never imagine treating my Dad this way, nor could I even think of putting him in a nursing home. We, as a nation, do treat our elderly in a very disrespectful manner, and should be ashamed of ourselves. I see so many of our youth today who treat and talk to the elderly like they were dogs…which shows how society has changed for the very worse. Thank you, Richard, for putting this video out…maybe it will help people change their views of the elderly.
So true Richard.The way the elderly are treated is sad.
Never could get enough. Still can’t! Keep them coming please.
Angel’s Lullaby is my favorite. please consider telling that story.
I’ve never seen this video before and haven’t even known it existed. I must confess it is much better than “Way she loves me”.
Richard, your music has always held different meanings for me. Different interpertations, and that really what it is all about, but this song….so spot on. Loved the arrangement, loved the lyrics. So much to learn from the elderly. Wisdom and history. And the sheer joy that you can see when you make them feel so valuable. Thanks so much for posting this. It was one of those songs tucked away. So good to remember how I felt, first time hearing it. xxx
Tamara
Thank you for sharing backgrounds on some of your songs. It stays with you and the song has much more meaning, sometimes enlightening enough to view the song in a different light. Please keep this wonderful new idea alive and going. Thank you, Richard.
I have always loved this song & its message. Thanks for posting the video!
Silent Scream has always been one of my favorite “non hits” as I tend to like darker, introspective music. I am glad it’s being profiled as I had always wished it had been released as a single in the USA.
PS Who is the charming actor playing the “grandfather” in this video?
i have a vhs tape of you singing this song on top of the capitol building when you sang on top of the pops…amazing
))
Hi Marx,
I am from Bangladesh, an Asian country indeed. I know what you mean by giving reference of our treatment to our elderly one. It is not only just giving them value but also in return we get their blessing.
So nice to share with you richard
I love this video. I lost my Mom several years ago and had the honor of taking care of her the last 6 years of her life. I made her a promise to never put her in a nursing home to die alone. Only a few times did she have to go in one to get physical therapy for broken bones from falling. She came home each time except the last one which I had no control over.This is the first time I’ve seen the video. Thank you Richard for such a beautiful song.