Einstein filled notebooks with calculations, pondered the universe for inspiration, then wrote a three-letter formula for which he is best remembered — E=mc². In that deceptively simple formula he distilled a tremendous amount of information to reveal a basic reality of our physical world, something that no-one had expressed so succinctly before.

Creativity strives for that same thing. The feelings are huge, the experiences myriad and varied, but the essence is invariably simple yet profound.

“Not Walk Away” is one of those simple songs that allows me to express so much. The rhythm and melody almost burst forth from my mandolin unrequested. I was tired and frustrated from working on some other recording. During a break, I just leaned back, closed my eyes, and started playing. Next thing I knew, I had this little song rolling along merrily. I quickly recorded it and forgot all about whatever I had been working on before.

First of all, the mandolin itself has a cheerful little voice. The instrument I use, a unique gift from Patty, has its limitations but it also has its own inimitable character. It likes to skip and flit around happily. I am a novice on the instrument, so you’re not likely to hear any complicated chords. However, the limited range of the chord structure is perfect for the simplicity of the melody and lyric in “Not Walk Away.” I have a lot of fun with the ascending and descending instrumental lines in the song which suggest walking to me.

Behind the apparent simplicity of the song, however, is a huge idea: although no one can guarantee anything about any relationship, I believe my partner to be one who will stay with me in our partnership no matter what. And that’s worth singing about. – Bob Tatum

Not Walk Away

Baby, do you want to know
Baby, just how it’s gonna go
Baby, what do you want me to say
Baby, I’ve been waiting ev’ry day
For a girl like you
To tell my secrets to
Who will not walk away
Who will not walk away

Baby, I’m tellin’ you right now
Baby, I don’t know the whys and hows
Baby, I haven’t got a clue
All I know is how I feel about you
And I’ve been waitin’ every day
For the one who wants to stay
And will not walk away
Who will not walk away

Baby, do you want to know
Baby, just how it’s gonna go
Baby, haven’t got a clue
All I know is how I feel about you
And I’ve been waitin’ every day
For the one who wants to stay
And will not walk away
Who will not walk away
Will not walk away
Who will not walk away
You will not walk away
You will not walk away (Music and Lyric by Bob Tatum/ Performed by Sound Traveler)

One Comment to “Song Travelin’: 09.13.11 – “Not Walk Away” from the CD Sound Traveler”

• October 13, 2011 at 5:31 pm
  Jean Anne Snyder-Barrett says:

  Where God has a place in school, so do you! No matter if it is the first time you meet with them or the only time you meet with them, any student is lucky to experience Bob Tatum!!!!