28 Comments
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Kathy's avatar

Paul, you write like real people. Thank you. I had never heard of Donovan Woods, but now I want to hear more, because he writes like real people too. Beautiful.

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Kevin McLellan's avatar

Great article Paul, thanks. To set the record straight the lyrics for Patio Lanterns were written by Paul Woods, a.k.a. Pye Dubois, who lived at 59 Grey Crescent and had patio lanterns in his back yard. My brother played in a band with Kim in Sarnia and so I knew him and Paul Woods. I have seen those patio lanterns.

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Michael Barclay's avatar

Is there a historical plaque there? There should be.

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Paul Wells's avatar

I completely forgot about Pye Dubois. A great pen name. Thanks for this.

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Ken Schultz's avatar

The truth is, like most folks, I subscribed for the Paul Wells political commentary, your wit AND your wisdom AND your sympathy AND your empathy. And (I use that word a lot, no?), you have certainly delivered ever since. And (couldn't resist) you continue to deliver.

What I didn't count on was the terrifically interesting musical commentary, so, Bravo!

And (!) bravo to my unknowing wisdom in purchasing and repurchasing PW subscriptions.

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Michelle Chawla's avatar

Such a nice and well written article, I really enjoy the storytelling and taking the time to slow down and learn not only about the music but the person too.

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Jason Ward's avatar

This is where the world gets small (I’m fanboying, but I digress and won’t beyond this). My wife and I know Wes’ older sister. Met Donovan once before all this incredible success, at her wedding. Honestly one of my favourite artists now. Especially when he goes acoustic.

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Steve Hayes's avatar

Beautiful piece Paul. Like a good song, it made me feel something without having to spell out what that should be.

I will say though, that if you're a man and you're sad and you eat soup straight out of the can, you should count yourself lucky, pathetic though it may be. Many men who come home sad reach for a bottle.

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Julian Porter's avatar

My you are a gorgeous writer!

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Rod Hill's avatar

What an unexpected treat! And Donovan Woods is right: "Back For The Funeral" is a song for the ages.

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Liselyn Adams's avatar

You have no idea how much I needed to read this today. Today is so much better now. Applause to you.

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Rob Kuenzig's avatar

Love this!!!

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Lesley Harrington's avatar

I'm here for the 519 content.

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Helga Rausch's avatar

Thank you for teaching me about Donovan Woods, and Sarnia.

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Susan Miller's avatar

Nice. The Universal language and the ties that bind. Thanks.

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Gord Lambert's avatar

As a child of the chemical valley myself, I always take pride in the city and the talent it has produced including Donovan and Paul Wells…and Chris Hatfield, Pat Stapleton who delivered milk in the off season, Kim Mitchell and so many others. Thanks Paul for the great interview.

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Edward Smith's avatar

I will have to reread this and also start listening to Donovan Woods... I never reread anything except Lord of the Rings and I haven't reread that in 30 years. Thank you.

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Keith Johnston's avatar

Best thing I’ve read in a while! And it tweaked me to check out Donovan Woods again. Thanks Paul!

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