“Grandpa Says”—A Song of Love for Father’s Day
Today, in honor of Father’s Day, I’m featuring something special: “Grandpa Says”—a song that shares my father’s philosophy and loving heart in the most delightful way. It’s performed by his talented granddaughter, Nina Harmer, and features footage of my father with my sister and me from the early 1960s, as well with his grandchildren from their birth until the end of his life.
The song’s origin traces back a quarter of a century, to when my daughter Marea was six and my musician friend, Heather Secord, taught her how to play the guitar by making up songs together. Their creations came easily and were so terrific, I eventually decided to produce a professional quality full-length CD of children’s songs.
My father became intrigued with the project, but when he listened to the songs—including one about needing a homework machine and another about having the messiest room in town—he shook his head. Usually gentle and laid back, he grew animated with a rare intensity. “Children need to learn about love!” he insisted fervently. “Look at all the violence in the word. We need songs about love, kindness, and forgiveness. That’s what matters most.” So I told him if he wrote down the wisdom he wanted to impart, Heather would set his words to music and we’d call the song, “Grandpa Says.”
Mendek’s depiction of a grandfather sharing wisdom with children
Heather did an incredible job, and “Grandpa Says” immediately became one of my all-time favorite songs. But because there were numerous lines that sounded as if they belonged in a rhyme for very little children, I was thrilled when Mendek’s granddaughter—my niece Nina Harmer, who plays the guitar, sings, and is a gifted songwriter—began experimenting with the lyrics. Nina, who will turn 20 this Father’s Day, believes her role in the lineage is to update the song for the next generation by adding more of her grandpa’s philosophy, and making it a universal song for people of all ages.
Nina performing at a local music festival, May 2022
I hope you enjoy Nina’s rendition of “Grandpa Says,” and the accompanying video, made by my sister Ruthie, that captures our father’s joy and boundless love through eight decades. Many thanks to Nina, Ruthie, Heather, Marea and Anne Sibley (Nina’s musical mentor who sings the harmonies) for sharing your gifts with us all.
Happy Father’s Day!
Myra
