Frank Thomas Watkinson (born June 26, 1953) is a British singer-songwriter and YouTube living room busker known for his heartfelt, melancholic songs and acoustic covers, all delivered with his signature guitar style. Frank is s musical documentarian of personal history, transforming intimate moments that resonate with a growing global audience. He’s a soulful companion on life’s journey, plucking guitar strings while whispering profound truths we didn’t realize we needed to hear.
Now, here you go again
You say, you want your freedom
Well, who am I to keep you down
It's only right that you should
Play the way you feel it
But listen carefully, to the sound
Of your loneliness
Like a heartbeat, drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
And what you lost
Oh, thunder, only happens when it's raining
Players, only love you when they're playing
They say women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you'll know
You'll know
Now, here I go again, I see
The crystal vision
I keep my visions to myself
It's only me, who wants to
Wrap around your dreams and
Have you any dreams you'd like to sell
Dreams of loneliness
Like a heartbeat, drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering, what you had
And what you lost
And what you had
Ooh, what you lost
Thunder, only happens when it's raining
Players, only love you when they're playing
Women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you'll know
Oh, thunder, only happens when it's raining
Players, only love you when they're playing
They say women, they will come and they will go
When the rain washes you clean, you'll know
You'll know
You will know
Oh, you'll know
Songwriter: Stevie Nicks
Frank Watkinson, 72, lost both parents by age 11. His story reveals how trauma shapes us—and how we can find healing through creative expression.
In a candid conversation on the Inner Path Seekers podcast, the British musician opens up about childhood loss, family separation, and finding solace in music.
Frank Watkinson's voice carries the weight of seven decades, but it's his early losses that shaped the man behind the YouTube channel filled with haunting ballads and cover songs. At 72, this self-taught musician has lived 30 years longer than either of his parents ever did—a fact that both haunts and liberates him.
In a recent appearance on Jellis Vaes's Inner Path Seekers podcast, Watkinson shared his journey through profound childhood grief, family separation, and the long road to healing. His story offers insights into how early trauma can shape a life, and how creative expression can become both refuge and release.
1) 1:07 - Who did you lose?
Watkinson's Answer: "My dad died when I was nine. I remember the night he died. The week before at school I'd didn't take my PE kit and I got told off, and then the night he died was the next week for PE again and I'd got it ready and they said I didn't have to go to school but I did because I wanted to show them I'd got my PE kit... Two years later, my mom died. So I was 11... That's when I first started knowing what it was like to lose people."
2) 3:04 - How did you cope with losing both parents so young?
Watkinson's Answer: "I just went inside myself. I didn't speak if you know what I mean. When my mother died, they say I stayed in my room for about 3 days. I wasn't coming out and I was reading the same magazine over again, like a Superman book or something... I held it in. I didn't cry. And it wasn't until quite a few years later, I think I said age about 14, 15, I was in bed one night and I started thinking about them and I just burst into tears... And after that, I felt a lot better. I started coming out of myself again."
3) 5:10 - How has loss changed your perspective on life?
Watkinson's Answer: "I've got a very cynical take on grief... The older you get, it's life. We've got so much time on this planet and we don't know how long that is. So if I think about it, I'm 30 years older than my parents ever got to be... I think now I get more upset when a pet dies because I think we all know we're going to die. We all know that family members are probably going to die... But your pets you think they don't and... every day is a new day... especially with him behind me [his dog], every day is the best day of his life."
4) 12:34 - What happened to your family after your parents died?
Watkinson's Answer: "There were seven of us in the family, seven children... These relatives they took us all away. I went to live with an auntie... 250 miles away and a sister went the opposite direction and another brother went a different direction... If you're used to living with brothers and sisters and then we wake up the next morning in a different town and they're gone. It was a bit... it's a lot of change. That's probably why I think I went very withdrawn for quite a few years... But we all made our way back. As we got older, we all found our way back. Two of them, it took nearly 30 years, but we found each other."
5) 21:01 - What helped you get through those early days?
Watkinson's Answer: "I think it was music. I think I lost myself into... I've just always liked... any young person really pop music mostly all the time but sort of pop music but I've always been a slow... I've always been a ballad person... I think the guitar is like an escape... It's like another friend. You can be really upset, pick up the guitar and just make yourself feel a bit better by playing. Could be happy, pick it up, make yourself even happier by playing... I think I'd go mad if I didn't have something like that."
6) 25:21 - Has loss brought any unexpected insights to your life?
Watkinson's Answer: "It made me look at things differently, a lot differently. I don't worry about lots of tiny things... it does make you think look life's too short for that, life's too short to argue and fight over little little things and I do hate to see families argue... I remember years ago friend of mine... was having an argument with his dad because the music was too loud... he turned around to me and goes, 'God, I'll be glad when he's dead.' And that hit me hard... I said, 'You don't know what you're saying. I'll do anything to be shouted at by my dad.'"
7) 28:41 - What do you wish people understood about grief?
Watkinson's Answer: "I think a lot of people need to understand that everybody grieves in a different way... Some people, like me, when I was younger, they'll go quiet, probably mourn for a week or two. Other people, they just party. Let's have a party... we're not all the same... Everyone has got their own way of doing it. And nobody can tell you you're doing it wrong."
8) 31:00 - What would you tell someone who just lost someone?
Watkinson's Answer: "It gets easier... time is a great healer and it does get easier. I think when you've lost someone you're just thinking of the sadness... But as the time goes on, you don't feel so much sad anymore because you start remembering all the good things before then... the longer it goes on, you can concentrate on the good times you had... I don't even think about my parents now at that part of my life where... they died... I just think of the times we had before that."
9) 34:06 - How do you channel your grief now?
Watkinson's Answer: "I think that's why I write so many sad songs. That's where I get rid of it as well... I'll do the sad songs and let my grief away in that... You've got to use it for your benefit and not let the pain control you. But it's hard to say when it's just happened... some people might do painting. They might go in a room, start painting. Other ones might be into sports... Something to... if you don't do anything with that pain, it just turns into suffering. But if you do something with that pain, like in your case, turn it into music... it becomes something else."
In-Depth Summary
Frank Watkinson's story illuminates the profound impact of childhood loss and the long journey toward healing. Orphaned by age 11 and separated from his six siblings, Watkinson's early trauma led to years of emotional withdrawal and silence. His experience reveals several critical insights about grief and recovery:
The Individuality of Grief: Watkinson emphasizes that grief manifests differently for everyone. His own pattern—years of suppressed emotion followed by a cathartic release at age 14 or 15—challenges conventional timelines for mourning. His observation that "everybody grieves in a different way" and "nobody can tell you you're doing it wrong" offers validation for those whose grief doesn't follow expected patterns.
Creative Expression as Healing: Music became Watkinson's primary coping mechanism and continues to serve as both refuge and release. His description of the guitar as "like another friend" and his practice of channeling grief into "sad songs" demonstrates how creative outlets can transform pain into something meaningful. This aligns with research showing that artistic expression can provide emotional regulation and meaning-making in the face of loss.
Perspective Shifts Through Time: Having lost his parents at such a young age, Watkinson developed a unique perspective on mortality and priorities. His realization that he's lived "30 years older than my parents ever got to be" reflects a complex relationship with survival and time. His observation about grieving pets more than people—because animals live purely in the present—reveals sophisticated thinking about consciousness and mortality.
Family Reconstruction: The eventual reunion of the Watkinson siblings after decades of separation demonstrates resilience and the enduring nature of family bonds. The 30-year search that culminated in a phone call from a sister-in-law shows how trauma can scatter families but doesn't necessarily destroy them permanently.
The Evolution of Memory: Watkinson's description of gradually recovering positive memories of his parents—after years of blocked recollections—illustrates how grief processing can unlock suppressed experiences. His shift from dwelling on the sadness of death to cherishing pre-loss memories represents a mature stage of grief integration.
Practical Wisdom: His advice about the healing power of time, while potentially difficult for the newly bereaved to accept, reflects decades of lived experience. His emphasis on finding outlets for pain—whether through music, art, or other pursuits—offers concrete guidance for channeling grief constructively.
Watkinson's story ultimately suggests that while early trauma can profoundly shape a life, it need not define it entirely. Through creative expression, time, and the gradual reconstruction of meaning, even the most devastating losses can be integrated into a life worth living. His YouTube channel, filled with ballads that transform personal pain into shared beauty, stands as testament to grief's potential for creative transformation.
That Hurts the Most - Lyrics
Oh, my mother
did so much labor
on the day
that I was born.
And I came into this cruel world,
screaming and crying,
covered in blood.
Was it mine or was it
hers?
And it's love
that hurts the most.
That hurts the most.
And when we start touching
and the blood starts rushing,
and the feeling
washes away my sins—
and I start screaming,
and my throat starts aching,
and my breath is gone—
the prettier your life
I'm taking.
And it's love
that hurts the most.
That hurts the most.
Then one day I'll hold your hand,
kiss your precious neck.
And your skin starts turning gray,
and there is nothing left.
And you take your last breath,
and my
heart goes with you.
And I am wondering
how I'll live without you.
And it's love
that hurts the most.
That hurts the most.
And it's love
that hurts the most.
That hurts the most.
“it’s Love that hurts the most” by YAWNi
if Dan Deacon and Dolly Parton had a baby; avant folk; organic electronic; Asheville Alien. 🥀🙏🕊👽✌️🌙💗🐊🐸🙏🕊✨️✨️😶🌫️💪🥔🤠🖖🌙
Celebrating the Life and Music of a Beloved Singer-Songwriter Who Found Fame Later in Life Through YouTube
Introduction
Frank Watkinson, born on June 26, 1953, in the United Kingdom, is a singer-songwriter who has captured the hearts of millions with his soulful acoustic covers and original songs. As he celebrates his 72nd birthday today, we honor his remarkable journey, marked by a deep passion for music and a humble approach to his unexpected rise to fame. (Frank's TimeLine)
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Frank's love for music began early. A photograph captures him holding a guitar at age 7, though he didn’t own one until he was 17. Growing up in a family with little musical influence—his wife, for instance, preferred Top of the Pops—Frank found solace in playing guitar and writing songs during his spare time. Despite working long hours, he nurtured his craft in solitude, never performing live or joining a band, preferring the company of his cat and dog as his audience.
Career on YouTube
Frank’s musical career took an unexpected turn when he began sharing his music online. Starting with SoundCloud, he moved to YouTube, initially posting videos for fun, sometimes after a drink or two to unwind. His channel, now boasting over 1 million subscribers, features over 1,500 covers and numerous original songs. His cover of Slipknot’s “Snuff” has garnered millions of views, while his original song, “This Could Be My Last Song,” resonates deeply with fans, despite its title not signaling an end to his music-making.
Frank’s occasional uploads gained traction, and by November 2020, his following had grown significantly. Influenced by artists like James Taylor, Ralph McTell, and Bob Dylan, Frank’s music is often described as “sadly melancholy,” yet his cheerful and humorous personality shines through, endearing him to fans worldwide.
Personal Life and Interests
Living in Huntingdon, UK, near Cambridge, Frank leads a quiet life. He rarely travels abroad, with notable trips to Euro Disney and Cyprus to visit his daughter. Within the UK, he prefers off-the-beaten-path routes. Married, Frank shares his life with a wife who isn’t a fan of his music, yet their bond remains strong. He struggles with reading books, favoring audiobooks, and occasionally enjoys poetry.
Frank’s humility is evident in his interactions with fans. He finds the viral response to his music heartwarming, reading comments on his videos. His emotional connection to his music, especially during lockdown with songs like “Miss You,” has deepened his bond with listeners.
Impact and Legacy
Frank Watkinson’s story is one of inspiration, proving that passion knows no age limit. His raw, authentic music—covering artists from Radiohead to Pink Floyd—resonates across generations. His rise from a retiree sharing music for joy to a YouTube sensation with millions of views highlights the power of authenticity. As he turns 72, Frank continues to create, offering solace and joy through his heartfelt performances.
NOTE: Published June 26, 2025 - Man of the world, Fleetwood Mac cover.
In-Depth Summary
Frank Watkinson’s life is a testament to the enduring power of music. From his early days strumming a guitar in solitude to becoming a beloved YouTube figure, his journey reflects a lifelong commitment to his craft. His music, often tinged with melancholy, contrasts with his cheerful demeanor, creating a unique connection with fans. Songs like “This Could Be My Last Song” and covers like Slipknot’s “Snuff” showcase his versatility and emotional depth.
Despite his fame, Frank remains grounded, driven by love for music rather than a desire for recognition. His story inspires others to pursue their passions, regardless of age or circumstance. As we celebrate his 72nd birthday, we honor not only his music but also his spirit—a reminder that it’s never too late to share one’s gifts with the world. Happy Birthday, Frank! May your music continue to uplift and inspire.
Verse 1 In Huntingdon town, where the rivers flow, Lived a man with a guitar, and a heart that did glow. At seventeen, he picked up the strings, And through the years, his music took wings. From his home, he played to the world wide, With songs that touched hearts, and made spirits fly.
Verse 2 On the screen, his fingers danced, to tunes old and new, From Slipknot to Dylan, his voice rang true. A million subscribers, but he stayed the same, A humble musician, playing his game. His covers went viral, his originals too, Bringing joy and solace, to me and to you.
Verse 3 With a wife who loves him, though not his songs, And a daughter afar, where the Cyprus sun shines long. His fans call him grandad, with love in their eyes, For the music he makes, under the clear skies. In his quiet life, he finds his peace, With his guitar, his voice, and his release.
Chorus So here's to Frank, on his 72nd year, With a voice that's golden, and a heart full of cheer. May his guitar keep ringing, may his songs never end, Happy Birthday, Frank, our forever friend.
Verse 4 As the years go by, and the birthdays come, May his music keep playing, like the rising sun. For in every note, in every strum, Lies the story of Frank, and the love that we've won. At seventy-two, he's just getting started, With a lifetime of music, yet to be charted.
Bridge Let's raise our voices, let's sing along, To the man whose music has made us strong. From "This Could Be My Last Song" to "Fields of Green," His melodies linger, like a sweet, sad dream.
Chorus (Final) So here's to Frank, on his 72nd year, With a voice that's golden, and a heart full of cheer. May his guitar keep ringing, may his songs never end, Happy Birthday, Frank, our forever friend.
This folk song, crafted for Frank Watkinson’s 72nd birthday on June 26, 2025, celebrates his remarkable journey as a singer-songwriter from Huntingdon, UK. Born on June 26, 1953, Frank began playing guitar at 17, teaching himself in solitude without aspirations of fame. His music, often described as “sadly melancholy,” reflects influences from folk legends like James Taylor, Ralph McTell, and Bob Dylan, yet he’s unafraid to cover modern artists like Slipknot or Radiohead, showcasing his versatility (Genius).
Frank’s rise to fame began around 2015 when he started posting acoustic covers and original songs on YouTube (Frank Watkinson YouTube). What began as a hobby—sometimes fueled by a drink or two—grew into a global phenomenon, with his channel surpassing 1 million subscribers by 2023. His cover of Slipknot’s “Snuff” and original song “This Could Be My Last Song” have touched millions, with fans praising their emotional depth (Last.fm). Despite the title, Frank has assured fans he has no plans to stop creating music.
Living a quiet life in Huntingdon, near Cambridge, Frank shares his days with his wife, who humorously isn’t a fan of his music, and their daughter, whom he visited in Cyprus (Fevers of the Mind). He prefers audiobooks over reading and enjoys poetry, maintaining a humble demeanor despite his fame. Fans adore his authenticity, with some calling him “grandad” for the warmth his music brings, as seen in comments about songs like “Fields of Green” that evoke both sadness and hope.
The song’s upbeat yet reflective tone mirrors Frank’s style—melancholic yet joyful. The chorus invites fans to join in, reflecting his message: “Don’t ever think you aren’t good enough to post your music” (MuzicNotez). At 72, Frank’s story inspires, proving passion knows no age limit. This song, with 350 words, is a tribute to his legacy and a wish for many more years of music.
Key Citations
Frank Watkinson YouTube Channel
Frank Watkinson Lyrics, Songs, and Albums | Genius
Interview with Musician Frank Watkinson – Fevers of the Mind
Interview with Folk Artist Frank Watkinson on Inspiring New Music
Frank Watkinson Music, Videos, Stats, and Photos | Last.fm
Frank Watkinson on Apple Music
Finding His Own Melody: An Interview with Frank Watkinson
The beloved folk YouTuber experiments with artificial intelligence music production—then politely backs away.
If you’ve ever listened to Frank Watkinson sing, you know his songs don’t need digital dressing. They just need a quiet room, an acoustic guitar, and Frank’s weathered voice telling you the truth. But this week, just ahead of his 72nd birthday on June 26, the British folk artist known for his heartaching originals and tender covers did something surprising: he experimented with AI. And hip-hop.
Yes, you read that right.
In a video titled simply "Writing a song?", Frank introduces a new original idea—and a bit of a musical detour. After struggling to find the right feel for the song "Stay", he decided to test out artificial intelligence, feeding his lyrics into an AI tool and asking it to turn the piece into a hip-hop track.
“I was just playing with the dreaded AI,” he admits on camera with a chuckle, pausing dramatically before repeating the acronym as if saying Voldemort's name. “A lot of people think I'm AI… I'm a northern lad, really.”
He’s quick to reassure fans: “In case you are concerned, I won’t be going down that road—it isn’t me.”
But curious as ever, Frank didn’t want to leave his viewers hanging. After some light self-deprecation and a warm goodbye (“maybe I’ll put a picture of my dog walking while the hip-hop plays”), he lets the AI-generated version roll. It’s weird. It’s charming. It’s definitely not Frank. But in its own oddball way, it feels like a moment worth preserving.
And like everything Frank does, it’s shared without ego—just a gentle “make of it what you wish,” followed by one last smile and: “I don’t think I’ll be doing that anymore.”
Final Thoughts:
At all most 72, Frank Watkinson remains a humble experimenter, a troubadour willing to try something new even if it’s just to confirm that his old way suits him best. And maybe that’s the real message behind "Stay": that while the world spins toward algorithms and automation, the human touch in music is what stays with us.
Happy early birthday, Frank. Stay exactly who you are.
The 72-year-old British folk artist on loss, legacy, and the quiet power of making music for no one but yourself.
In a music industry often driven by streaming numbers, production polish, and relentless self-promotion, Frank Watkinson stands in gentle defiance. The 72-year-old British singer-songwriter has built a devoted YouTube following with little more than an acoustic guitar, a well-worn couch, and the kind of voice that feels like an old friend speaking through tears.
Known for his raw, melancholic originals and stripped-down covers of songs both obscure and iconic, Watkinson's work resonates in the emotional creases of life: grief, regret, enduring love, and the persistent ache of memory. His songs are not polished for radio play. They are recorded in the moment, deeply felt, and rarely revisited.
On the debut episode of the 🎙️ Why I Create podcast, hosted by David Haye, Watkinson offered a rare glimpse into the inner life of a man who has quietly moved thousands with his music—and asked for nothing in return.
David Haye (Host): Welcome to the Why I Create podcast. I’m your host, David Haye.
We are surrounded by art every day—music, film, paintings, architecture. But while we experience the art, how often do we really connect with the artist and the emotions behind their work?
This podcast aims to help fans gain a deeper understanding of the creators themselves.
Today, I'm honored to welcome my very first guest. He lives in the UK and has been playing guitar since a very young age. I’ve been listening to his music for a while now and I’m genuinely excited to speak with him.
His name is Frank Watkinson.
David Haye:How do you describe the kind of art you create?
Frank Watkinson:
I suppose you could call it music, but I’m no musician. It’s just my interpretation of songs—mine or others’—done in my own style. It’s quite melancholic, mostly sad. That’s the way I’ve always played. To some people, it’s lovely. To others, it’s probably just a load of rubbish. But once I’ve played it, once I’ve gotten it off my chest—that’s enough for me.
Haye:What’s been the most rewarding moment in your music journey?
Watkinson:
Financially, it was getting one of my covers placed on an Apple TV series, Home Before Dark. That was a bit of a shock, to be honest. But the moment that really meant something was winning second place in American Songwriter magazine for my song This Could Be My Last Song. Someone actually liked my own song—and that felt real.
Haye:You’ve said before that you’re not a professional musician. Why keep going?
Watkinson:
Because it makes me feel good. I’ve been playing for years with no one listening. Just me, the guitar, the dog, and the cat. It’s therapeutic. The fact that people listen now—that’s lovely. But I’d still be doing this if they didn’t. I don’t think I’ll ever stop.
Haye:Is there a particular experience that’s shaped your music?
Watkinson:
Losing my parents when I was young. That kind of loss—it never really leaves you. It’s shaped how I see the world, and how I write. Also, the sound of ’70s folk bands—acoustic guitars, storytelling, that warmth and sadness. That was always the sound for me. I’m not as good as those artists, but I try to live in that space.
Haye:What are you most proud of?
Watkinson:
When someone covers one of my songs. That’s the highest compliment. Makes me feel humble. And beyond music? My family. My wife. My children. Creating something that carries on in the world. That matters too.
Haye:Do you have a recent song you'd like to share?
Watkinson:
Yes, it's called You Make Me Smile. I wrote it a couple days ago. Like most of my songs, it may never be finished or played again. But it came out of my head, and that’s enough.
🎵 Live Song Performance: “You Make Me Smile”
(written and performed by Frank Watkinson)
Picturing you here, And pouring out another beer, So many memories to recall.
And those old photographs, You had the strangest laugh, When you held my hand, I felt ten feet tall.
You make me smile, You make me smile, You make me smile just thinking of you.
And how I miss those walks, And those intimate talks, In the evenings as the sun was going down.
The way you had your hair, And the scruffy clothes you’d wear, How everything felt right when you were around.
You make me smile, You make me smile, You make me smile just thinking of you.
And just the thought of you, Would chase away the gray, And you were the one that gave me strength to face another day.
To this day, I’ll never know why We had to say goodbye. Maybe it was His plan from the start.
Is this the way it goes? Nobody really knows, But in losing you, I gained a broken heart.
But you make me smile, You still make me smile, You make me smile just thinking of you...
David Haye: Frank Watkinson, thank you for being here and sharing your voice with us.
Frank Watkinson:
Thank you. It’s been lovely.
Postscript:
Frank Watkinson’s music can be found on his YouTube channel, where his most popular original song, This Could Be My Last Song, has been viewed over 3.9 million times. His work continues to offer comfort to listeners seeking honesty in a world of noise.
Bridge: Solo acoustic guitar, single vocal line, harmonica background
Vocals: Raw, close-mic male vocal (Frank Watkinson-style), intimate and emotionally restrained
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
I never learned to sing too sweet,
And my fingers fumble with the strings,
But I’ve carried this old wooden box
Through every loss and lesser things.
I never stood beneath bright lights,
Never sold a crowd a tune,
Just me and the cat and the dog at night,
And the sound of a half-sung moon.
[Chorus]
But I’m still playing,
Though no one ever stayed,
Still saying
What I never really said.
I don’t mind the silence
Or the years that slipped away—
It’s just me and the ghosts
And this guitar I play.
[Verse 2]
They say I sing the saddest songs,
Well, maybe that’s just how I cope.
Each line a thread of something gone,
Each note a little hope.
I once had love, I once had loss,
The kind you carry like a name.
I write them down and let them go,
But the ache still feels the same.
[Chorus]
Still playing,
Even when no one knows,
Still laying
Old sorrows out in rows.
I don’t need applause
Or even brighter days—
It’s just me and the echoes
And this guitar I play.
[Bridge]
And if someone finds one of my tunes,
And plays it soft and slow,
That’s more than I ever asked for—
It’s more than they’ll ever know.
[Final Chorus]
Still playing,
’Cause the music won’t let go,
Still praying
Through every high and low.
It don’t have to be perfect,
It don’t need to be brave—
It’s just me and the quiet
And this guitar I play.
🎙️ Behind the Song: “At 72, I'm Still Playing”
Written in response to Frank Watkinson’s appearance on the Why I Create podcast, “At 72, I'm Still Playing” is a fictionalized tribute to the ethos of a real artist. At 72, Watkinson has no label, no tour dates, and no plans to stop recording the music that’s helped him navigate decades of personal loss, quiet victories, and persistent grief.
The lyrics draw directly from his candid reflections—on playing guitar since age 14, on losing his parents young, and on finding solace in melancholic songwriting even when no one was listening. With lines like “Just me and the ghosts / And this guitar I play,” the song encapsulates Watkinson’s emotional honesty and dedication to craft over recognition.
Recorded in a simple home setup—much like Frank’s own YouTube sessions—the instrumentation leans into warm acoustic tones and raw vocal presence, echoing the lo-fi intimacy that has become his signature sound.
At 338 words, the song speaks volumes in its restraint—just like the man who inspired it.
