The Frank Watkinson Journal

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.

Monday, December 28, 2020

2020-2021 Songs Published On YouTube

Songs Published On YouTube

2020

Remember Me (From Coco), 4 years ago, 3:52, 11K views, Jan 6, 2020
Run (Snow Patrol cover), 4 years ago, 2:53, 5.6K views
Sunday Morning (Velvet Underground cover), Jan 11, 3:12, 24K views
Today (Jefferson Airplane cover), Jan 15, 2:42, 5K views
This Old Guitar (John Denver cover), Jan 18, 2:48, 2.7K views
A Good Man Is Hard to Find (Sufjan Stevens cover), Jan 20, 4:59, 2.3K views
Above the Clouds of Pompeii (Bears Den cover), Jan 25, 3:26, 4.3K views
Flags (SYML cover), 4 years ago, 3:32, 4.9K views
Two Headed Bot Pt 2 (Neutral Milk Hotel cover), Jan. 31, 4:40, 20K views
If (Pink Floyd cover), 4 years ago, 5:22, 5.6K views
El Paso (Marty Robbins cover), 4 years ago, 3:54, 6.8K views
Don't Think Twice It's Alright (Bob Dylan cover), 4 years ago, 6:06, 17K views
So Long Marianne (Leonard Cohen cover), 4 years ago, 1:46, 15K views
Gasoline Horses (Sparklehorse cover), 4 years ago, 3:20, 1.4K views
Stuck on You (Lionel Ritchie cover), 4 years ago, 4:58, 5.1K views
Nothing Ever Happens (Del Amitri cover), 4 years ago, 3:46, 1.5K views
I'll Follow You Into the Dark (Death Cab for Cutie cover), Feb 28, 3:46, 2.1M views
Fade Into You (Mazzy Star cover), 4 years ago, 4:01, 574K views
It's Not Dark Yet (Bob Dylan cover), 4 years ago, 3:30, 9.9K views
These Days (Jackson Browne cover), 4 years ago, 3:58, 5.4K views
If I'm to Die (Keaton Henson cover), 4 years ago, 3:17, 9.2K views
Fear of Fear (Passenger cover), 4 years ago, 3:45, 1.9K views
Feelings (Morris Albert cover), 4 years ago, 3:11, 2.1K views
I'm Gonna Catch Me a Train (Original song), 4 years ago, 3:54, 1.6K views
Bring It on Home to Me (Sam Cooke cover), 4 years ago, 3:17, 2.5K views
Take Me Home Country Roads (John Denver cover), 4 years ago, 3:09, 20K views
Darkest Days (Passenger cover), 4 years ago, 5:36, 1.2K views
Wild Mountain Thyme (Traditional), 4 years ago, 4:16, 1.3K views
Lockdown (Original song), 4 years ago, 4:34, 4.6K views
Beautiful World (Colin Hay cover), 4 years ago, 3:48, 2.5K views
A Bit of Advice to All You Canines, 4 years ago, 0:17, 4.6K views
Into Dust (Mazzy Star cover), 4 years ago, 4:21, 19K views
I Wish Grandpa's Never Died (Riley Green cover), 4 years ago, 3:12, 2.9K views
Magnolia (JJ Cale cover), 4 years ago, 3:52, 2.7K views
In Colour (Jamey Johnson cover), 4 years ago, 4:19, 881 views
Angel from Montgomery (John Prine cover), 4 years ago, 4:07, 1.9K views
Via Chicago (Wilco cover), 4 years ago, 2:35, 2.8K views
Rare as Gold (Apologies to Sting), 4 years ago, 4:50, 416 views
Getting Old Song (Original song), 4 years ago, 4:12, 39K views
Time (Revisited original song), 4 years ago, 3:15, 7.2K views
Beautiful Birds (Passenger cover Take Two), 4 years ago, 3:55, 1.1K views
You Won't See Me Anymore (Original song), 4 years ago, 3:45, 3.1K views
Like I Miss You (Original song), 4 years ago, 4:00, 3.1K views
It's Gonna Be a Long Night (Original song), 4 years ago, 3:24, 2.4K views
Through the Valley 2 (Cover), 4 years ago, 3:37, 1.4K views
Rosemary (Original song), 4 years ago, 3:24, 2.7K views
Last Trip to Southwold (Original song), 4 years ago, 4:21, 2.6K views
Home (Original song revisited), 4 years ago, 3:46, 2.8K views
Some Day One Day (Original song revisited), 4 years ago, 3:33, 3K views
Sharp Scratch (Slow Show cover), 4 years ago, 5:16, 439 views
Miss You (Original song redone), 4 years ago, 3:40, 12K views
I Will Love You (Fureys cover), 4 years ago, 2:37, 892 views
1st of May (Bee Gees cover), 4 years ago, 3:29, 1.1K views
They're Hanging Me Tonight (Mart Robbins cover), 4 years ago, 3:18, 17K views
Trees (Original song), 4 years ago, 5:19, 5K views
Honey (Bobby Goldboro cover), 4 years ago, 1:27, 2.6K views
Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want (Smiths cover), 4 years ago, 2:29, 38K views
Long Hard Day (Revisited original song), 4 years ago, 3:42, 4K views
When I Was a Boy (Original song revisited), 4 years ago, 3:37, 8.8K views
Honey Bee (Steam Powered Giraffe cover), 4 years ago, 3:40, 13K views
Be My Mistake (1975 cover), 4 years ago, 2:19, 22K views
The Mollusk (Ween cover), 4 years ago, 3:03, 14K views
Blues Run the Game (Jackson C Frank cover), 4 years ago, 2:40, 4.1K views
What a Wonderful World (Cover), 4 years ago, 3:38, 28K views
Good Year for the Roses (Elvis Costello cover), 4 years ago, 4:43, 1.8K views
Mystery of Love (Sufjan Stevens cover), 4 years ago, 3:55, 57K views
Tomorrow Is a Long Time (Bob Dylan cover), 4 years ago, 2:56, 4.7K views
Hey Jude (The Beatles cover), 4 years ago, 4:06, 22K views
One (Cover based on Johnny Cash version), 4 years ago, 4:28, 2.4K views
Forty Shades of Green, 4 years ago, 4:01, 776 views
Pancho and Lefty (Townes Van Zandt cover), 4 years ago, 5:45, 4.2K views
Broken (Original song), May 27, 3:15, 76K views
The Night We Met (Lord Huron cover), 4 years ago, 2:20, 66K views
Emily (Revisited original song), 4 years ago, 4:01, 4.8K views
Cruel Cruel World (Willie Nelson cover), 4 years ago, 3:15, 23K views
Drive in Saturday (David Bowie cover), 4 years ago, 2:02, 3K views
True Love Will Find You in the End (Daniel Johnston cover), 4 years ago, 3:29, 9K views
Chelsea Hotel #2 (Leonard Cohen cover), 4 years ago, 3:39, 7K views
Long Way from Home (Lumineers cover), 4 years ago, 5:23, 8.6K views
Sister Oh Sister (Original song), 4 years ago, 2:47, 5.2K views
Be My Angel (Mazzy Star cover), 4 years ago, 3:26, 10K views
I Started a Joke (Bee Gees cover), 4 years ago, 2:35, 20K views
Red (Cover), 4 years ago, 5:02, 2.1K views
Sunday Morning Smile (Original song), 4 years ago, 5:20, 8.6K views
A Bit More About Me, 4 years ago, 3:37, 13K views
Where Was the Love (Original song revisited), 4 years ago, 7:01, 7.1K views
Just Another Story (Original song revisited), 4 years ago, 4:37, 9.4K views
Grace (Dubliners cover), 4 years ago, 3:55, 1.4K views
The Old Man (Fureys cover), 4 years ago, 3:27, 1.2K views
Before (Original song revised), 4 years ago, 4:24, 10K views
Yesterday She Said Goodbye (Original song), 4 years ago, 3:23, 27K views
Maggie (Cover), 4 years ago, 2:11, 2.1K views
Don't original song revisited, 4 years ago, Unknown time, 22K views
If you could read my mind (Gordon Lightfoot cover), 4 years ago, 3:43, 3.6K views
Another brick in the wall (Pink Floyd cover), 4 years ago, 4:01, 34K views
Mull of Kintyre (Paul McCartney cover), 4 years ago, 4:16, 2.3K views
Forever young (Bob Dylan cover), 4 years ago, 3:58, 8.6K views
Sorrow (The Merseys cover), 4 years ago, 3:14, 915 views
Around and around, 4 years ago, 3:27, 844 views
You're my best friend (Don Williams cover), 4 years ago, 2:47, 2K views
Delicate (Damien Rice cover), 4 years ago, 5:02, 7.1K views
The days of Pearly Spencer (David McWilliams cover), 4 years ago, 4:38, 9.3K views
House of the rising sun (Animals cover), 4 years ago, 4:07, 46K views
Hero, 4 years ago, 3:54, 3.9K views
Gold days (Sparklehorse cover), 4 years ago, 3:48, 7.9K views
F B I, 4 years ago, 4:13, 2.3K views
Future days (Pearl Jam cover), 4 years ago, 4:43, 45K views
Martha (Tom Waits cover), 4 years ago, 4:30, 25K views
Dreams (Fleetwood Mac cover), 4 years ago, 4:13, 58K views
Without her (Nilsson cover), 4 years ago, 3:00, 2.1K views
Ain't no grave (cover), 4 years ago, 3:26, 8.6K views
So long, 4 years ago, 3:18, 2.6K views
No surprises (Radiohead cover), 4 years ago, 3:11, 2.6M views
Crazy mama (JJ Cale cover), 4 years ago, 2:08, 1.7K views
That's the way it is (Red Dead Redemption 2), 4 years ago, 3:14, 57K views
Upward over the mountain (Iron and Wine cover), 4 years ago, 3:58, 12K views
Snuff (Slipknot cover), 4 years ago, 3:55, 5.1M views
When you died (Menzingers cover), 4 years ago, 3:51, 7.3K views
Atlas hands (Benjamin Francis Leftwich Cover), 4 years ago, 2:50, 5.3K views
It's all over now baby blue (Bob Dylan cover), 4 years ago, 4:16, 11K views
Strawberry fields forever (Beatles cover), 4 years ago, 2:44, 27K views
I hope that i don't fall in love with you (Tom Waits cover), 4 years ago, 3:52, 14K views
Seven (David Bowie cover), 4 years ago, 3:18, 4.4K views
Lua (Bright eyes cover), 4 years ago, 4:21, 52K views
I tried (Reverend Terry cover), 4 years ago, 5:19, 7.5K views
Let's go to the river, 4 years ago, 5:19, 2.9K views
Not in Nottingham (From Disney's Robin Hood), 4 years ago, 2:05, 6.4K views
Dance me to the end of love (Leonard Cohen cover), 4 years ago, 4:55, 27K views
Ring of fire (Johnny Cash cover), 4 years ago, Unknown time, 18K views
Frosted glass (care home thoughts), 4 years ago, Unknown time, 2.3K views
To be alone with you (Sufjan Stevens cover), 4 years ago, Unknown time, 20K views
Playing with his hair, 4 years ago, Unknown time, 1.8K views
Goodbye dear friend (Deer Tick cover), 4 years ago, Unknown time, 6.7K views
Don't take the girl (Tim McGraw cover), 4 years ago, Unknown time, 4.6K views
Window shopping (Hank Williams cover), 4 years ago, Unknown time, 1.4K views
One of these days (Neil Young cover), 4 years ago, 5:36, 7.9K views
You won't see me cry, 4 years ago, 5:36, 11K views
The Guardian (Shawn James cover, The Last of Us), 4 years ago, 4:38, 13K views
Wish i could whistle out a song, 4 years ago, 5:14, 2.2K views
I'm not worth it, 4 years ago, 6:21, 32K views
Sundown (Gordon Lightfoot cover), 4 years ago, 2:43, 4.5K views
Held the hand (Daniel Johnston cover), 4 years ago, 1:39, 3.9K views
Dirty old town (cover), 4 years ago, 3:21, 9.5K views
Save me, 4 years ago, 3:52, 4.6K views
Scat, 4 years ago, 3:14, 2.4K views
A song for the drunk and broken hearted (Passenger cover), 4 years ago, 3:58, 12K views
I still think about her sometimes, 4 years ago, 3:20, 19K views
Just killing time with a bit of chat, 4 years ago, 3:08, 2.3K views
Under the folding branches veils (cover), 4 years ago, 3:36, 1.5K views
I'm so lonesome i could cry (Hank Williams cover), 4 years ago, 2:47, 11K views
Chasing cars (Snow Patrol cover), 4 years ago, 4:06, 185K views
No place to fall (Townes Van Zandt cover), 4 years ago, 3:21, 5K views
Daddy's here (Ralph McTell cover), 4 years ago, 3:52, 1.8K views
Lockdown 2 (The Conspiracy), 4 years ago, 3:24, 8.3K views
The girl of my best friend (Elvis Presley cover), 4 years ago, 2:51, 5.7K views
More than love, 4 years ago, 4:53, 9.1K views
In love again (Reworked), 4 years ago, 3:02, 2.6K views
Standing in the rain, 4 years ago, 3:35, 4.5K views
Stay forever, 4 years ago, 4:04, 6.1K views
Buster (Reworked), 4 years ago, 3:27, 4.1K views
The waiting, 3 years ago, 7:23, 74K views, Nov 30, 2020
Chains revisited, 3 years ago, 4:46, 11K views
My my love (Joshua Radin cover), 3 years ago, 3:58, 11K views
Fairytales and firesides (Passenger cover), 3 years ago, 5:07, 28K views
Aunt Mary (Lyrics by Paula Thomas), 3 years ago, 3:36, 6.5K views
Fields of gold (Sting cover), 3 years ago, 3:17, 25K views
Dad (Lyrics by Paula Thomas), 3 years ago, 3:06, 5.1K views
Before (Breakup Song Acoustic), 3 years ago, 3:27, 19K views
True love will find you in the end (Daniel Johnston cover take 2), 3 years ago, 2:22, 44K views
Then you (Remake), 3 years ago, 3:14, 5.2K views
In the Aeroplane over the sea (how i play it lesson), 3 years ago, 6:56, 23K views, Dec 8, 2020
Walking the cow (Daniel Johnston cover), 3 years ago, 2:50, 25K views
Words spoken in anger 1, 3 years ago, 3:23, 13K views
Words spoken in anger 2, 3 years ago, 3:06, 10K views
I remember everything (John Prine cover), 3 years ago, 2:37, 21K views
When i'm gone, 3 years ago, 3:02, 87K views
Forever love (David Savage cover), 3 years ago, 3:42, 7.5K views
Merry Dance, 3 years ago, 2:16, 6.2K views, Dec. 21, 2020
Fly me to the moon, 2:12, 43K, Dec. 23, 2020

2021

Nights in white satin (Moody Blues cover), 2 years ago, 4:40, 9K views, Dec. 30, 2021
This could be my last song (Re-recorded), 2 years ago, 2:05, 26K views
Families at Christmas, 2 years ago, 4:31, 5K views
Hold me tight (Lyrics by Klingman and Hobson), 2 years ago, 4:24, 2.8K views
Coffee to go (Original song), 2 years ago, 4:46, 6.9K views
Old love (Original song), 2 years ago, 4:15, 4.6K views
My beautiful Jane (Original song), 2 years ago, 3:26, 3.5K views
A silent night Christmas 1915, 2 years ago, 1:35, 4.9K views
Marshall and Kuro, 2 years ago, 10:08, 4.3K views
A bit of chat and an old song of mine, 2 years ago, 4:09, 2.3K views
Hallmark videos (Original song), 2 years ago, 3:38, 2.6K views
Ride on (Christy Moore cover), 2 years ago, 8:15, 3.1K views
Cheyenne (Lyrics by Harold Cambell), 2 years ago, 3:29, 2.8K views
Killing me softly (Roberta Flack cover), 2 years ago, 4:18, 12K views
Ashes in the wind (Original song), 3 years ago, 4:22, 4.2K views, Nov. 24, 2021
If that's alright (revisited), 3 years ago, 5:13, 2.8K views
What's up (4 Non Blondes song), 3 years ago, 2:59, 33K views
The beast in me (Johnny Cash cover), 3 years ago, 4:26, 7.2K views, Nov. 23
The Devil's A Liar - Daydream Collective (Audio), 3 years ago, 4:39, 2.8K views
I guess we'll never know (extended version), 3 years ago, 3:08, 3.8K views
I guess we'll never know, 3 years ago, 3:02, 3.8K views
Let it be me (Everly Brothers song), 3 years ago, 3:52, 3.1K views, Oct 29, 2021
Pale blue eyes (Velvet Underground song), 3 years ago, 5:39, 16K views
Kingston town (my version), 3 years ago, 3:11, 3.9K views
All I have to do is dream (Everly Brothers cover), 3 years ago, 5:01, 5.2K views
Knocking on heaven's door (Bob Dylan cover), 3 years ago, 2:47, 48K views
Play with fire (Rolling Stones cover), 3 years ago, 2:51, 7.7K views
You can close your eyes (James Taylor song), 3 years ago, 4:52, 3.4K views
Thrasher (Neil Young cover), 3 years ago, 4:37, 3.7K views
One more scratch, 3 years ago, 4:05, 3.1K views
Tell me now (Campfire folk), 3 years ago, 4:47, 1.7K views
The Skye boat song (Traditional), 3 years ago, 6:36, 2.3K views
Who could have known, 3 years ago, 7:19, 5.1K views
The company, 3 years ago, 4:42, 2.4K views
Lyrics Video of Safe, 3 years ago, 4:42, 1.4K views
Safe, 3 years ago, 5:17, 3.2K views
Hold on (Tom Waits cover), 3 years ago, 4:27, 7.1K views
Alone, 3 years ago, 3:12, 7.4K views
Is it ok (From Fame), 3 years ago, 4:50, 5.7K views
Peggy O (Traditional song), 3 years ago, 3:26, 2.8K views
Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton cover), 3 years ago, 3:27, 9.7K views
Whiskey on a Sunday (cover by Glyn Hughes), 3 years ago, 4:01, 2.8K views
Just the two of us (cover), 3 years ago, 3:58, 23K views
Midnight sun (Josiah Taschuk cover), Sept 17, 3:48, 2.4K views
Hymn (Joel Porter cover), 3 years ago, 6:09, 2.1K views
East side fadeaway (The Holy Broken cover), Sept 14, 4:46, 2.2K views
Every rose has its thorn (Poison cover), 3 years ago, 4:15, 11K views
Let it out (Staind song), 3 years ago, 2:55, 4.7K views
Balloon (Video by Tim Fairhead), 3 years ago, -, 3K views
Half the world away (Oasis cover), 3 years ago, -, 9.5K views
Kathy's song (Paul Simon cover), 3 years ago, -, 8.4K views
Wild horses (Rolling Stones cover), 3 years ago, -, 26K views
Hero (Family of the Year cover), 3 years ago, -, 13K views
How've you been (Trains on Perry St. cover), 3 years ago, -, 2K views
Don't look back in anger (Oasis "sort of" cover), 3 years ago, -, 109K views
My sweet lady (John Denver song), 3 years ago, -, 3.6K views
Morning ramblings, Aug. 16, 3.4K views
When I'm gone (extended version), 3 years ago, -, 8.2K views
Yesterme yesteryou yesterday (Stevie Wonder cover?), 3 years ago, -, 3.4K views
Marshall and Kuro, 3 years ago, -, 3.2K views
If you think you know how to love me (Smokey cover for Shea), 3 years ago, -, 2.5K views
Are you gonna cry, 3 years ago, -, 4.9K views
Dead man's gun (from Red Dead Redemption), Aug. 9, 45K views
A Different Game Fan Lyric Video Jun 14 2,859 views

please create a song list from the file List title=2023 Frank Watkinson's YouTube Songs
On one line put: Number, Song Title, Date, Time, Number of Views
print all the songs on the list including the original songs .
print the original songs in bold print.
also include the time
format example: If you could read my mind Gordon Lightfoot cover, 4 years ago, 3:43 , 3.6K views

Monday, December 14, 2020

Me rambling on again.

Frank Watkinson: Reflecting on Music, Creativity, and Unexpected Success

A Folk Musician's Journey From YouTube to a Wider Audience

Frank Watkinson, a 67-year-old folk musician known for his heartfelt songs and modest demeanor, shared an update with his fans on December 14, 2020. In his characteristic candid style, Watkinson touched on everything from making his music more accessible to reflecting on the surprising success of one of his latest songs, When I’m Gone. His update offers a glimpse into his creative process, his challenges as an independent artist, and his gratitude for his loyal audience.

Making Music More Accessible

For years, Watkinson’s YouTube channel has been a haven for fans of authentic, emotionally resonant music. However, many have asked for his songs to be available on streaming platforms like Spotify. In response, he announced that he’s compiled 15 of his tracks for streaming and preview, emphasizing that these are raw versions sourced directly from YouTube recordings.

“I’ve tried to get them as best quality as I can, but as I’ve said before, I’m not a technician,” Watkinson explained. The musician admitted that he has yet to step into a professional studio but remains open to the idea in the future, with a caveat: “Sometimes when you do something the first time, it can’t be recreated in a studio. Some musicians overdo it, and it kills the magic.”

The Surprising Success of When I’m Gone

Among his many compositions, When I’m Gone has struck a particular chord with listeners. Watkinson recounted its humble beginnings: a simple morning ritual of making coffee and picking up his guitar. Inspired by a supermarket sign that read, “When it’s gone, it’s gone,” the song came together before his coffee cooled.

“I just wish I knew how to predict what people like,” he confessed, marveling at the overwhelming response to the track. Its concise length and poignant message seem to resonate deeply with listeners, solidifying his reputation as a storyteller who finds beauty in simplicity.

Humor and Connection

Watkinson’s update wasn’t all music; it also included anecdotes that highlight his wit and down-to-earth nature. He shared a cautionary tale about online shopping, describing how he was misled by a picture of a John Lennon replica guitar. When the guitar arrived, it was laughably smaller than expected, a moment he recounted with self-deprecating humor.

Gratitude and Humility

Throughout his message, Watkinson expressed gratitude for his fans, acknowledging their support even during challenging times. He joked about receiving Christmas cards in the summer due to international postage delays, seeing it as an opportunity for a delightful surprise.

Watkinson’s openness, whether discussing his creative insecurities or sharing lighthearted stories, continues to endear him to fans. As he puts it, “Thanks again for everybody, and I’ll see you all when I see you. Depends how I feel.”

Press Release: The Best Thing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Folk Christmas: Frank Watkinson’s Heartfelt Musical Wish

A Timeless Message of Love, Nostalgia, and Family from England's Cherished Troubadour

Huntingdon, England – December 15, 2024 – Frank Watkinson, the 71-year-old folk musician whose songs have earned him a devoted global following, has released a poignant new original Christmas song, “The Best Thing,” on his YouTube channel. Known for his deeply moving lyrics and emotive delivery, Watkinson captures the essence of the holiday season in this tender ode to love, longing, and tradition.

“The Best Thing” is a reflection on the joy of cherished Christmas moments—snowy mornings, family gatherings, and nostalgic traditions—balanced with the bittersweet ache of missing loved ones who are far away. The song’s gentle acoustic melody and Watkinson’s signature weathered voice create an intimate experience that resonates deeply with listeners across generations.

Nostalgia Wrapped in Melody

The song begins with a wistful wish:

"I wish that it would snow tonight,
Wake up in the morning to a blanket of white."

These opening lines evoke a longing for idyllic childhood Christmases, while the vivid imagery of Santa’s sleigh and church choirs connects listeners to the magic of the season. As the verses unfold, the lyrics embrace the warmth of holiday traditions, from a “Granddad snoozing by the fire’s glow” to the scents of a bustling kitchen.

Yet the emotional heart of the song lies in its final plea to a distant loved one:

"I wish you could be here tonight,
At home with your family."

This simple sentiment captures the universal yearning for togetherness, a theme amplified during the holiday season. Watkinson’s understated yet heartfelt delivery gives the song its haunting beauty, transforming it into more than a Christmas tune—it’s a timeless reflection on the power of connection.

A Remarkable Musical Journey

Frank Watkinson’s path to becoming a folk icon has been as unconventional as it is inspiring. After losing both parents by the age of 11, music became a source of solace and self-expression for him. Though he began writing songs in his late teens, it wasn’t until he launched his YouTube channel in 2015, well into his sixties, that his talent began reaching wider audiences.

His original compositions, such as “This Could Be My Last Song” (3.9M views) and “When I’m Gone” (87K views), along with emotionally raw covers of songs like Slipknot’s “Snuff,” (5.1M views) have cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. Watkinson’s songs often explore themes of love, mortality, and resilience, all delivered with an authenticity that has endeared him to fans worldwide.

A Song for the Season and Beyond

“The Best Thing” marks the latest addition to Watkinson’s growing Christmas repertoire, which includes originals like “Christmas Shopping” (2022) and introspective covers of classics such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and "Jingle Bells." The new song continues his tradition of offering a unique perspective on the holiday season, blending heartfelt storytelling with his distinctive folk style.

With over one million subscribers and a catalog that bridges generational divides, Watkinson continues to prove that great art knows no age limits. In “The Best Thing,” he reminds listeners that the true magic of Christmas lies not in material gifts but in the presence of loved ones, whether near or far.

A Gift for Fans

To accompany the release, there is a curated Christmas YouTube playlist, featuring “The Best Thing” alongside his earlier seasonal songs. With a single click, fans can immerse themselves in his soulful interpretations of holiday classics and discover the depth of his original Christmas offerings.

About Frank Watkinson

Frank Watkinson is a folk singer-songwriter based in Huntingdon, England. Known for his honest, introspective lyrics and minimalist acoustic style, he has become a beloved figure on YouTube, where his heartfelt music has touched audiences worldwide. At 71, Watkinson continues to write and produce songs in his living room that explore the beauty and complexity of life with wisdom and grace.

Listen to “The Best Thing” and read reactions from his fans on Frank Watkinson’s YouTube channel now.

YouTube Channel: Frank Watkinson YouTube Channel
The Frank Watkinson Journal (Timeline, Song Lists, Interviews and More)

Saturday, December 12, 2020

When i'm gone Original song

Frank Watkinson’s “When I’m Gone”: A Folk Reflection on Mortality

With Over 87,000 Views, the 71-Year-Old YouTube Musician Finds Beauty in Finality

At 71 years old, Frank Watkinson has become a quiet yet compelling voice in the digital folk scene. Known for his intimate performances on YouTube, where he pairs gentle guitar chords with unflinchingly honest lyrics, Watkinson’s music feels like a private conversation. His original song “When I’m Gone”, released on December 12, 2020, has garnered over 87,000 views, making it his third most-watched original work. In this poignant ballad, Watkinson navigates the inevitability of death with a rare mix of candor and tenderness, offering listeners a meditation on the ties that bind us—and the acceptance of their eventual unraveling.

A Melody of Mortality

The opening lines of “When I’m Gone” set the tone for Watkinson’s exploration of life’s impermanence:

“When I’m gone, I’m gone, there won’t be any tears,
I know that you’ll be strong despite your fears.”

Watkinson’s voice, weathered and sincere, conveys not despair but a quiet resignation. These words, simple yet profound, frame death not as a tragedy but as a transition, a perspective that speaks to the wisdom of someone who has lived a full life.

The song’s chord progression—anchored in C major and punctuated by F and E7 transitions—evokes a wistful, almost hymn-like quality. This simplicity underscores the depth of the lyrics, letting the words take center stage.

Postbox address and some chat

Frank Watkinson: A Story of Resilience and Connection Through Music From a tumultuous childhood to becoming a cherished musical presence, Frank Watkinson's journey is a testament to perseverance and authenticity. Frank Watkinson, an unassuming and heartfelt musician known for his poignant covers and original songs, has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful, understated performances. Yet, behind the soothing chords and gentle vocals lies a life story marked by hardship, family bonds, and resilience. This in-depth article explores Watkinson’s past, his motivations, and his unique relationship with his listeners, rooted in a deep sense of humility and connection.

0:01 – Beginnings with Marshall and an Unexpected Setting The video opens with Frank greeting viewers and introducing Marshall, his dog. A familiar figure in his videos, Marshall’s presence reflects the warmth of Frank’s home and his down-to-earth persona. The setting—a spare room—hints at the simplicity of his life. Frank humorously shares that his relocation there followed a minor household mishap involving his wife burning dinner. His self-deprecating humor sets the tone for the conversation. 1:30 – Humble Beginnings and Family Tragedy Frank shares a deeply personal and formative memory: his early years growing up in the Midlands, near Peterborough. Life took a harsh turn when Frank was nine, as he lost his father in a work-related accident. This tragedy forced the family to relocate to Lancashire. Two years later, his mother also passed away. At just eleven years old, Frank faced an unimaginable reality. Returning home from school one day, Frank and his six siblings found cars parked outside—each relative claiming a child. The siblings were dispersed among different family members, marking the start of a separation that would later shape Frank’s views on family and resilience.

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Frank Watkinson: The Unexpected Online Musical Sensation A Heartfelt Journey from Hobbyist to Internet Icon Frank Watkinson, a humble grandfather and self-taught musician, never anticipated global recognition when he began sharing his music online. Known for his emotionally resonant covers and original songs, Frank’s genuine approach and relatable storytelling have earned him a devoted following. This article delves into Frank’s journey, the role of community in his success, and the personal challenges he has faced along the way.

0:01 – A Grandfather’s Introduction “Hello, it’s Frank here. I think that’s my name,” Frank begins with a chuckle, embodying the warmth and self-deprecating humor that his fans have come to love. With this simple introduction, he sets the stage for an intimate video addressing the countless questions he receives about his life and music. 0:17 – Discovering a New Purpose in Retirement After retiring, Frank turned to music as a pastime, not expecting any significant attention. “I just started posting on YouTube after I retired because it was something to do,” he admits candidly. The initial intention was modest: share his love for music without any expectation of fame. 0:48 – A Viral Moment and the Power of Community Frank’s life took an unexpected turn when one of his performances was shared on TikTok, going viral and propelling him into the spotlight. “I didn’t realize there were so many people that liked this kind of sadness,” Frank reflects, alluding to the heartfelt melancholy that permeates much of his music. He jokingly attributes part of his popularity to the “granddad thing,” as many fans express that he reminds them of loved ones they’ve lost.