Virginian singer/songwriter Levi Foster’s simple yet striking country song “Walter” captures the quiet heartbreak and enduring love that come with facing a complex disease.
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Stream: “Walter” – Levi Foster
Levi Foster’s warm, intimate vocals lend themselves seamlessly to his single “Walter.”
To hear about a loving father-daughter relationship is so heartwarming, but this piece reaches a whole other level of poignancy. As our parents age, we want to care for them the same way they’ve cared for us all our lives. That’s why this touching track resonates so deeply with so many.
The release tells the story of Walter, who is living with Alzheimer’s, and Julie, his daughter who looks after him. The song opens, and immediately we are brought into the world through vivid imagery.
Rain is beating
on my bedroom window
And I reach for my overalls
I bet the work day is gonna be slow
But I grab my boots
and head down the hall
We imagine the rain pouring as he grabs his clothes, and the scene is set. Foster goes on to sing, “The coffee’s made and I take Monday’s medication,” and we are further drawn into Walter’s daily life. He goes out to his truck and his keys are missing. The listener begins to see the effects of his condition and feels the weight of his struggle.
Walk out the screen door to the drive
Climb in the truck cab
but the keys are missing
I reckon I left them back inside
The Nashville-based artist has made a living performing country and rock covers, and he’s opened for greats like Vince Gill and Ashley McBryde.
Foster’s buttery country tone atop light acoustic guitar makes “Walter” deeply captivating. What elevates the track even further is its masterful storytelling. As he passionately sings Julie’s note to her father, you can’t help but be moved.
Hello good morning
Everything is fine
This is Julie
And I’ll be there at nine
Since you quit working
Here’s a list of things to do
Coffee’s in the kitchen
And I’ll see you soon
When Julie shows up at Walter’s house, he doesn’t even recognize his own daughter, saying, “Can I help you ma’am?” If you know someone with Alzheimer’s – or anyone facing a degenerative disease – you know just how difficult that can be. It’s why having a strong support system is so essential.
Foster reveals, “I wanted to write this song after co-writers Sabrina Stewart and Court Taylor shared their personal stories. Sabrina had a grandfather with the middle name Walter who passed from Alzheimer’s, and Court also had a grandfather affected by the disease. Telling the story from both sides brings into focus how hard Alzheimer’s is on the person suffering and for their loved ones.”
Hello good morning
Everything is fine
My name is Julie
Sometimes it slips your mind
I’m your daughter
You might be confused
But your name is Walter
And I love you
The singer has also partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to raise money for The Longest Day with a free benefit show.
On June 20 – the summer solstice and longest day of the year – thousands of participants across the globe come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through fundraising activities of their choice. It’s powerful to see Foster not only spreading awareness through his stunning song, but actively championing the cause.
Everything about “Walter” is emotional and raw. From start to finish, Levi Foster leaves a lasting impact.
Then Julie said “Momma’s not coming home,
Daddy, she’s passed on
We buried her a year ago at the Pentecostal church
But how ‘bout we go for a drive, it won’t take too long
We’ll get some flowers, and I’ll go take you to see her”
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Stream: “Walter” – Levi Foster
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© Annelise Loughead
© Annelise Loughead
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